Ravi V. Bellamkonda / osu.edu

Ohio State president Ravi V. Bellamkonda on July 1 outlined plans to strengthen research, academics, and student success as part of his vision to make the university "a top-ranked, consequential university."

More than 100 days into his tenure as the university's 18th president, Bellamkonda said Ohio State plans to grow its $1.68 billion research enterprise to $2 billion while building on its nationally ranked academic programs, top-ranked medical center, affordability initiatives, and recruitment of world-class faculty. 

Also Read: Ravi Bellamkonda named 18th president of Ohio State

Bellamkonda, who took office earlier this year, said he has spent his first months meeting with students, faculty, staff, alumni, elected officials, business leaders, and community members to better understand the university and its priorities.

"Lalita and I are humbled by the opportunity we've been given," Bellamkonda said, referring to his wife, Lalita Kaligotla. "To be able to serve this university and this amazing community of scholars, our city and the state of Ohio, it's a dream realized."

"Our life-changing patient care, our academic excellence, our Buckeye student-athletes – I want to hear about it all," he said. "It reminds me that this university truly belongs to all of us. When we work together, our collective impact is transformative."

Bellamkonda said a central pillar of his vision is "excellence at scale," including expanding Ohio State's research enterprise from $1.68 billion to $2 billion while continuing to invest in its nationally ranked medical center, newly opened hospital tower, and leading academic programs. 

Ohio State's nursing, business, and engineering programs rank among the nation's best, while the university is also among the top 30 nationally in biomedical innovation.

The president also highlighted Ohio State's land-grant mission of expanding access to higher education. He pointed to the Regional Campus Commitment, which provides tuition-free education for qualifying Ohio students from families earning $100,000 or less who begin at one of the university's regional campuses, and the Ohio State Tuition Guarantee, which locks in in-state tuition, room, and board costs for four years.

He said the university's goal is not only to make higher education affordable but also to provide students with world-class academic programs, hands-on learning opportunities, and preparation for successful careers.

Faculty recruitment and retention are another major priority, Bellamkonda said. He noted that Ohio State is investing in attracting globally recognized scholars while elevating the profile of its existing faculty through prestigious awards and recognition.

The university recently launched the Game Changer Scholars initiative, bringing Chief Judge Jeffrey Sutton to the Moritz College of Law and battery technology expert Kang Xu to the College of Engineering. 

Bellamkonda also highlighted the Provost's Endowed Chair Matching Program, a $100 million initiative supported by philanthropy and university matching funds to expand endowed faculty positions and accelerate interdisciplinary research.

"More than 50 of our active faculty are members in academies of medicine, engineering, science and inventors," he said. "You become an academic powerhouse by hiring the best and the brightest. We have done and will continue to do just that."

Calling the university's people its greatest asset, Bellamkonda said Ohio State's faculty and staff remain deeply committed to its public mission.

"We have the greatest people," he said. "The people who work here are motivated by our land-grant mission and by a deep care and compassion for each other and the people we serve. They want to have an impact on this community. They give their best and believe that together, we will be a top-ranked, consequential university."

Valarie Williams, professor of dance and chair of the University Senate Steering Committee, said Bellamkonda's experience as executive vice president and provost has given him a strong understanding of the institution.

"His humanity coupled with his research profile allow him to lead with empathy and compassion," Williams said. "He listens, contemplates and makes swift decisions. Ravi and Lalita are the right people at the right time to lead our university."

Bellamkonda also highlighted student achievement beyond the classroom. New Academic Progress Rate data showed that 20 Ohio State athletic programs earned perfect single-year scores, while 227 student-athletes were named Academic All-Big Ten during the last academic year.

"When I walk into a laboratory or a studio, I am blown away by what our students are achieving," Bellamkonda said. "And not just what they are doing, but how they are doing it – with joy."

"That joy sets this community apart," he added. "It gives me every confidence that we will move Ohio State forward together as the finest public university in the country, with impact in our state and around the world."

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