Janet Muchnik



Retired City Planner & GovState Alumna

Janet Muchnik earned her M.A. in Public Administration from Governors State University in 1981 and built a distinguished career in municipal leadership, serving as Director of Planning for Blue Island, City Manager of Country Club Hills (7 years), and Village Manager of Park Forest (10 years).

Her leadership extended to national and regional boards, including Chair of the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Commission, a National Board Member of the American Planning Association, and Chair of the Fair Housing Coalition of the Southern Suburbs. She also held local public service roles as President of the School District 163 Board of Education and Trustee for the Village of Park Forest.

In retirement, Janet remains dedicated to community service, engaging in missionary work, Rotary leadership, and serving the Tall Grass Arts Association, where she spent 10 years as president. In 2023, she was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award in the College of Arts and Sciences for her outstanding contributions.

"I am an art-lover. I am a city planner. I am GovState."

–Janet Muchnik

Rachel Kinder

Superintendent, Minooka School District & GovState Alumna

Rachel Kinder, a 2008 graduate of Governors State University, earned her Master’s in Education with an emphasis in Educational Administration as a first-generation college student determined to make a lasting impact. She always knew she wanted to be a teacher and chose GovState for its accessibility and commitment to student success.

With over 20 years in PK-12 public education, Kinder has served as an ESL and Spanish teacher, department chair, building administrator, district leader, and superintendent. She currently serves as Superintendent of Minooka School District after previously spending four years as Superintendent and nine years as Assistant Superintendent in Valley View School District, one of Illinois' largest school districts, overseeing more than 15,000 students and 2,500 staff members.

Committed to student success, leadership, and community engagement, Kinder continues to shape education through her dedication to inclusivity, excellence, and lifelong learning.

"I am a mother. I am an educator. I am GovState."

–Rachel Kinder

Women’s History Month Events

In celebration of National Women's History Month 2025, we honor women dedicated to education, mentorship, and leadership, recognizing their significant influence in shaping society and inspiring future generations.

Date: March 24 – 27, 2025

Community & Culture

Happening this Month...

Women in Stem

Panel Discussion & Networking Reception

Join us for an inspiring panel featuring accomplished women from the GovState community who have succeeded in STEM fields. Open to students, alumni, and community members, this hybrid event offers valuable insights and advice from trailblazing women in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Attend in person or via Zoom for a chance to connect, be inspired, and empower your own STEM journey!

Tue, March 25, 2025 @5pm

Experience the Art of Preservation: Victoria Fuller’s A Delicate Balance: Nature and Humanity

Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of nature’s beauty and fragility at Victoria Fuller’s A Delicate Balance: Nature and Humanity—a striking exhibition running from March 3 – April 4, 2025.

Renowned for her hyper-realist sculptures, Fuller’s work intricately captures the wonders of flora and fauna while confronting the urgent issue of extinction. This stunning collection invites audiences to reflect on humanity’s responsibility in maintaining our planet’s delicate equilibrium.

Immerse yourself in art that inspires action. Don’t miss this extraordinary exhibition!

Happening Mid-March...

Artrageous!

Join us for an exciting fusion of live art, rock concert energy, dance, comedy, blacklight puppetry, and more in ARTRAGEOUS! This high-energy, immersive theater experience invites you to guess what’s being painted as the artist races against time to complete the masterpiece.

Enjoy a special 45-minute matinee at 2 PM, perfect for young art lovers, or catch the full-length 90-minute show at 7:30 PM. Feel the magic as incredible artwork unfolds before your eyes—ARTRAGEOUS is an experience you won’t want to miss!

Happening in Late-March...

Rosie and The Rivets

Experience an electrifying tribute to the first ten years of Rock & Roll with Rosie and The Rivets! This female-fronted performance delivers early Rock & Roll favorites, along with Girl Group, Rockabilly, R&B, Surf, and British Invasion hits.

Rosie’s powerful voice leads a band with experience in productions like The Million Dollar Quartet, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, and The Fab Four: Beatles Tribute. With period-accurate wardrobe, hair, makeup, and vintage instruments, you’ll enjoy a truly retro-cool experience.

🎶 Don’t miss this nostalgic blast from the past! 🎶

2025 Chicago Southland International Film Festival

✨ Experience the 2025 Southland International Film Festival! ✨

Join us April 3-5, 2025, at GovState’s F1622 Amphitheater for a three-day celebration of film, featuring international shorts, local features, and live Q&As with filmmakers.

Highlights:

• Feature Film Showcase – Fire Department, Inc. & The Premiere
• International Short Film Competition – Global storytelling at its best
• Live Filmmaker Q&As
• Red Carpet & Free Popcorn

Save the date for an unforgettable cinematic experience! 🍿🎥

Job Alerts

GovState is seeking an

Assistant/Associate Professor of Health Administration and Informatics to join our team. Apply Today!

Advocate Health is looking for a

Travel Nurse (RN) to join their team.

Southland Eye Associates is looking for an Optician to join their team.

The Illinois Department of Human Services is seeking a Registered Nurse to join their team. Apply Today!

