Governors State University: Notable Alumni and Their Impact

Governors State University (GSU), founded in 1969 in University Park, Illinois, has a rich history of providing educational opportunities and fostering a collaborative learning environment. Originally an upper-division institution, GSU has evolved into a comprehensive university offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Its alumni have made significant contributions in various fields, reflecting the university's commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. This article highlights some of the most notable alumni of Governors State University, showcasing their diverse achievements and the impact they have made in their respective professions and communities.

Prominent Alumni of Governors State University

EduRank lists Governors State University as 2855th in the world, 979th in North America, and 926th in the United States based on the prominence of its alumni. The following are ten notable alumni who have achieved recognition in their fields.

Sheryl Underwood: Comedian, Actress, and Television Host

Sheryl Patrice Underwood is an American comedian, actress, and television host. She rose to prominence as the first female finalist in the 1989 Miller Lite Comedy Search. Underwood is currently a host on the CBS Daytime talk show The Talk, a role she has held since September 2011, making her the show's longest-running co-host. She has received one Daytime Emmy Award from seven nominations.

Jerry Butler: Soul Singer-Songwriter and Politician

Jerry Butler Jr. is an American soul singer-songwriter, producer, musician, and retired politician. He was the original lead singer of the R&B vocal group The Impressions, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. After leaving the group in 1960, Butler achieved over 55 Billboard Pop and R&B Chart hits as a solo artist, including "He Will Break Your Heart," "Let It Be Me," and "Only the Strong Survive." He was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2015.

Muhal Richard Abrams: Jazz Musician and Educator

Muhal Richard Abrams was an American educator, administrator, composer, arranger, clarinetist, cellist, and jazz pianist in the free jazz medium. He recorded and toured the United States, Canada, and Europe with his orchestra, sextet, quartet, duo, and as a solo pianist.

Debbie Halvorson: Politician and Business Executive

Deborah L. Halvorson is an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Illinois's 11th congressional district from 2009 to 2011. Previously, she served in the Illinois Senate from 1997 through 2009. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Halvorson enrolled in Governors State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 2001 and a Master of Arts in 2003.

Sophia King: Chicago City Council Member

Sophia D. King is an American politician and former member of the Chicago City Council, who served as alderman from the 4th ward, which includes portions of the neighborhoods Bronzeville, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, and South Loop. King was appointed to the position by Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2016 as a replacement to the retiring William D. Burns. She won a special election in 2017 to serve out the rest of Burns' unexpired term and was re-elected to a full term in 2019. On the council, she was a member and chair of the Progressive Reform Caucus. She forwent reelection to the city council in 2023 in order to make an unsuccessful run for mayor of Chicago in the 2023 Chicago mayoral election.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.: Illinois State Representative

Marcus C. Evans Jr. is an American politician currently serving as Illinois state representative for the 33rd district. The 33rd district, located in the Chicago metropolitan area, includes parts of South Shore, South Chicago, South Deering, East Side, and Hegewisch in Chicago as well as parts of suburban Calumet City and Lansing. Evans was elected vice president of the National Conference of State Legislatures in 2023 and will assume the presidency of the organization in 2025.

Jason Ervin: Chicago City Council Alderman

Jason C. Ervin is an American politician who serves on the Chicago City Council. He became the alderman for Chicago's 28th ward, located on the west side of Chicago, in 2010.

Joseph C. Szabo: Former Federal Railroad Administrator

Joseph C. Szabo is a former government official who was the twelfth Federal Railroad Administrator of the United States. Nominated by President Barack Obama on March 20, 2009, he was confirmed by the United States Senate on April 29, 2009. Safety was the top priority of his administration. He stepped down from the position on January 9, 2015.

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Alicia Tate-Nadeau: Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency

Brigadier General Alicia A. Tate-Nadeau is a senior officer in the United States Army National Guard and the first woman to be promoted to brigadier general in the Illinois Army National Guard. She currently serves as the Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. She also served as the executive director of the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications; Director of Homeland Security.

Carl Hoecker: Criminal Investigator

Carl W. Hoecker has over 30 years of experience as a criminal investigator and is also a certified public accountant and certified fraud examiner, working for the Securities and Exchange Commission.

College of Business Alumni Hall of Achievement

The Governors State University College of Business Alumni Hall of Achievement was established in 2019 to recognize alumni who have made significant professional and personal achievements. Candidates are selected through a nomination process and may be chosen for early career, mid-career, or lifetime achievements. The 2025 inductees include:

Rick Blasgen: Supply Chain Management Expert

Rick D. Blasgen is the president and chief executive officer, emeritus, and current strategic advisor, of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). He is considered a leading authority on supply chain management and has advised numerous companies on supply chain strategies. Blasgen was designated by the US Department of Commerce in 2011 to serve as the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness (ACSCC). He earned his degree in business administration with a major in finance from Governors State University.

