Marlon Cummings appointed to educator preparation program board
By Sarah Shoaf, Staff Writer
Giving Governors State University (GovState) a voice in teacher education, Dr. Marlon Cummings was recently appointed to the Illinois State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board (SEPLB), a board that oversees the approval and regulation of educator preparation programs statewide.
Recently named the Dean of the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), Dr. Cummings is excited to represent GovState on this board, which is a governing body under the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
“I think it's important for Governors State to always have representation on boards that influence programming and policy,” said Dr. Cummings.
A passionate advocate for education, Dr. Cummings is thinking beyond GovState, too.
“As a regional public, we can also be mindful of the specific needs not just of Governors State, but other institutions like us,” said Dr. Cummings. “I think it's important when in a place of service to participate in that body as often as we can.”
In his new role on the board, Dr. Cummings hopes to focus on program design and equity.
“One of the things I would want to see across the board is our innovation in educator development—being responsive to student needs with respect to modality of our offerings, considering how long it takes to complete a program, and being thoughtful of those returning to school,” said Dr. Cummings.
“When we think about future educators, we need to think broader in terms of program design to attract the various prospective students that may be interested in becoming educators.”
Dr. Cummings began his term on the SEPLB in July 2026 and will serve in his role for three years.
Interested in learning more about the education programs at GovState? Click here.
Governors State University (GovState), recently voted the Best in the Southland, is a 4-year, comprehensive institution of higher education located in Chicago’s Southland. GovState serves nearly 4,500 students in four academic colleges: Arts and Sciences, Health and Human Services, Business, and Education and Human Development. Home to 2025-26 Men’s Basketball CCAC champions, GovState hosts 16 athletic teams.