A distinguished and recognized leader in higher education, Gee has served as president of five universities over his career, including as Ohio State’s 11th president from 1990-1998 and its 14th president from 2007-2013. He also has served as president of Vanderbilt University, Brown University, the University of Colorado and, most recently West Virginia University — which he departed last month after an 11-year term.
Gee will be available to meet with Glenn College students and faculty to talk about issues that impact higher education policy, such as workforce development projects in the Ohio Education Research Center or the college’s leadership certificate as it relates to Ohio State employees.
“It is a pleasure to welcome President Gee back to Ohio State and the Glenn College,” Dean Trevor Brown said. “He and Sen. John Glenn had a deep friendship. President Gee was instrumental in launching the Glenn Institute and the Glenn School. There is much we can learn from President Gee about how to effectively lead institutions of higher education during turbulent times.”
“I am honored that President Carter asked me to return to Ohio State during my sabbatical leave from West Virginia University,” said Gee. “Ohio State has played an extraordinary role in my life as have the people of Ohio, and to be able to serve the university in an advisory capacity is a great privilege.”
In his consulting role, Gee will serve as a resource for university leaders as they advance their strategic priorities. He will report directly to Executive Vice President and Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda.
“Ohio State will always be home for President Emeritus Gee, and we are thrilled to welcome him back to campus,” said Bellamkonda. “We are working on bold endeavors to accelerate student success, attract and support a world-class faculty, and strengthen academic programs that are recognized for their impact on society. He brings invaluable perspective from his years of academic leadership, and I look forward to his continued engagement with Ohio State.”
In addition to the Glenn College, Gee will hold residencies with Moritz College of Law and the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture and Society. Through these academic connections, Gee will meet with faculty and students to provide support, advice and perspectives on higher education. He will also participate in classroom discussions and public engagements to advance specific university priorities in service to Ohio State’s land-grant mission.
“We have an exciting vision for Ohio State to define the future of higher education, and we can only benefit from having experienced leadership voices around the table,” said President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “Gordon knows Ohio State well and will bring valuable insights to our conversations. I am pleased to welcome him to campus.”
Gee has co-authored over a dozen books, including What’s Public about Public Higher Education, Leading Colleges and Universities and Land-Grant Universities for the Future. Gee also has extensive experience serving with education-governance organizations and commissions. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the National 4-H Council and the National Executive Board of Scouting America. He is a Member of the Center for Economic Development Task Force on Building a More Civil and Just Society and an inaugural member of the Education Advisory Board Presidents Advisory Council.
