Governors State University

Based in Illinois, Governors State University (GSU) is a public university situated on 750 acres of land. With roots dating back to 1969, GSU originally began as one of the original "Universities without Walls" and a university that did not offer grades – but competencies instead. 

Since, GSU has developed into a more traditional university, with divisions and departments, and of course, the all-important grades.

GSU 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. The most popular degrees offered at Governors State University include: business administration and management, liberal arts and sciences, criminal justice, elementary education, teaching and psychology.

In 2015, GSU was awarded the American Council on Education/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation. The award is given to colleges or universities, which have responded to challenges in innovative and creative ways that has allowed the institution to thrive.

GSU is also home to one of the state’s largest solar-thermal systems, which preheats water for the campus swimming pool as well as providing about one-third of the domestic hot water for the university’s main building. As a consequence, in 2010, the University received the Governor's Sustainability Award for significant achievements in protecting the environment. 

There are a plethora of opportunities for students to participate in sports at GSU. Sports on offer include men and women’s intramural basketball, handball, racquetball, soccer, softball, table tennis, and volleyball. 

Notable alumni include Sheryl Underwood, a comedian and actress, Debbie Halvorson, the former U.S. Representative for Illinois's 11th congressional district, and Curtis J. Crawford, an American computer systems engineer.