Lance Evans, EdD, a 24 year educator, is currently the Superintendent of Schools for the New Albany School District. Over the past 24 years Dr. Evans has served in the roles of Teacher, Coach, Assistant Principal, Elementary Principal and High School Principal.
Dr. Evans earned his Doctorate Degree from Delta State University, his Master’s Degree from the University of Mississippi, and his Bachelor’s Degree from Mississippi State University.
During his time as superintendent at New Albany, the district has experienced continuous growth in all academic areas. New Albany School District has received an A rating for the past 5 years. Currently the district ranks among the top 10% in overall academic performance. New Albany School District has also increased its graduation rate by 13.5% to it current graduation rate of 95.5%
Additionally Dr. Evans has implemented a systematic workforce development program into the district. To accomplish this goal he employed a multistep process with an emphasis on Career and Technical Education. This process included the following concepts to achieve our mission:
· Dual Credit CTE course offerings with our local community college
· Student internship program (IMPACTO)
· Career exploration labs at our Elementary, Middle, and High Schools
· Career Coaches at both the middle school and high school grade levels
· Formed workforce development consortium with our neighboring school district
· Construction of the New Albany Center for Innovation
Dr. Evans believes that innovation is a key component to educating students of the 21st century. In order to accomplish the monumental task of educating students of today, a multifaceted approach is essential to ensure the success of all students. “All students do not define success the same way.” Additionally he believes it is our responsibility as educators to create pathways to success with no dead ends for our students.
Lance and his wife Brandy have two children, Katie and Landon. Brandy is a physical therapist at Regional Rehabilitation Center in Tupelo. Katie is a sophomore at Mississippi State University and Landon is a freshman at New Albany High School. The Evans family attends First Methodist Church of New Albany. Lance is a member of the New Albany Rotary Club and the Kiwanis Club of New Albany. He is an active volunteer with Boy Scout Troop 17 and the New Albany Football & Baseball Booster Clubs.
Past AASA Mississippi Superintendent of the Year Winners:
2023 Mississippi Superintendent of the Year: Dr. Lundy Brantley
2022 Mississippi Superintendent of the Year: Dr. John-Mark Cain
2021 Mississippi Superintendent of the Year: Matt Dillon
About the Award:
The Superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by First Student and AASA, pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools.
State-level winners are selected on the following criteria:
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- Leadership for Learning
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Community Involvement