A Life of Legacy: Lincoln University Retiree Turns 98

Lincoln University of Missouri retired faculty member Mrs. Ouida Tolbert celebrated 98 years of age on January 19, 2025. Featured image: Mrs. Ouida Tolbert and her family in 2023.

On January 19, 2025, our beloved, retired faculty member Mrs. Ouida Tolbert celebrated 98 years of age. As a Wilberforce and New York University alumna at age 22, Mrs. Tolbert began her teaching career at Lincoln University in 1950 teaching English, French, speech and drama at Lincoln Laboratory High School.

Mrs. Tolbert and her LU colleagues, 1952.

She later began teaching at the university as an associate professor in the English Department. Her passion for fine arts led Mrs. Tolbert to start The Footlighters Drama Club, providing a place for future Blue Tigers, several prominent Jefferson City citizens and drama directors to develop their speaking and presentation skills.

Mrs. Tolbert, 1955.

Originally arriving on campus as "Miss Sprye," Mrs. Tolbert met and married her colleague, Professor Donald Tolbert, and together they went on to raise a family. Their legacy at Lincoln continues through their daughter, Carol Tolbert Beavers, who has been a key member of Lincoln University’s Office of Information & Technology for over a decade, playing a vital role in maintaining the institution's technological operations, and their granddaughter, Zoë Beavers, who is currently serving as the program coordinator in the Office of Advancement at Lincoln University, contributing to the university’s growth and community engagement.

                                                                                 Mrs. Tolbert, 1989.

After retiring from Lincoln University in 1993, Mrs. Tolbert remained dedicated to her community by serving as a tutor and mentor. She also actively engages in community service initiatives as a proud life member of the Gamma Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a sisterhood she has cherished for over 75 years.  

Mrs. Tolbert, 2021. 

She is an avid supporter of Lincoln University and still enjoys attending as many campus events as possible. Her lifelong support of Lincoln runs deep, as she can still be occasionally spotted at Mitchell Auditorium, attending student concerts and in front of her home supporting the annual Lincoln University Homecoming Parade. Happy 98^th birthday, Mrs. Tolbert!