The 69-year-old Ohio State University president says the remarks about Roman Catholics and Notre Dame are only a small part of his decision to retire on July 1. Gee adds that the Ohio State University is in a strong position and feels it's a good time to move on.
University Trustee Chairman Robert Schottenstein says Gee has a unique style that helped transform OSU and adds with his age and the start of a long term planning process for the university beginning this week, it's time to make the transition.
After the comments surfaced, University Trustees called Gee's remarks unacceptable and placed him on a remediation plan, and Schottenstein says the past couple of weeks should not overshadow Gee's tenure at the university.
Although he is stepping down as president, Gee will still be involved with the university.
Gee served twice as the president and was named the Best College President in 2010 by Time Magazine. Ohio state has named Joseph Alutto as the interim president.
