COLUMBUS — Retiring Ohio State University President Gordon Gee, a veteran administrator who casts a large shadow in higher education realms, vowed Friday not to linger and inhibit his successor’s work.

“I think that one of the best contributions I can make is to get out of the way,” Mr. Gee said after meeting with trustees.

The trustees praised his leadership and made no mention of his latest verbal gaffe, made public days before he announced his July 1 retirement.

The board on Friday approved Provost Joseph Alutto as interim president.

The Associated Press first reported remarks he made in jest in December jabbing Roman Catholics, the University of Notre Dame, and the academic integrity of Southeastern Conference schools.

He said the attention surrounding the remarks was a small part of his retirement decision. Mr. Gee, 69, also cited his age, family, and other reasons for stepping down.

First Published June 8, 2013, 4:19 a.m.