History of the College of Health and Human Services
Open and Humane
Governors State University was signed into law in 1969 as an Illinois public university. From the outset, its mission was to be an “open and humane” institution. For its time, it was activist in nature; the University embraced, as part of its core philosophy, the idea that higher education should be inclusive of all individuals who have the desire and capacity to earn an academic degree. From the time it enrolled its first students in 1972, the University conscientiously worked to provide equal access for minorities and the economically disadvantaged.
Educational Opportunity
For more than 35 years, the College of Health and Human Services has remained true to the University’s founding philosophy. Today, the College provides an outstanding educational opportunity for a diverse student body. The College’s students are 65 percent racial and ethnic minorities. Eighty percent are women. All are imbued with the College’s belief that health professionals are ethically bound to provide culturally competent and responsive care, and to actively work toward the elimination of health disparities in the region’s health care systems.
