Tom Colbert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tom Colbert
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| Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court | |
| In office January 4, 2013 – January 3, 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Steven W. Taylor |
| Succeeded by | John F. Reif |
| Associate Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court | |
| In office October 7, 2004 – February 1, 2021 |
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| Appointed by | Brad Henry |
| Preceded by | Daniel J. Boudreau |
| Succeeded by | Dana Kuehn |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 30, 1949 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
| Alma mater | Eastern Oklahoma State College Kentucky State University (BS) Eastern Kentucky University (MA) University of Oklahoma College of Law (JD) |
Tom Colbert, born on December 30, 1949, is a very important person in Oklahoma's legal history. He used to be a judge on the Oklahoma Supreme Court. In 2004, Governor Brad Henry chose him to be a judge. This was a big deal because he was the first African-American person to serve on this high court.
From January 2013 to January 2015, he held the top job as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. After that, he went back to being an Associate Justice. He retired from the court on February 1, 2021.
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Early Life and Education
Tom Colbert was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He finished high school in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. He then went to Eastern Oklahoma State College and earned an associate degree.
In 1973, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Kentucky State University. After serving in the U.S. Army, he continued his education. He earned a master's degree in Health Education from Eastern Kentucky University.
Becoming a Lawyer
After his master's degree, Tom Colbert moved to Chicago. There, he started teaching in the public schools. Soon after, he returned to Oklahoma.
He attended the University of Oklahoma College of Law. In 1982, he earned his law degree, called a Juris Doctor. After law school, he worked as an assistant dean at Marquette University Law School until 1984.
Career in Law
Before becoming a lawyer, Tom Colbert served in the Criminal Investigation Division of the United States Army. This was between his time at Eastern Kentucky University and the University of Oklahoma.
After law school in 1982, he moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He became the Assistant Dean of Marquette University Law School. He worked there until 1984.
Returning to Oklahoma
In 1984, Tom Colbert came back to Oklahoma. He was appointed as an Assistant District Attorney in Oklahoma County. He held this position until 1986.
He then started his own private law practice in Oklahoma City in 1986. For the next ten years, he worked both in private practice and as an attorney for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. He also served as assistant general counsel for the department from 1986 to 2000.
Becoming a Judge
From 1999 to 2004, Tom Colbert served as a Judge on the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals. He was the first African-American to serve on that court. For a short time, he was even the Chief Judge of this court.
In 2004, Governor Brad Henry appointed him to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He became the first African-American to serve on this highest court in Oklahoma. On January 4, 2013, he was sworn in as Chief Justice. He took over from former Chief Justice Steven W. Taylor.
After serving his two-year term as Chief Justice, he returned to his role as an Associate Justice. He represented the 6th Judicial District. Tom Colbert announced his retirement on January 19, 2021. His retirement became official on February 1, 2021.
Professional Groups
Tom Colbert is a member of several important legal groups. These include the Tulsa Bar Association and the Oklahoma Bar Association. He is also part of the American Bar Association and the National Bar Association.
Awards and Recognition
Tom Colbert has received many awards for his work and achievements:
- In 2004, he received the Tulsa Community College Service award.
- In 2005, he was honored by Eastern Oklahoma State College. He was inducted into their Hall of Fame.
- He also received the Thurgood Marshall Award of Excellence in 2005.
- The OU Black Alumni Society gave him the Trailblazer Award in 2005.
- In 2013, he received the Oklahoma City/County Historical Society – Pathmaker Award.
- He also received the Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher Diversity Award in 2013.
- In March 2016, the University of Oklahoma College of Law recognized him. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus at their Order of the Owl Hall of Fame ceremony.
- On November 16, 2017, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.
Personal Life
Tom Colbert is married to Dorthea (née Guion). They have three adult children. He was raised by his single mother, Edith Colbert, in Sapulpa.
During his swearing-in ceremony as Chief Justice in 2013, Tom Colbert shared a personal story. He said he once thought about leaving the Supreme Court. He considered becoming a private lawyer to earn more money. However, his wife and mother convinced him not to. They reminded him that many people had made sacrifices for him to reach such an important position. They said he would be letting those people down.
See also
