Missouri Gov. Bob Holden appointed Robertson to the post on Thursday. Robertson's term will expire Jan. 1, 2009. Her appointment is subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate. A confirmation hearing date has not been set.

She replaces Kim Mothershead, vice president of the Board of Regents of Benton, Mo., whose term on the Board expired Jan. 1.

Robertson, 34, is chair of the Social Studies Department and teaches social studies and English at Poplar Bluff Senior High School. She has served as the professional development district chairperson for the school.

"Gail, like so many teachers in Missouri, has dedicated her life to the improvement of our state's students," Holden said. "Her expertise will be a great asset to Southeast Missouri State University."

Donald L. Dickerson, president of the Board of Regents, added, "We are delighted to learn that Governor Holden has appointed Gail Robertson, an alumna of Southeast, to the Board of Regents. She will represent an important part of our service region and will be an asset to our continued strong relationship with Three Rivers Community College. She has outstanding credentials and was, in fact, named Teacher of the Year. It's great to have someone on the Board who is in the classroom every day, especially given the fact that Southeast provides critical teacher education services to the region."

Robertson was named 2002 Teacher of the Year by the Poplar Bluff School District. In 1997, she was named Teacher of the Year by Poplar Bluff Senior High School. She is as a MAP Senior Leader-Class 10 with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and is a New York Times/Scholastic UPFRONT Teacher Advisory Board member. She also is a member of the National Social Studies Council. Robertson has prior social studies teaching experience at Kelly Junior High School and Delta High School.

She holds a master of arts in secondary guidance and counseling and a bachelor of science in secondary education degree, both from Southeast Missouri State University. She earned an associate of arts degree from Three Rivers Community College. Robertson is certified to teach in the areas of secondary administration, secondary guidance and counseling, secondary social studies and secondary English.