In 1878, in light of its expanded focus, the college permanently changed its name to The Ohio State University.

The first president of Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College is Edward Orton, Sr. who served from 1873 to 1881.

[2] Drake also serves as the first African American president of the university.

On June 3, 2020, it was announced that Kristina M. Johnson, the former chancellor of State University of New York, would be taking over as the 21st president.

She was the first member of the LGBT community to openly serve in the position.