Arthur Mallory served as Missouri commissioner of education from 1971-1987. Prior to that he served as president of Missouri State University, dean of the evening division and dean of faculties at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, and assistant superintendent of the Parkway School District in St. Louis County.
During Mallory’s years as commissioner of education, legislation for special education and the gifted was passed. Public Law 94142, federal legislation for special education, was modeled on Missouri’s programs. When the Parents as Teachers pilot project results were released, he was instrumental in promoting legislation requiring that every Missouri school district offer a Parents as Teachers program.
In 2013, Mallory received the Bronze Bear Award from Missouri State University. The award is presented to those who have exhibited extraordinary achievement and/or outstanding support for Missouri State.