Dr. Lydia Thebeau, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Biology, came to MBU in the fall of 2005. In her current role, Dr. Thebeau oversees the undergraduate curriculum, the Learning Center (library services), the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Research, the university’s accreditation relationship, and manages the IT-managed partnership with Collegis Education.

Previously at MBU, Dr. Thebeau held the position of Dean of Advisement and Allied Health Initiatives. In this position, Thebeau conducted a feasibility study for a pre-licensure BSN program and subsequently led the search for the founding Dean of MBU’s School of Nursing. Thebeau considers laying the foundation for the launch of the now highly successful nursing program as one of her most significant contributions to MBU.

Dr. Thebeau is heavily involved in higher education accreditation. She serves MBU as the Accreditation Liaison Officer to the Higher Learning Commission, submitting reports and other required documentation on behalf of the university to maintain the accreditation relationship with HLC. She also serves as a peer reviewer for HLC, evaluating other colleges and universities to ensure their compliance with the criteria for accreditation.

Dr. Thebeau holds a B.A. in Biology from Hannibal-LaGrange College and a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from Saint Louis University. Working in the division of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Dr. Thebeau’s doctoral research focused on the role of co-stimulation in T-cell activation and antibody class-switching in response to viral infection. Thebeau holds a U.S. Patent for her graduate work constructing recombinant viruses. In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Dr. Thebeau still teaches part-time in the School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics.

Personally, Dr. Thebeau resides in Eureka, Mo., with her husband Michael. They have three children and one grandchild. Her interests include long distance running, reading, puzzles, watching her youngest play basketball, and cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Vikings.