--- title: Dr. Mike Godard on authentic leadership and building a culture of care description: Tim Leman sits down with Dr. Mike Godard, President of Indiana State University, to discuss leadership, mentorship, and creating a culture of care. image: https://www.thegibsonedge.com/hubfs/Ep%204%20Dr.%20Godard%20blog%20ft%20image.jpg --- [**](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/blog/dr.-mike-godard-on-authentic-leadership-and-building-a-culture-of-care#tmpmodule_1568675152246189) - [Client Login](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/gibson-client-login) - [Contact Us](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/contact) **** [![Gibson Logo](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gibson%20UNISON%20Co_Horiz_Logo_Gold_White-1.png?width=2518&height=1088&name=Gibson%20UNISON%20Co_Horiz_Logo_Gold_White-1.png) ![Gibson Logo](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gibson%20UNISON%20Co_Horiz_Logo_Gold_White-1.png?width=2518&height=1088&name=Gibson%20UNISON%20Co_Horiz_Logo_Gold_White-1.png) ](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/) [**](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/blog/dr.-mike-godard-on-authentic-leadership-and-building-a-culture-of-care#tmpmodule_1568675152246189) - [Services](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/services) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/services/employee-benefits) - [Business Insurance](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/services/business-insurance) - [Private Client Group](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/services/private-client-group) - [Industries](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/industries) - [Insights & News](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/blog) - [Insights & News](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/blog) - [Webinars](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/webinars) - [Podcast](https://podcast.thegibsonedge.com) - [About Us](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/about-us) - [Become a Partner](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/become-a-partner) - [Leadership](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/leadership) - [Community Impact](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/impact) - [Sightline](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/sightline) - [About URA](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/ura) - [Offices](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/offices) - [Careers](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/careers) ** ###### 1 min read # [Dr. Mike Godard on authentic leadership and building a culture of care](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/blog/dr.-mike-godard-on-authentic-leadership-and-building-a-culture-of-care) Apr 3, 2025 6:30:00 AM ![Ep 4 Dr. Godard blog ft image-1](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ep%204%20Dr.%20Godard%20blog%20ft%20image-1.jpg?width=750&height=437&name=Ep%204%20Dr.%20Godard%20blog%20ft%20image-1.jpg) In this episode, Tim Leman sits down with [Dr. Mike Godard](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-godard-10973b2/), President of [Indiana State University](https://indianastate.edu/), to discuss leadership, mentorship, and creating a culture of care. Dr. Godard shares his journey from first-generation college student to university president, highlighting the importance of building authentic relationships and maintaining a student-centered approach. They explore the synergy between the university and the Terre Haute community, the impact of social media on campus engagement, and what gives Indiana State its distinctive edge in preparing students for success. [Check out this episode of The Edge Podcast:](https://podcast.thegibsonedge.com/dr-mike-godard-on-authentic-leadership-and-building-a-culture-of-care )  [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360304/6875aa5c-0f26-40e7-84cf-1ee6e17c5522.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/360304/6875aa5c-0f26-40e7-84cf-1ee6e17c5522) ###### Topics: [Executive](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/blog/topic/executive) ![Gibson](https://via.placeholder.com/100x100.jpg/e0e7ee) #### Written by [Gibson](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/blog/author/gibson) Gibson is a team of risk management and employee benefits professionals with a passion for helping leaders look beyond what others see and get to the proactive side of insurance. Gibson is driven by close relationships with clients, employees, and the communities they serve. The first Gibson office opened in 1933 in northern Indiana, and as the company’s reach grew, so did their team. 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