Distinguished Alumni 2003

Maeberta Bobb

Maeberta "Bert" Bobb earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health from Winthrop College in 1963. The Newberry, South Carolina native began her teaching career at the Furman School before deciding to continue her education at the University of Tennessee as a graduate teaching assistant. She received her Master of Science degree from Tennessee in 1966, but stayed two more years in Knoxville as an instructor and Director of Women's Intramurals After leaving Knoxville, Bert Bobb moved on to Coker College, where she was an Assistant Professor of Physical Education and coached field hockey, basketball, and volleyball. By 1972, Winthrop College beckoned her back to Rock Hill. She served as an assistant professor of Physical and Special Education while coaching field hockey and basketball. In her spare time, she earned an Ed.D degree from the University of Georgia in 1977.

Dr. Bobb has served Winthrop in numerous capacities. She was an interim dean and associate dean for the School of Education, an assistant to three presidents (Lader, Piper and DiGiorgio), Director of Academic Advising, Director of Student Services, and Chair of the Health and Physical Education Department. For twenty-nine years, Dr. Maeberta Bobb heeded the call from Winthrop. Her leadership and work ethic were much valued by the institution.

It is fitting that Bert Bobb chair the Pathfinder committee for NAGWS. She was one of the early proponents of intercollegiate athletics for women. Her service to the South Carolina Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (SCAIAW) placed her on the cutting edge of the women's sport. Much of the growth of intercollegiate sport for women can be credited to pioneers such as Dr. Maeberta Bobb.