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Delta State’s College of Education and Human Sciences names Pambianchi 2020-2021 Outstanding Alumnus

The College of Education and Human Sciences at Delta State University has announced Dr. Lee Pambianchi, principal of Northshore Elementary School in Rankin County, as its 2020-2021 Outstanding Alumnus.

Pambianchi graduated from DSU in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She continued to advance her studies at DSU, earning the M.Ed. and Ed.S. degrees in Elementary Education in 2007 and 2009, respectively, followed by a specialist’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision in 2010.  She completed her Ph.D. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education at Mississippi State University in 2017.

“What an honor it is for the College of Education and Human Sciences to recognize Dr. Lee Pambianchi,” said Dr. Leslie Griffin, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences at DSU. “Always a standout student, she has applied that same level of commitment to her professional career—and Mississippi students have been the beneficiaries. Lee has put theory into action in such a powerful manner—and is poised to do so for years to come. We celebrate her achievements with her!”

During her current principalship, Pambianchi has positively impacted student learning achievement while encouraging students to work towards goals “bigger than themselves,” creating opportunities for all members of the school community — students, faculty, and staff – to connect as a learning community and to engage in service learning beyond the walls of the school.

As a result of her tireless work in education in Mississippi, she was recognized in 2019-2020 as the Mississippi Administrator of the Year and as a National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Administrators. Prior to these awards, she had been named Rankin County School District Elementary Administrator of the Year in both 2017 and 2018. She also received the Rankin County School District Administrator of the Year Award in 2019. Dr. Pambianchi was inducted into the DSU Hall of Fame in 2005.

“It is an honor to help recognize Dr. Pambianchi as the College of Education and Human Science’s 2020-2021 Outstanding Alumnus,” said Dr. Merideth Van Namen, chair of the Division of Teacher Education, Leadership and Research. “As a classmate together years ago, I knew she would make a tremendous impact on so many children and teachers in her future, and she has done just that. Her commitment to excellence is visible in her leadership and work ethic, and I could not be more proud of all that she has accomplished professionally.”

Dr. Pambianchi is married to Dr. Dustin Pambianchi, a 2010 DSU alumnus. They have three children, Blaine (5), Catherine (2), and Litton (2 months).  The family resides in Brandon, Mississippi, and are active members of St. Paul Catholic Church.