*Now available through Handshake.*

Molina Healthcare, Inc. is looking to hire a Social Worker - Behavioral Health Case Manager.

*Now available through Handshake.*

Professional Opportunity

Medical Billing and Coding Certification



Our certification course prepares you for a successful career in the in-demand field of medical billing and coding. Learn key concepts like HIPAA compliance, medical terminology, and the revenue cycle. After completion, you'll be ready for certification exams like CPC, CCA, or CBCS, with certified professionals earning 15% more.

Get started today!

Mental Health Technician Course

The Mental Health Technician Certification course prepares you for an entry-level role in mental health care, focusing on patient support, medical terminology, and psychosocial needs. Gain hands-on experience through real-world assignments and be ready to sit for the Mental Health Technician Certification (MHTC) exam. Plus, earn your CPR/BLS certification through a Red Cross workshop.

Start your career in mental health today!

Join Us for April Food Day 2025 – Fighting Hunger, Strengthening Communities! 🥫🍎

GovState alumni, let’s make a difference together! April Food Day 2025 takes place on April 23rd at the Tinley Park Convention Center or Governors State University campus, bringing the community together to combat food insecurity in the Southland.

Every contribution counts in the fight against hunger. Let’s show the power of the GovState alumni network by coming together for a great cause!

📅 Save the Date – April 23, 2025

JAGUAR ATHLETICS

Men's Volleyball

GovState vs. Cornorstone University

Wed, March 15th @ 1:00 p.m.

Location: Governors State University

Men's / Women's Outdoor Track

Washington University Distance Carnival

Friday, March 28th

Location: Washington University - St. Louis, Missouri

* Alumni Membership Cardholder Benefits for GovState Athletics*

• Alumni Membership Cardholders (FREE): Free game passes.

• Premium Membership Cardholders: Free game passes & 50% off concessions.

• Lifetime Membership Cardholders: Free game passes & 50% off concessions for life.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Zuha Sha: From Perseverance to Success in

Health Informatics

For Zuha Sha, education was never just about earning degrees—it was about breaking barriers. Growing up in a family where opportunities had to be fought for, she understood early on that knowledge is a powerful tool. Her academic journey was filled with challenges, but each obstacle only strengthened her resolve. She excelled academically, ranking among the top students in her state, proving that hard work and persistence lead to excellence.

As a first-generation college graduate, Zuha’s path to higher education was anything but conventional. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, she worked full-time in Dubai to finance her dream of studying in the United States. However, her journey was met with visa rejections—three times. Each setback tested her determination, but instead of giving up, she kept pushing forward. On her fourth attempt in Abu Dhabi, her visa was finally approved, proving that rejection is not failure—it’s redirection.

Zuha’s background in pharmacy and healthcare sparked her interest in health informatics, where technology meets patient care. She saw how data and digital solutions could revolutionize healthcare, making systems more efficient and patient-centered. This realization led her to Governors State University (GovState), a decision that would become a turning point in her career.

At GovState, she found mentors and opportunities that shaped her path. Faculty members like Dr. Ujvala Rajadhyaksha, Dr. Mary Carrington, and Dr. Ning Lu played pivotal roles in her growth, offering research opportunities and professional guidance. Jason Vignone, Director of Admissions and Retention, made her feel welcomed from day one, reinforcing her belief that she was in the right place.

Beyond academics, Zuha stepped into leadership, serving as the Student Representative for the College of Health and Human Services. She advocated for students, created networking opportunities, and helped bridge the gap between students and university leadership. Her role as a Graduate Assistant also provided hands-on experience in data analytics, system analysis, and healthcare technology, further preparing her for the workforce.

Zuha’s perseverance and dedication led her to an exciting new role as a Clinical Informatics Analyst at Brevard Health Alliance, Inc. In this position, she analyzes healthcare data, optimizes electronic health record (EHR) systems, and implements health IT solutions to improve patient care. What excites her most is knowing that every system improvement translates to better healthcare outcomes.

Looking ahead, she believes health informatics will continue to evolve, with AI, predictive analytics, telehealth, and cybersecurity leading the way. She aspires to be at the forefront of these innovations, bridging the gap between healthcare providers and technology to create more efficient and patient-friendly systems.

For students and recent graduates interested in health informatics, Zuha offers this advice:

• Build a strong foundation in both healthcare and technology.
• Gain hands-on experience through internships and research projects.
• Stay adaptable—the industry evolves rapidly, so continuous learning is key.
• Network with mentors and professionals to open doors for career growth.
• Embrace challenges and never give up—persistence leads to success.

Zuha Sha’s journey is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the power of education. From overcoming setbacks to forging a successful career in health informatics, she proves that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.

At the Alumni Association of GovState, we take immense pride in celebrating graduates like Zuha, who embody the spirit of hard work, leadership, and innovation. Her journey reminds us of the transformative power of education and the endless possibilities that come with perseverance. We hope her story inspires fellow alumni and current students to chase their dreams—no matter the obstacles.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

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