Ron Gaber (’82) has been a long-time Kirksville community servant and educational leader. He kicked off his impressive career in higher education as a hall director at Ball State University immediately after completing his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. That background in Residence Life brought him to Truman (then Northeast Missouri State University) where he was the Director of Housing and earned his Specialist in Education Administration degree. After more than a decade at Truman, Gaber went on to hold a variety of roles at A.T. Still University/Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine including Associate Professor, Associate Dean, and finally Vice President for Student Affairs. Throughout his career he has greatly enjoyed writing and research but especially enjoyed working directly with students and advising student organizations.
Gaber was a major influence in supporting, encouraging and recognizing student involvement in the Residence Halls and he was instrumental in providing leadership opportunities for students through the Residence Hall Association, hall government and student volunteerism. In recognition of his contributions to Truman’s Residence Life, the Gaber Achievement Award Scholarship has been awarded annually to a student actively involved in Truman Residence Life. He retired from ATSU in 2012 but stays busy in the Kirksville community. He is extensively involved with Kirksville Rotary and also enjoys the great outdoors – hunting, fishing and farming recreationally. Throughout all his years in student service, his greatest piece of advice is to marry someone as outstanding as his wife, and fellow Truman alum, Elsie (’87).