Dr. Lance Evans
State Superintendent of Education
Mississippi
Dr. Lance Evans began serving as State Superintendent of Education in July 2024. In his 24-year career as an educator, he has served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, elementary principal, high school principal, and Superintendent of Schools for the New Albany School District.
During his seven-year tenure as superintendent in New Albany, the district experienced continuous growth in all academic areas. New Albany School District earned an A rating for the past five years and is ranked among the top 10% in Mississippi in overall academic performance. The district has also increased its graduation rate by 13.5% to its current graduation rate of 95.5%
While in New Albany, Dr. Evans implemented a systematic workforce development program through a multistep process with an emphasis on Career and Technical Education (CTE). This process included the following components to achieve the mission:
- Dual credit CTE course offerings with the local community college
- Student internship program (IMPACTO)
- Career exploration labs at the elementary, middle, and high schools
- Career coaches at both the middle school and high school grade levels
- Formation of workforce development consortium with the neighboring school district
- Construction of the New Albany Center for Innovation
Dr. Evans’ leadership skills have earned him several recognitions including the 2023 Mississippi Superintendent of the Year and the 2015 Mississippi Principal of the Year. He has served on the boards of the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents, the Mississippi Association of School Administrators and the Governing Board for the American Association of School Administrators and is a member of the Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club.
Dr. Evans believes that innovation is key to educating students of the 21st century and a multifaceted approach is essential to ensure the success of all students. Dr. Evans believes all students do not define success the same way and it is the responsibility of educators to create pathways to success with no dead ends for students.
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.
Dr. Evans and his wife Brandy have two children, Katie, a college junior, and Landon, a high school sophomore.