India Glasper: Human Resources Manager

India Glasper is the Human Resources Manager at Prairie State College, with five years of experience in human resources. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Governors State University.

Jake Lee: Kankakee County Auditor

Jake Lee is the Kankakee County Auditor, the first and only African-American County-wide Elected Official in Kankakee County. He holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Accounting from Governors State University, as well as an MBA from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Lauren Pflugradt: Consulting Manager

Lauren Pflugradt is a Consulting Manager at John Kasperek Co. She graduated from Governor’s State University in May 2015 and has developed expertise in governmental consulting and auditing.

Dr. Airica Steed: Healthcare Executive

Dr. Airica Steed is the Chief Executive Officer and President for The MetroHealth System in Cleveland. She has been recognized as one of Modern Healthcare’s “100 Most Influential Leaders in Healthcare.” Dr. Steed holds a Doctorate of Education in Ethical Leadership, with distinction; Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and numerous certifications including Master Black Belt and International Trainer in Lean Six Sigma and Fellow of American College of Healthcare Executives. She is currently pursuing a second master’s, in Global Development from Harvard University.

Dana Agusto: Director of Internal Audit

Dana Agusto graduated from GSU’s Master of Accountancy program in 2014. She is currently Director of Internal Audit, Government Compliance, and Tax at Mathematica. Dana is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Government Financial Manager.

Karen Nunn: Finance Executive

Karen Nunn is Vice President - Financial Operations at Health Care Service Corporation. She obtained her master's in accounting degree from Governor’s State University. Karen currently serves on three boards - a community organization, a financial institution and she is on the Governor’s State University Board of Trustees.

Dr. Jintong Tang: Professor of Management

Dr. Jintong Tang earned her Masters of Science in Management Information Systems from College of Business at Governors State University in 2003, and her Ph.D. in Management from the University of Alabama in 2007. She is currently Mary Louise Murray Endowed Professor in Management, Research Institute Fellow, Faculty Fellow for Division of Diversity, and Director of the Emerson Leadership Institute at Saint Louis University.

Ron Daly: Business Executive

Ron Daly earned a B.A. degree from Governors State College in 1977, becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college. He also holds an M.B.A. from Loyola University of Chicago. Daly was president of Donnelley Print Solutions and later became president and CEO of Océ-USA Holding, Incorporated.

Dr. Judy L. Mitchell: President Emerita of Joliet Junior College

Dr. Judy L. Mitchell served as Joliet Junior College's ninth president. She was unanimously approved as the college’s president by the JJC Board of Trustees in September 2016. Mitchell recently retired and was recognized with President Emerita status at the June 15, 2022, Board of Trustees meeting.

Alumni Spotlights

Jeremy Joyce: Founder of Black People Eats, LLC

Jeremy Joyce, a College of Business alumnus, is the founder of Black People Eats, LLC, a Chicago-based brand dedicated to celebrating and promoting Black-owned restaurants and culinary experiences. He was named among this year's Fortune 40 under 40.

Alumni Engagement and Recognition

Governors State University actively engages with its alumni through various programs and events, including:

Alumni Association: Provides opportunities for alumni to stay connected with the university and each other.
Jaguar Journal Podcast: Hosted by alumna Kristiana Russell, the podcast engages current students and recent alumni with the Alumni Association and Foundation efforts.
AlumNews: Delivers events, updates, and stories tailored to alumni.
Distinguished Alumni Awards: Recognizes alumni who have contributed to their field of study or achieved distinction in their careers. Awards are given in categories such as Distinguished Alumni, Rising Star Alumni, and Retiree and Emeriti.
Interdisciplinary Studies Alumni Event: Celebrates the achievements of alumni, faculty, and students in the Interdisciplinary Leadership Doctorate (INLD) Program.

Governors State University: A Legacy of Achievement

Governors State University has a long-standing commitment to providing accessible and quality education. Its alumni have made significant contributions to their professions and communities, demonstrating the university's success in fostering leadership, innovation, and social responsibility. From politics and business to the arts and public service, GSU alumni continue to make a positive impact on the world. As the university continues to evolve and expand its programs, it remains dedicated to empowering future generations of leaders and innovators. The success stories of its alumni serve as an inspiration to current students and a testament to the transformative power of education at Governors State University.

GSU: A Thriving Campus and Academic Environment

Located on 750 acres of prairie land, Governors State University provides a diverse and vibrant campus environment. It has four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, and the College of Health and Human Services. GSU offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees, as well as nearly 25 certificate programs. The university is also home to one of the state’s largest solar-thermal systems and was awarded the 2015 American Council on Education/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation.

The university’s commitment to sustainability is evident through initiatives like the installation of permeable pavers in parking lots and the addition of an on-campus wind turbine. These efforts align with GSU's goal of becoming Illinois’ "greenest" university. Renovations to the university's science facilities have created state-of-the-art education environments, better equipping GSU to educate students for regional jobs in healthcare, computer science, scientific, and mathematics research, and science and math education. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports.

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