“Texas A&M’s Ross Bjork Appointed as Ohio State University Athletic Director, Succeeding Gene Smith’
Ohio State University has appointed Ross Bjork, the current athletic director at Texas A&M, to succeed the retiring longtime athletic director Gene Smith, effective July 1. This announcement was made by Ohio State leaders on Tuesday. Bjork, a 51-year-old native of Kansas, brings over 30 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics to the role. His previous positions include serving as the athletic director at the University of Mississippi and contributing to the athletics staff at Western Kentucky, UCLA, Miami (Florida), and the University of Missouri. Bjork has been with Texas A&M since 2019.
Ohio State president Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. expressed admiration for Ross Bjork, stating, “Few athletics directors have established such an impressive and strong record of success in athletics, in the classroom, and throughout the community.” President Carter, who assumed his position at the university on January 1, acknowledged Bjork’s noteworthy achievements in various aspects of the athletic program, academics, and community engagement.
Ohio State president Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. emphasized the high standards at Ohio State, stating, “The bar is incredibly high at Ohio State, and we have found in Ross a highly intelligent and effective leader — not to mention a fierce competitor.” Carter acknowledged Bjork’s track record of success and described him as a valuable addition to the university.
During his tenure at Texas A&M, Bjork played a key role in the development of the new NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) law in Texas and implemented programs to provide student-athletes with education and resources in areas such as finance, personal branding, networking, and media training.
Expressing his enthusiasm for joining Buckeye Nation, Bjork said, “To be a part of Buckeye Nation, along with its storied traditions and long history of achievement, is a tremendous honor and a welcome challenge for me and our family. I can’t wait to get started.”
Gene Smith, the outgoing athletic director, has been a nationally influential figure during his 19-year tenure at Ohio State, overseeing one of the largest and most successful athletic programs in the country.
