Dr. R. Larry Grayson, chair and professor of mining engineering at UMR, recently received the Ivan B. Rahn Education Award and the Coal and Energy Division Distinguished Service Award from The Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME).

Grayson received the Ivan B. Rahn Education Award in recognition of his contributions to the educational activities within SME.

SME’s Coal and Energy Division awarded Grayson with the Distinguished Service Award for his achievements in the coal mining industry.

Grayson, who became chair of the department in November 2000, served as a professor of mining engineering at UMR from 1996-1997. He has extensive experience in managing mine safety and health research and educational programs. He also served as the first permanent associate director of mining at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in Washington, D.C.

Grayson received a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics from California University in California, Pa., in 1974. He received a bachelor of science degree in engineering of mines from West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va., in 1978. He received a master of science degree and a Ph.D. engineering of mines from West Virginia University in 1981 and 1986, respectively.