Ohio State presidential search could top $300,000

11/6/2013

COLUMBUS — The search for the next president of Ohio State University is on track to cost more than $300,000. About a third of that comes from expenses for a one-day forum on the state of the college presidency.

The university has paid its executive head-hunting firm about $151,000 to date with a final payment of at least $67,000 due when the search is completed.

A trustees’ search committee plans another meeting today.

The bill for the university’s Aug. 30 “Symposium on the University Presidency” was $117,000, including hotel and travel costs for participants, appearance fees and $96,000 in advertising.

University spokesman Gary Lewis says no tax or tuition dollars were spent on the event.

Lewis says the event was part of the university’s efforts to frame the search for its president.