The oath was administered by Circuit Judge William Syler of the 32nd Judicial Circuit.

Gov. Bob Holden appointed Robertson to the post March 6. Her appointment since has been confirmed by the Missouri Senate.

Robertson replaces Kim Mothershead of Benton, Mo., vice president of the Board of Regents, whose term expired Jan. 1. Robertson's term will run through Jan. 1, 2009.

"We very much appreciate the work, dedication and the many hours Kim Mothershead has given to the Board as vice president," said Donald L. Dickerson, president of the Southeast Board of Regents.

"We look forward to Gail Robertson contributing to the Board and representing an important part of our service region," he added. "She will be an asset to our continued strong relationship with Three Rivers Community College. It's going to be wonderful 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. We look forward to Gail joining us and becoming an active Board participant."

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."

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.