Dr. Art J. McCoy II has been a critically acclaimed consultant and speaker in his field, having inspired scores of initiatives and authored numerous books and articles.
ST. LOUIS, MO, April 22, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Marquis Who's Who, the world's premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present Art J. McCoy II, PhD, with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Dr. McCoy celebrates many years' experience in his professional network, and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
A nationally recognized educator whose accomplishments have been lauded for several decades, Dr. McCoy initially pursued an education at Harris-Stowe State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in secondary education and mathematics, cum laude, in 1996. Soon thereafter, he continued his studies at University of Missouri, obtaining a Master of Education in educational leadership and policy analysis, magna cum laude, in 1999 and a Doctor of Philosophy in education, philosophy and mathematics in 2002. After gaining prominence in his field, he concluded his academic efforts at Harvard University, completing coursework in educational leadership and administration between 2009 and 2010. A certified secondary school mathematics teacher in Missouri, Dr. McCoy is also a certified superintendent and advanced principal.
Commencing his professional career subsequent to earning his Bachelor's degree at the age of 19, being the youngest certified teacher in the state of Missouri, Dr. McCoy served as a mathematics teacher with the Rockwood School District in Wildwood, MO, in 1996, holding this role for three years. He was later appointed as the vice principal of the Saint Charles School District from 1999 to 2000, having subsequently served as the principal of the Pattonville School District from 2000 to 2005. After earning his doctorate, he was designated as a Pattonville K-12 Gifted Educator. In 2005, Dr. McCoy returned to the Rockwood School District as the executive director of VICC and student services until 2008, when he accepted the position of the superintendent of the Ferguson-Florissant School District for the following six years.
During his tenure at the Ferguson-Florissant School District, Dr. McCoy became the youngest and first African American superintendent and chief executive officer at the age of 33. Following this accomplishment, he was the superintendent-in-residence and the chief academic officer of the MIND Research Institute and the Center for Education Initiation in Irvine, CA. Since 2016, Dr. McCoy has been serving as the superintendent of the Jennings School District, where under his leadership, the 2017 and 2018 graduating classes achieved 100 percent graduation, career and college placement, which was documented on Fox 2 News and CNN. In February of 2019, Jennings School District earned a historic score of 90.2% for state accreditation, which is its highest ever and in the state's "Accredited with Distinction" range of 90% or above.
Alongside his primary endeavors, Dr. McCoy has been a critically acclaimed consultant and speaker in his field, having inspired scores of initiatives and authored numerous books and articles. Impressively, he founded SAGES, whose mission is to "sever the achievement gap in the education of students and sever attainment gaps existing in society." Since the founding of the organization, Dr. McCoy has raised more than $1 million to sustain and increase innovative initiatives for students. Civically active as well, he was the former minister of the Grace Apostolic Church in Saint Louis, MO, from 1995 to 2000 and maintained involvement with the Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis, the Center for Education Innovative, the Missouri Association of School Administrators, the Base 11 National Advisory Board, the Saint Louis Magic House, the Federal Reserve Bank, and Rankeen Technical College. Likewise, Dr. McCoy was the executive vice councilman of the Boy Scouts of America, and he previously contributed on the board of trustees for Harris-Stowe State University.
In light of his exceptional undertakings, Dr. McCoy has accrued several accolades and honors. The recipient of Distinguished Alumni Awards from Harris-Stowe State University and the University of Missouri, he garnered the Saint Louis American's Stellar Performer in Education and Salute to Excellence Award, the Extraordinary African-American Trailblazer of Saint Louis Award, the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America, and the Inspiring Saint Louisan Award of Saint Louis County and Saint Louis City from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. In addition to these triumphs, he was also presented with the Sankofa Award from the National Bar Association, the UNCF Keeping the Flame Award, and recognition as a Healthcare Advocate of the Year by Saint Louis Children's Hospital. Dr. McCoy has further been honored as a STEM Educator of the Year, a Diverse Business Leader, the American Graduate Champion and the Healthcare Collaborator of the Year.
Dr. McCoy initially found his voice as an educational advocate during his sophomore year in high school. Influenced by the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which occurred in response to the Rodney King trial, he encouraged his fellow students to resist against the stain of racism that plagued the Missouri school systems, teaching them to communicate with their superintendents instead of denying themselves an education. His voice beckoning change, he was allowed the opportunity to speak with his local news network regarding his mission as a student leader. It was during this time that Dr. McCoy discovered his passion for the field, as his voice held the capability to solve conflicts and bridge gaps in society. Since that time, he has utilized his natural affinity for implementing change and brought harmony to the Saint Louis community.
In recognition of outstanding contributions to his profession and the Marquis Who's Who community, Dr. McCoy has been featured on the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement website. Please visit www.ltachievers.com for more information about this honor.
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