Recently retired Governors State University President Cheryl Green died on April 23.
An email to the community from Interim University President Corey Bradford announced Green’s passing following a lengthy illness on April 24.
Green retired on March 1 after serving as the university’s sixth president for four years. In August of 2024, she announced her retirement and disclosed her ongoing battle with cancer.
“Green was passionate about community, education, and student success,” Bradford wrote. “For more than thirty years, she devoted her time and talent to transforming lives through the power of higher education and removing barriers to marginalized communities.”
Green’s dedication to education stemmed from witnessing educational disparities as a literacy tutor. She earned a Ph.D. in Psychology and served students in higher education across multiple states. In July 2020, at the height of the pandemic, she became the first Black president of GovState.
Green was known for her compassion, generosity, and passion for the arts and history. She prioritized education and community service, serving on various boards.
“It was not uncommon for her to use personal funds to assist a student in need,” Bradford wrote.
Her legacy includes establishing Greek-lettered organizations, launching a Social Justice Initiative, founding the Latinx Resource Center, creating the Honors College and the College of Graduate Studies, and introducing the Illinois Black Hall of Fame to the university.
Green’s death occurred on the eve of the vote for a new university president.
“She was a great leader, an educator, a mentor, a friend, a colleague, said GovState Board of Trustees Chair James Kvedaras at the April 24 board meeting. “I am very convinced that this university is a far better place now than when I first joined this board, specifically due to her efforts, her motivation and her vision.”
Kvedaras said that Green would have told them, “It’s okay to shed a tear, but get back to work,” before taking the vote to hire Joyce Ester to lead the university.
Counseling and support services are available for GovState students and employees.