Mike Godard leaving SEMO, named next President of Indiana State University

Mike Godard is leaving his position as Provost at Southeast Missouri State University. An announcement on April 11 stated he has been named the new President of Indiana State University, located in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Godard has served as Provost of SEMO since 2019. He also served as a tenured-member of faculty in the department of Kinesiology, Nutrition and Recreation.

In a statement from the President of SEMO, Carlos Vargas, he stated “ I am excited for the journey Dr. Godard is about to take. I wish him much success. As Dr. Godard works through details for beginning his new role, we will make decisions regarding the provost position and share updates with you accordingly.”

The Tribune Star reported Godard was one of three finalists named to be the next president of Indiana State, alongside Matt Cecil, a Northern Kentucky University special advisor and Clarenda M. Phillips, provost and vice president for academic affairs and professor of sociology at Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi.

According to Indiana State University, current President Deborah J. Curtis announced her retirement in October of 2023.

She served as the second-ever woman president for the school, and stated “It has been a tremendous privilege and honor to serve as President of this incredible institution. Working with dedicated faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees, I know Indiana State University will continue to do what it does best: positively and meaningfully impact students’ lives.”

Mike Godard will be the 13th President of Indiana State University.