Gordon Gee

“People look at me like I'm crazy when I say that our greatest partnership here at Ohio State should be with the community colleges.”

“As one of the country's largest land-grant universities, Ohio State must play a critical role in moving our country forward.”

“The arts, quite simply, nourish the soul. They sustain, comfort, inspire. There is nothing like that exquisite moment when you first discover the beauty of connecting with others in celebration of larger ideals and shared wisdom.”

“Being president of a major public university is the most political nonpolitical office around.”

“I spent the first 18 years of my life in the pastoral town of Vernal, Utah, in the shadows of the Book Cliffs and the Uinta Mountains.”

“Online is ridiculous. Places like Ohio State bring people here together, and students teach each other.”

“Everyone wrote our obituary but us and the coaches and the kids who stayed with us. The obit was, 'Vanderbilt will have to leave the Southeastern Conference. All the coaches are leaving, and all the students are transferring.'”

“I believe being president of a private institution is a remarkable experience, but at Ohio State, it's a calling.”

“I am a bit odd. I am somewhat evangelical. But I am not crazy.”

“We're going to make certain that we set a very high standard for ourselves.”

“Let me just be very clear: I'm just hopeful the coach doesn't dismiss me.”

“We play very fine schools on any given day.”

“What do I know about college football? I look like Orville Redenbacher. I have no business talking about college football.”

“I love this university, and although I might be retiring from the presidency, my work with Ohio State will continue.”

“Poland not only has a capable military but also is strong economically and does not need money being raised for it.”

“In tumultuous times, it's important to have a very mature leader.”

“The strength of the American higher education system is that it is a multifaceted, multi-layered system, and that is what makes us very strong.”

“I think what any student adds is the ideas they bring.”

“I believe that it is higher education's purpose and calling to keep open the door to the American dream.”

“I have a passion for academic life, a passion for students and for the ability and the narrative of a university to make a difference in the world in which they reside.”