Ohio State University has named Ravi V. Bellamkonda as the new executive vice president and provost after a year-long search.
Bellamkonda will serve as the university's new chief academic officer starting Jan. 4, 2025. Bellamkonda is a biomedical engineer and has served in various academic leadership roles during his career, including in this same role at Emory University, where he currently works.
The university announced Bellamkonda's hiring in a press release on Monday.
Bellamkonda's hiring has to be approved by the OSU Board of Trustees at its next meeting.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to serve The Ohio State University with its scale and reach. Ohio State is one of the great land-grant universities in our nation, and we are poised under President (Ted) Carter’s leadership to excel in every part of our academic mission," Bellamkonda said in a statement.
Bellamkonda is one of Carter's first big hires as OSU's president. Carter said in a statement Bellamkonda will help shape the strategic vision of the university.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Dr. Bellamkonda and his exemplary record of research, teaching and service to the Ohio State community,” Carter said. “In searching for a chief academic officer, it was critical that we find the exact right individual – someone who exemplifies our commitment to excellence in academics as well as collaborative leadership.”
While at Emory University, Bellamkonda focused on faculty recruitment and retention efforts and worked with artificial intelligence in medicine, business, law and other areas. He also led projects to improve student well-being and ethics.
As provost, Bellamkonda will oversee the deans of all 15 academic colleges.
Bellamkonda will succeed former provost Melissa Gilliam, who left OSU last year to become president of Boston University. Karla Zadnik is serving as interim provost.
Gilliam made a yearly salary of $618,000 before leaving. OSU officials have not yet disclosed how much money Bellamkonda will earn in his new position.
