Dr. Joyce Ester Appointed as New President of Governors State University

Dr. Joyce Ester Appointed as the Seventh President of Governors State University

On July 1st, Governors State University (GovState) in University Park, Illinois, is set to welcome Dr. Joyce Ester as its seventh president. This appointment comes at a significant time for the university, succeeding Dr. Cheryl F. Green, who sadly passed away shortly after her retirement. With a wealth of experience in higher education spanning over three decades, Dr. Ester is prepared to lead the institution into its next chapter.

Dr. Ester, who has held the presidency at Normandale Community College in Minnesota since 2014, has extensive expertise in various academic and administrative areas. Under her leadership, Normandale has shaped the future for a diverse body of students, demonstrating her commitment to inclusivity and academic excellence. Before her time at Normandale, she served pivotal roles at Kennedy King College in Chicago, as well as Bakersfield College and California State University, Fresno.

Her dedication to improving educational outcomes aligns seamlessly with Governors State’s ongoing mission. In her new role, Dr. Ester plans to foster collaboration among students, faculty, and the community to further enhance the quality of education offered.

Reflecting on the timing of her appointment right after Dr. Green’s passing, Board Chair Jim Kvedaras remarked on the bittersweet nature of the event. He emphasized that the university is at a crossroads, poised for growth and improvement while honoring the legacy of the former president.

A native of Phoenix, Illinois, Dr. Ester holds a Ph.D. in Education, alongside a Master’s degree in the same field, both obtained from the University of California, Santa Barbara, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Northern Illinois University. Her educational background and rich professional experiences provide her with a unique perspective that is expected to benefit GovState greatly.

In her acceptance statement, Dr. Ester expressed her excitement about this new opportunity. She emphasized her passion for higher education and her eagerness to build upon Governors State's vision, affirming her commitment to collaborating with students, staff, faculty, and community stakeholders. "Together, we will continue to foster an environment of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity," she stated.

As GovState embraces this transition, a renewed sense of purpose and direction is expected under Dr. Ester’s leadership. With her proven track record and deep understanding of the challenges facing higher education today, she is poised to make a lasting impact on the university and its community. The upcoming months will be crucial as she lays down plans and engages with various stakeholders to chart a visionary path forward for the institution.

The university community looks forward to the new ideas and initiatives Dr. Ester will bring, and her appointment marks a hopeful step towards future success and growth at Governors State University. As the academic year approaches, all eyes will be on Dr. Ester as she takes the helm and guides the university towards new horizons.