COLUMBUS, Ohio — 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," Gee said after meeting with trustees, who lavishly praised his leadership and made no mention of his latest verbal gaffe, made public days before he announced his July 1 retirement. Gee will likely raise funds for the university and possibly teach but said he is saving some sabbatical time to use when his permanent replacement arrives.