“The time is right,” OSU president Michael Drake announces retirement

After five years of serving the students, faculty, and staff at the Ohio State University, President Michael Drake will retire at the end of the 2019-2020 school year.

Drake cited good timing as his reason for retiring. 10TV reports Ohio State trustees approved a 2.5% raise for Drake this week, bringing his annual salary to nearly $892,000.

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Below is the statement he sent OSU community:

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
I am writing to share with you that I have informed the board that I will be retiring from my role as president of The Ohio State University at the end of the 2019-20 academic year.
Following many months of thoughtful consideration, Brenda and I have concluded that after a combined 15 years of campus leadership, here and in California, the time is right for a change in the trajectory of our lives.
We love our work, and we could not be more proud of the great progress the university has made through your leadership and the collective focus and efforts of the entire Buckeye Nation. But time does not stand still, and what better time to pass the baton than at the completion of our 150th and strongest year ever. The Ohio State University is positioned for nothing but continued success.
As we have considered this decision, we have been reminded time and again of the literally thousands of letters and other expressions of support, gratitude and encouragement we have received from so many of you over these past many years. They are sincerely appreciated and humbling. Working with you is an honor, a privilege and a blessing.
After my term, I will remain on the faculty in an active — although undoubtedly less intense — role. For now, it’s back to the task of celebrating our sesquicentennial and doing all we can every day to make our great university even better. Thank you all so much, and Go Bucks!
Sincerely,
Michael V. Drake, MD
President

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