TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Indiana State University's search for its next president is nearly over.
On Thursday morning, during a meeting of the ISU Board of Governors, it was announced that one of the three finalists in the search for the next ISU president has been offered.
That person is Dr. Mike Godard.
According to the release, Dr. Godard earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science from Castleton State University and a master's degree in exercise physiology from Adelphi University. Godard received his PhD in human bioenergetics research at Ball State University.
Godard most recently served as provost at Southeast Missouri State University, a role he has held since July 2019.
Dr. Godard also served as a tenured professor of exercise science in the Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Recreation at SMSU.
Sources said Godard has been offered the job and is expected to be appointed as the new ISU president. The next step is to pursue a written agreement with Dr. Godard to officially become the school's 13th president.
“I am truly excited and deeply grateful to step into the role of Indiana State University's 13th president,” said Dr. Godard. “It is an honor to be a part of this community and I am extremely grateful to the Board of Directors, especially Chairman Casey and Vice Chairman Platt. I look forward to working with you as we navigate the exciting opportunities and challenges ahead. , their leadership and guidance will be invaluable.”
“I also deeply appreciate the hard work of the search committee and the support from the entire university and the Terre Haute community. Your enthusiasm and dedication are the true strength of the university, and I am grateful to you for getting to know them and for their support. I look forward to learning and working together to write the next chapter of our university's story. Let's make it great, full of growth, collaboration, and shared success. Please welcome my wife Kathryn and I to this wonderful family. Thank you!”
Godard's appointment comes after a national presidential candidate search led by Whit Keefer attracted more than 80 applicants. The selection of candidates included valuable input from students, faculty, staff, and the Terre Haute community. The aforementioned groups helped provide detailed characteristics and experience that Indiana State University's next leader should have.
ISU News Release
The search for a new president began shortly after the current president, Dr. Deborah Curtis, announced that she would be retiring at the end of the year.
