Art McCoy has been named superintendent of the Ferguson-Florissant School District.

University of Missouri–St. Louis alumnus Art McCoy will continue a career of firsts as he takes on his new role as the superintendent of the Ferguson-Florissant School District. He is the first African-American to hold the position.

The district’s board of education announced the appointment of McCoy, who currently serves as the district’s assistant superintendent for secondary education, at a meeting last month. McCoy will begin the position on July 1 and replaces retiring Superintendent Jeffrey R. Spiegel.

“I’m honored and excited that the board has selected me for the position of superintendent,” he said. “I look forward to the upcoming year and the opportunity to continue serving and working with the students, parents and teachers within the district.”

McCoy, who earned both his doctorate in education in 2002 and a master’s degree in education administration in 1999 from UMSL, has excelled at every step in his career. At age 19, he was the youngest certified teacher in the Rockwood School District, and at 22, he became the youngest metropolitan administrator in Missouri.

“I’ve always viewed my age and background as an asset to building stronger connections with young minds and assisting them to becoming whatever they may be.”

McCoy, a resident of O’Fallon, Mo.,  joined the district in 2008. Prior to that, he served in administrative positions in the Rockwood, Pattonville and St. Charles school districts in Missouri. He began his career as a teacher in the Rockwood School District.

He credits UMSL for preparing him for his career and upcoming journey.

“Education is and has always been important to me,” McCoy said. “UMSL helped to make me the educator I am today.”

More information:
http://coe.umsl.edu
http://fergflor.org