Ohio State University President Michael V. Drake has announced his retirement after holding the position for six years.
Last week, Drake issued an official statement saying he would retire from the role next year. He will remain on the Ohio State faculty.
“Ohio State is a very special place. Brenda and I are blessed to be part of the incredible Buckeye community,” Drake said.
“The work being done at this university through teaching, learning, research, creative expression, community engagement, and leading-edge partnerships is unprecedented in our 150-year history.”
Under his leadership, the university had to face national scrutiny over the handling of sexual misconduct complaints against Dr. Richard Strauss, a former university-employed physician from the mid-1970s to the 1990s. He was accused of sexually assaulting hundreds of students. Strauss committed suicide in 2005.
A report from the law firm Perkins Coie had alleged university officials of having prior information about Strauss’ misconduct as early in 1979. The report further accused school officials of not investigating his actions and failing to report his misconduct to law enforcement.
In response, Drake launched various new initiatives including the creation of a new task force that includes survivors of sexual misconduct, Ohio State and national scholars to study sexual misconduct and prevent abuse on college campuses across the nation.
The statement issued by the university praised Drake for his efforts on increasing and improving applications, the academic preparedness and diversity of five consecutive incoming classes to the Columbus campus, retention rates, research expenditures and industry-sponsored research, graduation rates, the total number of graduates, patient care and support from donors.
Meanwhile, the university will launch a national search for its next president, and trustee Lewis Von Thaer will serve as chair of the search committee.
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