Ohio State University: The Presidency of Gee
The leadership of Ohio State University (OSU) experienced a period of significant visibility and controversy during the tenure of its president, Gee. Returning to the institution on July 11, 2007, after seven years at Vanderbilt, Gee's presidency was marked by high-profile financial compensation and a series of public relations challenges stemming from his outspoken communication style.
Upon his appointment, Gee's compensation package drew immediate attention. According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, his initial base salary and total compensation exceeded $1 million, making him the highest-paid president of any public university in the United States at that time, although this figure was lower than what he had earned at Vanderbilt.
Key Facts
- Tenure: Began July 11, 2007, and ended with retirement on June 4, 2013.
- Compensation: Reached a peak of $6,057,615 in 2013.
- Controversies: Faced criticism for expenditures on promotional items and multiple offensive public remarks.
- Philanthropy: Donated a $200,531 bonus and a $20,053 raise to scholarship funds in 2009.
Financials and Expenditures
Beyond his salary, Gee's use of university funds became a point of contention. The Dayton Daily News reported that Ohio State spent over $64,000 on specific promotional items, including bow ties, bow tie cookies, and "O-H" bow tie pins for distribution.
While his spending was scrutinized, Gee also engaged in personal philanthropy. In 2009, he contributed his annual raise of $20,053 and a bonus of $200,531 back into university scholarship funds.
| Year/Category | Financial Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 (Initial) | Over $1,000,000 | Highest for a US public university president |
| 2009 (Donation) | $220,584 | Combined bonus and raise given to scholarships |
| General Period | $802,125 (Base) / $1.6M (Total) | Standard compensation package |
| 2013 | $6,057,615 | Total earnings from Ohio State University |
Public Controversies and Communication
Gee's tenure was frequently defined by public statements that sparked backlash from various religious, ethnic, and academic groups.
Remarks on Religious and Ethnic Groups
In 2010, while discussing the strength of Big Ten and SEC football schedules compared to mid-major programs like Boise State and Texas Christian University (TCU), Gee stated, "We do not play the Little Sisters of the Poor." This reference to the Catholic religious order, which has operated in the U.S. since 1868, led to an apology and a visit to the organization. Following TCU's 2011 Rose Bowl victory, alumni used the phrase on digital billboards in Columbus as a satirical nod to the comment.
In 2011, Gee compared the presidency of Ohio State to running the Polish army. This remark was condemned by the Polish American Congress as a slur against a nation that fought alongside the U.S., particularly given the large Polish-American population in Ohio.
Further controversy erupted in December 2012 when Gee commented on the University of Notre Dame's potential entry into the Big Ten, stating, "You just can't trust those damn Catholics on a Thursday or Friday." This led to a formal complaint from university trustees in March 2013 and criticism from the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Academic and Athletic Rivalries
Gee also targeted other educational institutions and figures. He made insensitive comments regarding the University of Cincinnati, University of Kentucky, and University of Louisville. Specifically, he ridiculed the academic standards of the SEC and Louisville, suggesting they could consider conference expansion once they "learned to read and write." Additionally, he referred to former Wisconsin football coach Bret Bielema as a "thug."
In response to these cumulative remarks, the Ohio State trustees required Gee to issue personal apologies and seek professional help to improve his speech writing and communication processes.
Retirement
On June 4, 2013, Gee announced his retirement. He stated that it was time to "turn over the reins of leadership" to allow the university's progress to grow and to focus on his own re-energization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the highest amount Gee earned at Ohio State?
In 2013, Gee earned a total of $6,057,615 from the university.
Why did the Polish American Congress criticize President Gee?
They criticized him for a joke comparing the presidency of Ohio State to running the Polish army, which they viewed as a slur and an expression of bigotry.
How did the university trustees respond to Gee's offensive comments?
The trustees sent a formal letter of complaint and mandated that Gee issue personal apologies and obtain professional assistance to improve his communication and speech writing.
What was the "Little Sisters of the Poor" controversy?
Gee used the name of this Catholic religious order to describe weak football opponents. He later apologized and visited the organization, claiming he was unaware of them at the time of the comment.
Did Gee contribute any of his earnings back to the university?
Yes, in 2009, he donated a $200,531 bonus and a $20,053 raise to scholarship funds.