Bertha Thomas

In August, when most students, faculty and staff were just getting into the new school year, Bertha Thomas was wrapping up more than two decades of time at Truman.

Thomas started her career at the University as a program coordinator before putting in 15 years as the assistant dean for multicultural affairs. She previously had positions in student support services and tutoring at Carleton College in Minnesota, and came to Truman in the early 1990s when her husband, Patrick Lobert, was hired to teach French.

“Luckily for me, my skills matched the job description for the McNair and multicultural affairs positions,” she said.

While Thomas is no longer on campus everyday, she still remains connected to the students and often takes the time to share a meal with them or offer support.

“I was very fortunate to have had 21 years to get to know our wonderful students and help them in my own small way to realize their academic, leadership, personal and career goals,” she said.

Thomas might be retired, but she remains busy. In addition to training for a half marathon in the spring, she is planning to spend time in France in the coming year.