Noted Indian American neuroscientist and bioengineer Ravi V. Bellamkonda has become the 18th president of the Ohio State University elevating a familiar face to the helm of the state’s flagship institution. The move places a distinguished scientist and academic strategist in charge of a student body exceeding 67,000.
Bellamkonda, who stepped into the role of executive vice president and provost in early 2025, quickly became a central figure in shaping the university’s long-term vision.
Appointment of the engineering graduate from India’s Osmania University to his new role by the Board of Trustees on March 12 follows a career defined by bridging the gap between complex laboratory research and student-centered academic policy. Before his arrival in Columbus, Bellamkonda served as the provost at Emory University and led the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University.
However, his identity is as much rooted in the lab as it is in the boardroom. A trained neuroscientist and bioengineer, he holds 11 U.S. patents and has dedicated much of his career to treating pediatric and adult brain tumors. His “tumor monorail” device, which helps manage aggressive cancers, was previously designated as a breakthrough technology by the FDA.
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“He brings a unique perspective that treats higher education like a grand experiment in human potential,” said one university official. This philosophy is evident in his “Education for Citizenship 2035” plan, a roadmap designed to modernize the Buckeye experience.
Under his guidance, the university has already initiated a bold “AI Fluency” program, ensuring that regardless of a student’s major be it dance, history, or engineering they graduate with a working knowledge of artificial intelligence.
Beyond the metrics of research funding and enrollment, Bellamkonda’s leadership emphasizes “student flourishing,” a concept he championed during his time at Emory. This holistic approach focuses on the intersection of academic success, career readiness, and personal well-being.
To support this, he recently oversaw the launch of a new Career Center of Excellence aimed at connecting undergraduates with high-impact internships in the rapidly growing Columbus market.
The transition comes at a pivotal time for the university, which operates six campuses and the globally recognized Wexner Medical Center. As president, Bellamkonda will manage a sprawling enterprise that functions as both an economic engine for Ohio and a hub for international innovation.
Despite his high-ranking titles and scientific accolades, the new president maintains a grounded personal life. He often shares credit for his successes with his wife, Dr. Lalita Kaligotla, and their two adult children.
Residents around the Columbus campus may also spot a more furry member of the first family, the couple’s goldendoodle, C.J., who has already become a fixture in the Buckeye community.