Retiring Ohio State's Gee: I'll get out of the way

Columbus, Ohio • Retiring Ohio State University President Gordon Gee says one of the best things he can do for his successor is to "get out of the way."

Gee will likely raise funds and possibly teach but says he doesn't want to linger and inhibit the next president's work.

More than a dozen trustees thanked and praised Gee during a Friday meeting that he joked sounded like a funeral. It was his final board meeting as president.

Gee announced his July 1 retirement this week, days after the latest in a long line of his verbal gaffes became public. The December remarks jabbed Roman Catholics and the academic integrity of Southeastern Conference schools.

The 69-year-old Gee cited his age and family among reasons for retiring.

The board approved Provost Joseph Alutto as interim president.