Illinois ACE Women’s Network (ILAWN) Conference 2026

Dr. Joyce Ester became the seventh president of Governors State University on July 1, 2025, following a national search conducted by the University’s Board of Trustees.

Well-versed in the world of higher education, Dr. Ester brings more than 30 years of experience in various roles throughout academia that addressed academic and student affairs, faculty and staff governance, and financial management.

An accomplished leader in higher education, Dr. Ester previously served as President of Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota, a position she held since 2014. Normandale is the largest college and third largest institution in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, serving more than 14,000 credit students annually.

Under Dr. Ester’s leadership, Normandale saw an 18 percent enrollment increase among students of color between 2015 and 2020 and has continued to be one of the top transfer institutions in the state.

Additionally, Dr. Ester recently secured a $2 million lead gift to support the development of a new Interdisciplinary Professional Education (IPE) program and facilities for Health Care.

Before joining Normandale, Dr. Ester served two years as President of Kennedy King College, one of seven schools that comprise City Colleges of Chicago. She has also served as Associate Vice President for Student Services for Bakersfield College, Assistant Vice President for Judicial Affairs and Division Planning at California State University, Fresno, and Assistant Dean of Students/Judicial Affairs at the University.
A native of Phoenix, Illinois, Dr. Ester holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara; a Master of Arts in Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara; and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Northern Illinois University.

Throughout her career, Dr. Ester has been recognized for building strong institutional cultures, advancing student success, and leading with integrity and transparency. Her leadership has strengthened access, improved outcomes, and fostered meaningful partnerships with faculty, staff, students, and surrounding communities. She is widely respected for her ability to align vision with action and to move institutions forward through collaborative, equity-centered leadership.

Leadership insights from prominent state and national higher-education leaders.

• Developing leadership skills across career stages
• Pathways to senior leadership
• Inclusive practices and equity in academia
• Sharing best practices from campuses across Illinois

Networking Opportunities

• Breakfast
• Workshop Sessions
• Vendor Break