Indiana State University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Indiana State University has 8 executives leading key functions including information technology, administrative operations, financial management, and institutional leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and research, Indiana State University fosters student success through innovative doctoral programs and community-focused initiatives that drive regional economic growth and educational advancement.

Leadership Roles at Indiana State University

  • Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Seth Hinshaw
  • President - Pavel Terpelets
  • President - Deborah Curtis
  • President - Michael Godard
  • President of Administrative Affairs - Christian Walker
  • President - Christine Pace
  • Chief Information Officer - Robert Barley
  • Chief of Staff - Ardell Sanders
  • Seth Hinshaw - Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Seth Hinshaw, the Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Indiana State University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for the entire institution. Overseeing long-term financial planning and capital investments, the Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the university's doctoral research objectives. This leadership role involves balancing operational costs with revenue generation strategies to maintain institutional stability across the state. By optimizing procurement processes and financial reporting, Seth Hinshaw directly impacts the university's ability to fund new academic programs and infrastructure projects. The Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to ensure transparency and accountability in all fiscal matters. Ultimately, the Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer secures the financial future of the university, enabling sustained growth and continued investment in student-centered educational outcomes.
    Seth Hinshaw

    Pavel Terpelets - President

    Pavel Terpelets, the President at Indiana State University, defines the overarching vision and academic trajectory for the institution. Overseeing the expansion of doctoral research programs, the President drives the university's commitment to public service and regional development. This leadership role involves engaging with external partners and state legislators to secure funding and support for campus initiatives. By championing academic rigor and student success, Pavel Terpelets directly impacts the university's reputation as a premier research destination. The President coordinates with the executive team to ensure that all departments align with the strategic goals of the institution. Ultimately, the President shapes the future of the university, fostering an environment where innovation and education thrive, ensuring that the institution remains a vital contributor to the intellectual and economic landscape of the region through dedicated leadership and visionary planning.

    Deborah Curtis - President

    Deborah Curtis, the President at Indiana State University, leads the implementation of community engagement strategies and public outreach programs. Overseeing the development of partnerships with local industries, the President ensures that the university's curriculum remains relevant to the needs of the modern workforce. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive campus culture that supports diverse student populations and promotes academic achievement. By prioritizing experiential learning opportunities, Deborah Curtis directly impacts the career readiness of graduates entering the regional job market. The President works closely with faculty leaders to maintain high standards of research and teaching excellence. Ultimately, the President advances the university's mission by bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application, ensuring that the institution serves as a catalyst for social and economic progress throughout the state and beyond.

    Michael Godard - President

    Michael Godard, the President at Indiana State University, focuses on the enhancement of graduate studies and the promotion of interdisciplinary research initiatives. Overseeing the recruitment of top-tier faculty, the President drives the university's efforts to increase its national research profile. This leadership role involves managing complex institutional budgets and ensuring that research facilities meet the highest standards of safety and innovation. By fostering a culture of inquiry and discovery, Michael Godard directly impacts the university's output of scholarly work and intellectual property. The President collaborates with academic deans to refine degree programs and improve student retention rates. Ultimately, the President strengthens the university's position as a leading doctoral research institution, ensuring that the academic community remains at the forefront of scientific and cultural advancement through rigorous scholarship and strategic investment in human capital.

    Christian Walker - President of Administrative Affairs

    Christian Walker, the President of Administrative Affairs at Indiana State University, directs the operational logistics and facility management services across the campus. Overseeing the maintenance of physical infrastructure and the development of new construction projects, the President of Administrative Affairs ensures that the campus environment supports the university's academic mission. This leadership role involves managing large-scale service contracts and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. By optimizing campus operations, Christian Walker directly impacts the daily experience of students, faculty, and staff. The President of Administrative Affairs coordinates with the finance department to ensure that capital projects remain within budget and on schedule. Ultimately, the President of Administrative Affairs provides the essential support systems required for a large public university to function effectively, ensuring that the physical and operational foundations of the institution remain robust, sustainable, and conducive to learning.

    Christine Pace - President

    Christine Pace, the President at Indiana State University, manages the university's external relations and philanthropic efforts to support long-term institutional goals. Overseeing the development of alumni networks and donor relationships, the President ensures that the university has the necessary resources to fund scholarships and research grants. This leadership role involves representing the institution at national conferences and advocating for policies that benefit public higher education. By cultivating a strong brand identity, Christine Pace directly impacts the university's ability to attract high-achieving students and faculty. The President works with the board of trustees to set the strategic direction for the institution's future growth. Ultimately, the President secures the long-term viability of the university, ensuring that the institution continues to provide accessible, high-quality education while maintaining its status as a cornerstone of the regional academic community.

    Robert Barley - Chief Information Officer

    Robert Barley, the Chief Information Officer at Indiana State University, directs the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks supporting the entire campus ecosystem. Overseeing the integration of advanced learning management systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty across the Midwest region. This leadership role involves modernizing data storage solutions to protect sensitive research assets while optimizing network performance for high-bandwidth academic applications. By implementing robust cloud-based technologies, Robert Barley directly impacts the efficiency of administrative workflows and digital classroom environments. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer secures the technological foundation necessary for the university to maintain a competitive edge in the evolving landscape of higher education, ensuring that all digital resources remain accessible, secure, and aligned with the broader institutional mission of academic excellence and technological innovation.

    Ardell Sanders - Chief of Staff

    Ardell Sanders, the Chief of Staff at Indiana State University, coordinates strategic initiatives and facilitates communication between the executive office and various academic departments. Managing the daily operations of the president's office, the Chief of Staff ensures that institutional priorities receive consistent attention and resources. This role involves synthesizing complex policy requirements into actionable plans that support the university's long-term research goals. By streamlining internal governance processes, Ardell Sanders directly impacts the agility of the leadership team during critical decision-making periods. The Chief of Staff maintains alignment across diverse campus stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes institutional growth. Through meticulous oversight of administrative projects, the Chief of Staff guarantees that the university remains focused on its core mission of providing high-quality education while navigating the multifaceted challenges inherent in a large public doctoral research institution.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Indiana State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Indiana State University?
    Indiana State University is led by Seth Hinshaw (Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Pavel Terpelets (President) and Deborah Curtis (President).
    Who is part of Indiana State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Indiana State University includes leaders such as Seth Hinshaw (Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Pavel Terpelets (President), Deborah Curtis (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Indiana State University have?
    Indiana State University has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Indiana State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Indiana State University includes roles such as Administration Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, President, President, President, President of Administrative Affairs.