Governors State Announces Dr. Cheryl Green as its Sixth President

The Governors State University Board of Trustees announced today that it has selected Dr. Cheryl Green as the university’s sixth president to succeed Dr. Elaine P. Maimon, who will retire June 30, 2020, after leading the university for 13 years.

An experienced higher education leader with a broad knowledge base across academia, Dr. Green brings more than 30 years of leadership, accountability, and expertise in roles focused on academic and student affairs, teaching and research, faculty and staff governance, and financial management and fundraising.

Dr. Green has served in one of the nation’s largest and most respected institutions, the University of Wisconsin, since 2017. In 2019, she was named Interim Chancellor of the Whitewater campus, and since 2017, she has served as Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at the Oshkosh campus.

Prior to that, Dr. 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. There, Dr. Green 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.

Dr. Green earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Manchester University, a master’s degree and doctorate in Counseling from Southern Illinois University.

With the selection of Dr. Green, Governors State University concludes a national search that involved a collaboration of stakeholders including faculty, students, staff, as well as members of the community.

Board Chairwoman Lisa Harrell said Dr. Green represents the “full package” to meet the needs and advance the mission of the university.

“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,” Harrell said.

Dr. Green said she is honored and humbled to serve as the next president of Governors State University.

“In our nation, and in the higher education community, we are currently facing challenging and volatile times. 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,” Dr. Green said.

Her appointment is effective July 1, 2020.