HSD Superintendent Awarded as UMSL Distinguished Alumni

Hazelwood School District Superintendent Dr. Grayling Tobias has earned the University of Missouri- St. Louis Alumni Association's highest graduate honor.

He has been named a Distinguished Alumni. The award was established in 1987 and is presented annually to five university alumni who have made extraordinary career achievements, distinguished themselves through significant community service or gone above and beyond in their interaction/support, according to the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL).

“It is an honor and a privilege to be recognized as a Distinguished Alumni by my alma mater," Tobias said. "My life has been enriched by many educators especially at UMSL, (and) I would like to share with teachers, students and parents the nurturing and rich educational experience I received."

Tobias said he is dedicated to making a difference young people's lives because of the profound difference education has made in his.

Tobias earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from UMSL in 1980. He has a Master of Arts Degree from Truman State University and a Doctor of Education Leadership Degree from Saint Louis University.

He has more than 24 years of experience in education, with 17 of those as an administrator.

Before pursuing his career in education, Tobias played professional baseball for the farm teams of both the former Montreal Expos and Detroit Tigers. He is also a member of the baseball halls of fame at UMSL, McCluer High School and the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Association Hall of Fame.