Providence Journal photo / Kathy Borchers
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist is back at her job, returning to the state Department of Education after a four-month absence and major surgery.
"I feel great," Gist said in a recent interview at the department, where she returned to work part-time this week. She will be formally reinstated Nov. 26. "I am very grateful for the outpouring of prayers and support."
Gist, 46, sustained a major concussion this summer. During tests, doctors discovered a brain tumor. They waited until her brain swelling subsided and operated at Massachusetts General Hospital in September.
Gist disclosed recently that it was an atypical tumor. A department spokesman says it was not malignant and she does not require chemotherapy or radiation. She has been recovering at her Providence apartment and in recent weeks has met with senior staff.
The commissioner's return was tweeted today:
Update: Deb will be back offcly Mon 11/26 but has been in office all wk. More than excited to be back. Story on news tonight/papers tmrw -kb
— Deborah A. Gist (@deborahgist) November 21, 2012