title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. CHERYL F. GREEN
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom called from our midst, Dr. Cheryl F. Green, Governors State University’s sixth President, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, following a lengthy illness; and
WHEREAS, at a young age, Dr. Green learned her life’s purpose when she served as a literacy tutor and saw firsthand the disparities in education. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology and later went on to fulfill her dream of impacting communities by serving students in higher education across several states, including Indiana, Tennessee, and Wisconsin; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Green was passionate about community, education, and student success. 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; and
WHEREAS, never one to shy away from a challenge, Dr. Green took the reins as President of Governors State University at the height of the pandemic in July of 2020. As the University’s first African American president, she made historic moves elevating the visibility of the institution, while creating opportunities and removing barriers to education; and
WHEREAS, a native of Chicago’s South Side, Dr. Green considered the president’s role at Governors State University a dream come true and often said it was the culmination of all her life’s work. She was committed to cementing the University’s reputation as the “jewel of the Southland” and was known to engage staff and students with humor and candor, empathy and compassion. It was not uncommon for her to use personal funds to assist a student in need; and
WHEREAS, she led the effort to ensure the University established a free-standing Social Justice Initiative to address barriers to social mobility, equity, and justice. The Latinx Resource Center was established under her direction to support and nurture the growing Latinx student population; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Green secured the University’s largest private donation in history; created the Honors College and the College of Graduate Studies at Governors State University; and brought the Illinois Black Hall of Fame to Governors State University; and
WHEREAS, the legacy of Dr. Green, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, will forever live on through her work to establish institutions on campus, including the first Greek-lettered organizations on campus; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Green was committed to making a difference and education was her priority. She also was committed to serving her community through work on several corporate and community boards across the nation; and
WHEREAS, off campus, Dr. Green embraced her passion for the arts and reading that was instilled in her as a child. Dr. Green loved history and often infused speeches with historical references to Black history and Latin American history, as well as quotes from historical giants such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Confucius. She was tremendously proud of her two adult children and often spoke fondly of her extensive family; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Green, was a beloved child, sister, mother, friend and has left a lasting legacy of service. She will truly be missed by all;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby honor the life of Dr. Cheryl F. Green as a distinguished member of the community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and a suitable copy be presented to the family of Dr. Cheryl F. Green so that her memory may be so honored and ever cherished.
end