Dr. Lance Evans was named Mississippi’s Superintendent of the Year on October 23 during the annual meeting and leadership conference of the Mississippi Association of School Administrators (MASA) at The Refuge Hotel & Conference Center in Flowood.
He will go on to compete on the national level and be recognized during the National Conference on Education later this school year in San Diego.
Evans is in his seventh year at the helm of the New Albany School District.
After being nominated for the award, Evans had to complete a lengthy application process which included a short video showing his and his school district’s many accomplishments.
“I’m excited to receive this honor on behalf of the district. It represents the great professionals that I am surrounded by each day,” Dr. Evans explained. “I’m very humbled. It truly is a team award. It recognizes the achievements of all our people here and says a lot about our district’s successes.”
Dr. Ronnie McGehee, MASA executive director, was complimentary about Evans’ “service and leadership in New Albany, his willingness to share his practical experiences in his time as a leader with his peers, and his passion for dual enrollment courses, internships, and workforce development”.
For the first time in New Albany School District’s rich history, the school district earned an “A” accountability grade for the 2018-2019 school year under Evans’ leadership and has retained that letter grade since.
The New Albany School District has an enrollment of 2,134 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
Also highlighted in the application were memberships and offices held in professional organizations; professional development activities; publications and presentations; community leadership; honors and awards; communication; professionalism; and community involvement, among other areas.
John-Mark Cain, superintendent of Lauderdale County School District, who nominated Evans for the award, described him as innovative, community minded and committed to workforce development.
“Dr. Lance Evans continues to demonstrate leadership and commitment toward education innovation, industrial partnerships, and student achievement,” Cain said. “He is well respected by his peers for his success in the New Albany School District and his service on various state committees and professional organizations.”
Evans has previously served as president of MASA and is completing his term as Mississippi’s representative on the national governing board.
Dr. Evans was appointed New Albany School District’s Superintendent of Education in April 2017. Prior to that, he served in administrative roles as principal and assistant principal of New Albany High School and principal of New Albany Elementary School. Before coming to the New Albany School District in 2006, he served as a teacher, coach, and administrator in the Oxford and Itawamba County School Districts.
He holds an associate’s degree from Itawamba Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University, a master’s degree from the University of Mississippi, and a specialist degree and doctorate from Delta State University.
He is active in numerous professional and community organizations including Mississippi Association of School Administrators, American Association of School Administrators, Mississippi Association of School Superintendents, New Albany Kiwanis Club, and Rotary Club of New Albany.
Evans and his wife Brandy have two children. Katie is a sophomore at Mississippi State University and Landon is a freshman at New Albany High School. They attend First Methodist Church New Albany.
