Background
Elaine P. Maimon, Ph.D.
President, Governors State University
The enduring principle that has guided Dr. Elaine P. Maimon’s career is her commitment to making higher education accessible to all and advancing the role of the university as a public square, a center for advancing the interests of the larger community.
As president of Governors State University, Dr. Maimon continues to make her longtime dream a reality as the university creates educational opportunities for its students, many of whom are traditionally underserved and the first in their families to pursue a baccalaureate degree.
Dr. Maimon, the fifth president of Governors State University, is leading the institution toward becoming a model university for the 21st Century.
Under Dr. Maimon’s leadership, Governors State has adopted a new strategic plan that provides a blueprint for academic excellence, financial growth, and community involvement through 2015. A highly qualified team of senior administrators is adding expertise in academics, finance, and advancement to help fulfill the new plan. Dr. Maimon’s innovative “Why Not?” campaign, a call for continuous improvement at GSU, has already led to nearly 1,000 suggestions designed to increase institutional effectiveness.
Dr. Maimon instituted GSU’s Planning and Budget Advisory Council, which streamlined and added transparency to university governance and resource allocation, culminating in a budget plan that realistically reflects fiscal needs and expectations in a challenging economic climate. Governors State has expanded outreach initiatives to area community colleges; in addition Dr. Maimon has led efforts to make GSU one of the most environmentally responsible public universities in Illinois.
Internationally recognized as an expert in the teaching of writing, Dr. Maimon was a pioneer in the Writing Across the Curriculum movement, which has changed the way instructors teach writing in universities, colleges, and schools. Among her many publications, A Writer’s Resource and The New McGraw-Hill Handbook are helping college students across the country to become independent writers..
She is the recipient of numerous academic and community awards and honors, including the Award for Dedication in Educating Women, presented by Alumni of Saker School (Cameroon), an honorary degree from Prairie State College (Chicago Heights), selection as 2003 “Woman of Vision” by the Arizona Business Journal, the World Award from the Girls Scouts (Arizona Cactus Pine Council), YWCA Woman of Distinction Award (Metro-Phoenix), and the Golden Heart of Business Award.
She was recently selected as a Board Member for the Will County Center for Economic Development. In 2007, she was the keynote speaker at the Abby Foundation’s Annual Luncheon celebrating successful women. In 2008, she addressed the graduates of Prairie State College and Joliet Junior College at their commencement ceremonies. In 2008, she was elected to The Chicago Network, a group of top women leaders in all sectors of Chicagoland.
Prior to coming to GSU, she was the Chancellor of the University of Alaska Anchorage. She previously served as Provost (Chief Campus Officer) at Arizona State University West and Vice President of Arizona State University as a whole. She also held teaching and administrative posts at Haverford College, Arcadia University, Brown University, and Queens College (CUNY). Arcadia University has established the Elaine P. Maimon Award in Writing in her honor.
A Philadelphia native, Dr. Maimon earned her bachelor’s degree (magna cum laude) in English as a scholarship student at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. She holds an M.A. and Ph.D. (with distinction) in English from the University of Pennsylvania.
