Cheryl Green has been selected by the Governors State University Board of Trustees to serve as the university’s sixth president.
Green will assume the position on July 1. She succeeds Elaine P. Maimon who will retire June 30 after serving as president for 13 years.
In selecting Green, the board said in its Thursday, May 14, announcement, that naming Green completed a national search for a new GSU leader.
“Dr. Green brings a superior academic record, impressive fiscal leadership and community building skills at this critical juncture in Governors State University’s history. The board is confident Dr. Green is the absolute best person to ensure the success of our students for the next 50 years,” said board chair Lisa Harrell of Flossmoor.
Green comes to GSU after serving as interim chancellor since 2019 of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus. Prior to that appointment, she was vice chancellor of student affairs at UW-Oshkosh.
Green served as assistant vice president of student affairs at Tennessee State University for five years, and had previously enjoyed a 22-year tenure at Chicago State University where she held a variety of leadership roles and achieved tenure as a professor of counseling. She also served as chair of the University Professionals of Illinois Local 4100.
Green received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Manchester University, and master’s and doctorate degrees in counseling from Southern Illinois University.
“In our nation, and in the higher education community, we are currently facing challenging and volatile times,” Green said. “As I explore and embrace the impressive history of GSU and its ability to navigate change, promote academic excellence and lead by example, I am confident that together we will forge a new direction for our university that will serve as a beacon of hope and determination for our students, fellow educators and our community partners.”
