Ravi V. Bellamkonda Named 18th President of Ohio State University
The Ohio State University Board of Trustees has appointed Ravi V. Bellamkonda as the institution’s 18th president, effective immediately. Bellamkonda, a trained bioengineer and neuroscientist, has a rich academic background and a proven track record in higher education.
Background and Academic Qualifications
Ravi V. Bellamkonda earned his PhD from Brown University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has held several prestigious positions, including:
- Executive Vice President and Provost at Ohio State since January 14, 2025
- Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at Emory University
- Vinik Dean of the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University
Leadership Accomplishments at Ohio State
As provost, Bellamkonda managed a comprehensive academic portfolio and spearheaded initiatives focused on research, innovation, and academic excellence. Significant developments during his tenure include:
- Launching the AI Fluency initiative to enhance undergraduate learning with artificial intelligence
- Establishing a new Career Center of Excellence for student internships and job placements
- Implementing faculty hiring programs to attract leading scholars to Ohio State
John W. Zeiger, chair of the Board of Trustees, praised Bellamkonda for his innovative leadership and ability to build trust within the university community. Zeiger emphasized the importance of Bellamkonda’s collaborative approach during a time of significant student achievements and community impact.
Vision for the University
Bellamkonda recognizes Ohio State’s potential as a leading academic institution. He stated, “Because of our teaching, scholarship, and research, we can do things other universities cannot achieve.”
His vision aims to enhance academic programs, research initiatives, and patient care at the university, focusing on transformative impact across multiple areas.
Previous Achievements and Recognition
Before joining Ohio State, Bellamkonda made considerable contributions at Emory University, including:
- Launching initiatives aimed at recruiting and retaining faculty in various disciplines
- Leading the Student Flourishing initiative, which focused on curricular innovation and student well-being
His tenure at Duke University saw an increase in research funding and the establishment of key interdisciplinary centers such as the Duke Quantum Center and the Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies.
Research Contributions
Bellamkonda is a renowned biomedical researcher. His lab developed the tumor monorail device, recognized by the FDA as a breakthrough technology. This device is currently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of glioblastoma.
Community Engagement
Bellamkonda and his wife, Dr. Lalita Kaligotla, have established strong ties to Ohio State, highlighting a commitment to the dynamic community within the university. They are eager to contribute to the institution’s future successes.
Plans for his successor in the role of provost will be announced in the coming weeks.
