Special committee to investigate allegations

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State University announced today the formation of a special committee to investigate recent allegations of academic misconduct, inappropriate tutorial assistance and special treatment involving student-athletes in the football program. Interim Provost Barbara R. Snyder and Director of Athletics Andy Geiger, in consultation with President Karen A. Holbrook, have appointed the following people to serve on the committee:

Gwendolyn Cartledge, professor, School of Physical Activity and Educational Services Jane D. Case-Smith, professor, School of Allied Medical Professions
Richard M. Hill, emeritus dean and professor, College of Optometry
Brian D. Joseph, distinguished university professor, Department of Linguistics
Larry M. Lewellen, associate vice president for human resources
Stephen C. Myers, chair and professor, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science
Matthew Platz, distinguished university professor, Department of Chemistry
john a. powell, Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity director, and the Gregory H. Williams Chair in Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Moritz College of Law
Sharon A. West, associate professor, School of Journalism and Communications

Stanley O. Ikenberry, former President of the University of Illinois and former President of the American Council on Education, has agreed to serve as a consultant to the committee.

The university has been in contact with the NCAA and will work closely with NCAA representatives to complete the inquiry. The Big Ten Conference is also informed and will be in touch with university representatives during the review, but does not intend to be involved directly.

Those selected, Snyder said, are well-known for their integrity and understanding of undergraduate education and are not associated with athletics.

Snyder and Geiger have directed that the review be conducted expeditiously but have not imposed a definite deadline. “It is important that the committee take sufficient time to conduct a thorough and fair investigation,” Snyder said.