The Installation of President Mike Godard
The campus community is invited to join us for this joyous occasion as we commence the newest chapter in the distinguished 159-year history of Indiana State University.
About the Presidential Installation
Friday, November 1, 2024, at one o’clock Eastern in the afternoon
The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Dr. Mike Godard will be formally installed as the Thirteenth President of Indiana State University on Friday, November 1, 2024, at one o’clock in the afternoon. The event will take place in the Hulman Center located at 200 North Eighth Street in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Watch the Installation Live
The Livestream of The Installation of President Mike Godard begins at 12:45 p.m. EDT on Friday, November 1, 2024.
About President Godard
Dr. Mike Godard was selected by the Indiana State University Board of Trustees in April 2024 to serve as the thirteenth president of Indiana State University. He brings more than 25 years of transformative leadership in higher education to Indiana State. From his faculty positions to his service in top administrative roles, including most recently as Provost at Southeast Missouri State University, Dr. Godard has created impactful change for students and institutions. His career distinguishes itself by a commitment to academic excellence, strategic innovation, and student success.
Learn more about President Mike GodardAcademic Traditions
Academic traditions at Indiana State University stand for the history, purpose, and enduring legacy of our cherished institution. We embrace these traditions as a solemn reminder of our profound responsibility to our students, our state, and our society.
The Mace of Indiana State University has been carried in every Commencement and Presidential Installation ceremony since 1966. The original mace was a decorated walking cane festooned with blue and white silk ribbons, gifted to Professor Caleb Mills. He was known as Indiana’s “Father of Public Education” and played a central role in creating the Indiana State Normal School, later to become Indiana State University. In 2010, this first Mace was replaced with one made of cherry hardwood. Designed by Mark Joseph Clauss, it features a replica of the University President's Medallion.
The University Seal symbolizes Indiana State University’s mission to illuminate the world through education and scholarship. Its two primary symbols reflect this purpose: the Book, which symbolizes knowledge and truth, and the Torch, which represents the light of inspiration and enlightenment. Appearing on diplomas and formal University documents and always displayed during official ceremonies, the Seal represents Indiana State University’s mission and values.
The Indiana State University President’s Regalia, worn during formal academic ceremonies, signifies the institutional authority of our University leader. The blue gown features the University Seal, and four black velvet bars are displayed on its sleeves. Only university presidents are entitled to the fourth bar. The Regalia includes a black hood and a black velvet tam with a gold tassel. This apparel is complemented by the University Medallion, which the President wears as part of the formal academic attire.
The Medallion is a four-inch gold medal with 36 blue sapphire gemstones and the official University Seal at its center.