The University of Central Missouri has two new administrators following a board of governors closed session Friday.

Roger Best was appointed by the president and approved by the board to serve as executive vice president and chief operating officer. Mike Godard, vice provost for enrollment management, was appointed to serve as interim provost-chief learning officer. Both appointments begin Jan. 1, 2018 and last through June 30, 2019.

Godard replaces Deborah Curtis who was recently named president of Indiana State University. Following the interim appointment, the university plans to conduct a national search to fill the provost’s position on a permanent basis, according to a news release.

“We are very pleased with the recommendations (President Charles Ambrose) brought to the board,” said Gus Wetzel II, board president, in a written statement. “Both  Dr.  Best and Dr. Godard  have proven records of strong leadership in their respective areas. They know the institution and understand the needs of its faculty, staff and students, and we have great confidence in their ability to help UCM make forward progress despite many challenges we face as an institution.”

Best was appointment as interim senior vice president for Finance and Administration in August. As EVP/COO, he will lead and manage the university infrastructure, reporting and compliance initiatives, and oversee the areas of Facilities Planning and Operations, Human Resources, Accounting and Financial Services, Budget Planning and Administration, Procurement and Materials Management, Office of Technology and Institutional Planning and Research, according to the news release.

Best previously served since 2010 as dean of the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies. He joined UCM in 1995 as assistant professor of finance and climbed the faculty ranks to become a professor in 2005. He was named chair of the department of economics and finance in 2003 and became associate dean in 2008.

Godard joined UCM in 2012 and will now have responsibilities associated with the entire learning environment at UCM, including academic experience, Student Experience and Engagement, and Enrollment Management, according to the news release.

Godard became vice provost for Enrollment Management in 2015, where his responsibilities have included supervising the directors of the offices of Admissions, Student Financial Assistance, Graduate and International Student Services, and Registrar.

Prior to that, he was chair of the department of kinesiology, overseeing undergraduate and graduate programs and faculty members in athletic training, physical education pedagogy, exercise science, community health, pre-physical therapy and occupational therapy, sport management and dietetics programs in the College of Health, Science and Technology.