Teresa Thornburg, Deputy Warden at the Moberly Correctional Center, is one of the women First Lady Melody Blunt recognized last month at a First Lady Awards Ceremony in Jefferson City, Mo. The ceremony, hosted at the Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City, honored women in five different categories who make an impact on the state. Dean Minor, Warden of the Moberly Correctional Center nominated Ms. Thornburg in the Business and Innovation category.
Teresa Thornburg began her career with the Department of Corrections at MCC as a Social Services Trainee on September 15, 1977, after graduating from the Missouri Valley College with a BA in English. She was hired as a Corrections Caseworker I on January 1, 1980 and promoted to Functional Unit Manager on February 1, 1983. On January 8, 1986, Teresa was promoted to Assistant Superintendent and then made it to her current rank of Associate Superintendent, now called Deputy Warden, on February 11, 1992.
Ms. Thornburg worked as a part-time evening teacher to the offenders at the Moberly Correctional Center from 1978 to 1991, while continuing her career with the Department of Corrections during the day. Most recently and for the past few years, she has been substituting as a GED teacher for night classes at the Moberly Area Community College. She has been a member of the Business and Professional Women’s organization (BPW) since 1995 and is currently serving on the state board and as president of the local club. Teresa is a member/board member of the Missouri Correction's Association (MCA) and current member of the American Correction's Association (ACA).
In 1980 to 1983, Ms. Thornburg served as co-accreditation manager and was instrumental in MCC receiving accreditation from ACA. Over the course of her career, she has served in many capacities here and in Jefferson City, such as a facilitator for the Missouri Sex Offender Program (MOSOP), chairperson for the Information Quality Task Force (IQTF), and has served on numerous other committees. Her personnel file is filled with commendations, awards, and letters of appreciation for her dedication and service.
Teresa is as active in her personal life as she is at work. She has been a life-long member of First Baptist Church in Moberly and has taught Sunday school classes from the ages of pre-school to 90 year olds. On a weekly basis, she provides transportation to and from church and the grocery store for several elderly ladies.
All of the above Ms. Thornburg virtually does without complaint. She is the first to sign up to help others and the last to go home. Her cheery attitude and ability to break out in song makes her a joy to work around.
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