Dr Tobin can be called S.C.’s traveling superintendent

EDGEFIELD - Growing up in Blackville in the 1950s on a farm, Dr. Walter L. Tobin didn't have a clue as to what he wanted to do with his life.

A fter graduating from college, he turned down two teaching jobs because he could make more money as a short-order cook. In 1964, he began his teaching career as a high school English, history and political science teacher. Now, as a professional educator, he has rendered service to the children, parents and communities of South Carolina for more than 40 years. Looking back, he sees there have been a lot of surprises in his life as far as career is concerned. "I started teaching in Denmark in 1964," he said. "In 2000, I returned as interim superintendent." Preparation for his career began when he obtained his bachelor of arts degree in English and social studies from South Carolina State College in Orangeburg. He later obtained a master's degree from South Carolina State in secondary education and administration. He went on to obtain his doctorate of education in educational administration from the University of South Carolina. From 1969-1979, he served as principal in Bamberg School District Two. In 1979, he became secondary supervisor of the S.C. State Department of Education. In 1983, he became director of the office of Adult Education. He made it to the superintendent's office in 1989 in Lexington School District Four. In 1992, he became superintendent of Orangeburg School District Five, a position from which he retired in 1999 with no intention of ever going back in that capacity again. "I taught some classes and was planning to do some consulting work," he said. "I got a call from some board members in Denmark. Three of them were former students of mine. They asked me to come talk with them. I didn't think I was interested." But the path of life has some strange crooks and turns. Not only did he accept the office of interim superintendent at Denmark, he has held several other interim positions since he retired. "Usually I come into broken relationships," he said. "I try to bring harmony. I think I have that ability to assess the situation and the experience in leadership to deal with relationships - besides, my wife Bernice has put up with me for 44 years." He came into his present position following the firing of Superintendent Dr. Mary Rice Crenshaw by the Edgefield County School Board on Oct. 10. Tobin was hired on Nov. 16 and his first day on the job was the Monday before Thanksgiving. What does he hope to accomplish here? "I would hope to leave here with the majority of the people marching toward a single purpose," he said. "I hope to give the board some idea of what the assets of the school district are and what they need to be working for on behalf of the children here." He said he spends a lot of time visiting the schools in order to get a pulse for what is going on. "This is a wonderful little community with much potential," he said. "I've been well received. I've met a few of my constituents and I plan to meet more." What quality does he have that makes him effective with people? "I laugh a lot," he said. "It puts people at ease. And besides, it's good medicine." He said he doesn't know what his plans are for the future. "I haven't sought employment," he said. "It seeks me. Even though I'm in an interim position, I treat it as if I'm looking for a long-term engagement. I engage with the community and I stay until the work is finished." When he isn't working, Tobin is involved in a number of civic and community activities and serves as deacon in his church, Second Calvary Baptist, in Columbia. He enjoys golfing, gardening and spending time with his twin grandchildren, Bishop Iyan and Jack Alfred. He and his wife, a retired public school teacher and college professor, enjoy traveling. They have a son and daughter, Walt and Candice.