Far from a simple celebration, the ceremony served as the kick-off for Education for Citizenship 2035, the strategic plan framework. Through owned and earned media strategies, Ohio State used the moment to highlight President Carter’s leadership, announce the vision for the university, and engage internal constituents in the work ahead.
Education for Citizenship 2035
During his Nov. 8 Investiture ceremony, President Carter set an ambitious goal: redefine the future of higher education for Ohio State and serve as a model for the nation.
Welcoming President Carter, while engaging Buckeyes near and far
On Nov. 8, the Office of Marketing and Communications transformed the Greater Columbus Convention Center, creating an environment that looked and felt like Ohio State.
A large projected university seal and Buckeye leaf decals set the tone for an Ohio State celebration. Electric vehicles were on display to represent Ohio State’s strong track record of research and innovation.
University Archives staff shared a curated exhibition focused on Ohio State’s accomplishments, history and traditions, and points of pride. Immediately before and after the ceremony, archivists answered guests’ questions about the materials and artifacts — which ranged from the first TBDBITL uniform to vintage institutional artifacts.
Custom drapery used photos, quotes and copy to highlight the tenets and themes of President Carter’s proposed strategic plan framework.
Introducing the strategic plan framework
During President Carter’s speech, he called upon the university community to help him develop a 10-year strategic plan, Education for Citizenship 2035, that would focus on six core themes:
- Academics
- Research and creative expression
- Health care
- Talent and culture
- Operations
- Collegiate athletics
After the ceremony, guests were provided with a book that included a letter from President Carter, overview of the framework, timeline and priorities — information that also lives on the president’s web site.
Media outlets — including The Columbus Dispatch, ColumbusBusiness First, statewide TV news stations and The Lantern — broadened the audience, focusing on elements of the speech and the framework.
Since the investiture, communications from President Carter’s office have highlighted the work ahead, and the role the university community and partners will play leading up to the plan’s July 2025 launch.
In person, through Ohio State communications and through media, President Carter’s investiture was the first official opportunity for him to share the strategic plan framework.
- 3,833 Tuned into Ohio State’s livestream
- 413 In attendance
“The future of higher education is, and will be, here at The Ohio State University. We, The Ohio State University, will be a model for the nation.”