Indiana State University is pleased to announce that Dr. Michael “Mike” Godard will become its 13th president on June 1, 2024.
“As we reflect on nearly 160 years of serving the state of Indiana, I cannot think of a better time to welcome Dr. Godard as Indiana State University’s next president,” said Robert Casey, ‘80, Chair of ISU’s Board of Trustees. “The board and I are confident that with his commitment to student values, community engagement, and program quality, Dr. Godard is the right person to build on the university’s success and lead us into the next 160 years.”
Dr. Godard, who has been Provost at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO, since 2019, will bring more than 25 years of experience in higher education to his new role.
“It is truly an honor to be appointed the 13th president of Indiana State University. Indiana State has a rich legacy of fostering a supportive and dynamic learning environment, and I am committed to further strengthening this tradition. We will work together to innovate and adapt, ensuring that our academic programs and campus life are not only responsive to our student's needs but also proactive in helping them achieve their full potential. We will also continue to build on our efforts to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for every member of our campus community. Every student, faculty, and staff from every background should feel valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents,” Dr. Godard shared.
Dr. Godard continued, “I am thrilled about the opportunities that lie ahead for us all. Kathryn and I look forward to relocating to Terre Haute and deepening our ties in the community and throughout Vigo County and West Central Indiana. We look forward to meeting the many faces of ISU, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, legislative leaders, and other friends of the University as quickly as possible.”
Dr. Godard will succeed President Deborah J. Curtis, PhD ‘86, who has served in the role since 2018. As Indiana State University’s first female president, Dr. Curtis prioritized philanthropy and consistently helped fundraise the most significant donations in university history. She helped establish “Give to Blue Day,” ISU’s most important day of giving, the “Be So Bold” fundraising campaign, which has surpassed $100 million raised, and most recently helped secure over $75 million for capital improvement projects, including the renovation of the Bailey College of Engineering and Technology, and the relocation and renovation of ISU’s Early Childhood Education Center.
“Serving as the 12th president of Indiana State University has been an honor of my career. The university has played a critical role in my career, and serving as president has allowed me to give back to a place I sincerely love,” said Dr. Curtis. “Indiana State holds a special place in my heart, and I am confident that Dr. Godard will successfully guide the university into its next chapter.”
“We are deeply thankful for President Curtis’ leadership and contributions to Indiana State University,” said Trustee Casey. “Additionally, I want to thank the presidential search committee for their hard work in selecting the best candidate to lead ISU into the future.”
More about Dr. Mike Godard:
Dr. Godard has 25 years of leadership experience in higher education. He has served as a faculty member, department chair, vice provost, and, most recently, provost.
Godard has served as provost of Southeast Missouri State University since 2019. During his tenure, he established successful public-private partnerships and reallocated resources, which allowed for the creation of new academic programs to meet regional workforce needs.
He also guided the university through a strategic planning process, including measurable goals and key performance indicators (KPIs), to ensure the plan's established goals and actions were met.
Previously, he served as interim provost, chief learning officer, and vice provost for enrollment management and student success. As vice provost, he worked to achieve record enrollments and increase student retention rates while ensuring affordability and access for all students. He has also worked with the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference to align the goals of academics and athletics for student-athletes more closely.
Godard has a PhD in Human Bioenergetics from Ball State University, a master’s in exercise physiology from Adelphi University, and a bachelor’s in exercise science from Castleton University.
The search process:
A presidential search committee led the search, which included board members, community members, alumni, faculty, staff, and students.
The on-campus visits included interviews with faculty, staff, and student leaders, forums for community leaders and campus, and a presentation to and interview with the board.