TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The search for Indiana State University’s next president is nearly over.
Thursday morning during an ISU Board of Trustees meeting, it was announced that of the three finalists in the search for the next ISU president, one has now been offered the job.
That individual is Dr. Mike Godard.
According to a release Dr. Godard earned his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Castleton State College, and a Master’s in Exercise Physiology from Adelphi University. Godard went on to earn his Doctorate from Ball State University in the study of Human Bioenergetics.
Godard most recently worked for Southeast Missouri State University as the Provost, a role he has occupied since July of 2019.
Dr. Godard also served as a tenured Professor of Exercise Science in the SMSU Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Recreation.
Chair for the Indiana State University Board of Trustees Robert Casey said that Dr. Godard has a firm grasp of the importance of athletics at any university.
“I believe that he called them a ‘front porch’ to the university,” said Casey. “He was a student athlete and has experience dealing with athletic programs in institutions of higher education and leadership positions as well.”
According to officials, Godard has been offered the job and is considered the newly appointed President of ISU. The next step is to pursue a written agreement with Dr. Godard to officially become the school’s 13th president.
“I am genuinely thrilled and deeply grateful to be stepping into the role of the 13th president at Indiana State University,” Dr. Godard said. “It’s a privilege to be a part of this community, and I owe a huge thank you to the Board of Trustees, especially to Chair Casey and Vice Chair Pratt. Their leadership and guidance will be invaluable as we navigate the exciting opportunities and challenges ahead,”
“I also deeply appreciate the diligent efforts of the search committee and the support from the entire university and the Terre Haute community. Your enthusiasm and commitment are the university’s true strengths, and I am eager to get to know you all, learn from you, and collaborate to write the next chapter in our university’s story. Let’s make it great, filled with growth, collaboration, and shared successes. Thank you for welcoming my wife Kathryn and me into this incredible family!”
Godard’s appointment comes after a nationwide presidential search headed by WittKieffer, resulting in over 80 applicants. Invaluable input from students, faculty, staff, and the Terre Haute community was included as candidates were reviewed. The previously mentioned groups were instrumental in providing detailed characteristics and experiences the next leader of Indiana State University should have.
ISU News Release
The search for a new president began shortly after it was announced that current president Dr. Deborah Curtis planned to retire at the end of the year.
When asked about specific qualities the board was looking for in terms of candidates, Casey noted that Godard had many of the qualities that Indiana State was looking for, but one of the main qualities was his focus on community involvement.
“The importance of local community relations,” Casey explained, “and he had a plan that he described to us for his approach to that early in his term if he were to be selected,” he continued.
As declining enrollment has been an ongoing issue at ISU, officials said that Dr. Godard plans to increase enrollment by spreading the message of the true power and value of a college degree.
