OUR MISSION

The People. The Tradition. The Excellence. We are dedicated to the people we serve whether student-athletes, staff or guests. We will represent the University and its proud heritage with our commitment to achieving excellence in all we do.

OUR VALUES

• Integrity: We will act with integrity and personal accountability.
• Education: We will instill in our student-athletes and staff a sense of social responsibility and an appreciation for lifelong learning through quality academic, competitive, leadership and social experiences.
• People: We will keep the well-being of our student-athletes, staff and guests at the core of every decision.
• Excellence: We will strive for excellence in all we do.
• Respect: We will celebrate a climate of mutual respect and inclusion by recognizing each individual’s contribution to the team. We will promote a culture of openness where voices are heard.
• Innovation: We will encourage innovation, celebrate diversity of thought and embrace change.
• Community: We will value the support of and be active leaders in the community by paying forward to others.
• Tradition: We will build upon the traditions that have guided us throughout our proud history.

The Ohio State Department of Athletics

The Ohio State University Department of Athletics is one of the most visible, respected and accomplished programs in the nation. A successful athletics program serves as a rallying point for the entire university community and enhances national exposure while deepening campus pride. This exposure can help attract the best and brightest to our campus.

A robust athletics program also prepares student-athletes to be engaged citizens and leaders in their communities. Research shows that former student-athletes are more likely to be civically involved, satisfied in their careers and driven to set and achieve goals. By maintaining a well-resourced and competitive athletics program, the university is helping prepare the next generation of community leaders.

Nationally recognized as one of the most comprehensive in all of college athletics, the Ohio State Department of Athletics offers 36 intercollegiate sports.

Few schools can boast the overall history of success the Ohio State Buckeyes have enjoyed over the years. The varsity program is respected as one of the most comprehensive in all of college athletics and is 36 sports strong – 16 for men, 17 for women and three coed. Each year, Ohio State teams claim numerous Big Ten championships, compete in NCAA tournaments and vie for national titles while producing countless individual conference and national champions, All-America performers and scholar-athletes.

Ohio State’s Department of Athletics is under the direction of Gene Smith. Just the eighth athletics director in Ohio State history, Smith has developed a vision that will keep the Buckeyes among the nation’s elite in the 21st century.

Some of the greatest names in athletics have worn the Scarlet and Gray, most notably four-time Olympic gold medalist Jesse Owens, golf great Jack Nicklaus, two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin and two-time NCAA men’s basketball Player of the Year Jerry Lucas.

Other famous Buckeyes include the late Woody Hayes, who coached the football team to a sparkling 205-61-10 record from 1951-78; Stephanie Hightower, the former world and American record holder in the 60-yard hurdles; John Havlicek, who helped lead Ohio State to the 1960 NCAA basketball title before an NBA Hall of Fame career with the Boston Celtics; Jim Jackson, the 1992 National Player of the Year for men’s basketball; Tracey Hall, one of the Big Ten’s only two-time All-America basketball honorees; Eddie George, the 1995 Heisman Trophy winner; Orlando Pace, the first player to repeat as Lombardi Award winner and the No. 1 pick in the 1997 NFL Draft; and Katie Smith, OSU’s first women’s basketball representative in the Olympic games and the Big Ten’s all-time scoring leader.

Ohio State is recognized across the country as a leader in collegiate athletics. More than 1,000 student-athletes participated on 36 Ohio State athletics teams.

Smith believes the whole of athletics success starts with success of the individual parts. Teams, individual student-athletes, coaches, staff and administrators regularly claim championships, academic and athletics awards, recognition and praise for their tireless efforts as Ohio State Department of Athletics family members.

Business Advancement

Business Advancement provides experiences and services that contribute to community vitality, economic impact, reputational enhancement and quality of life. These factors contribute significantly in the recruitment and retention of the best students, faculty, staff and greater workforce of central Ohio while enhancing diversity and inclusion. By focusing on providing remarkable experiences for all of its constituents, Business Advancement is a key driver in spreading The Ohio State University’s message.