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Martha D’Amico Leads Mississippi College Education Leadership Department


Martha D’Amico

Martha D’Amico’s grandfather started his teaching career in 1922 in a one-room schoolhouse in Texas. As a child, she enjoyed having his school bell and playing school with her dolls, stuffed animals and old slate board. Early on, Martha knew she wanted to become a teacher.

Fast forward to 2017, with Dr. D’Amico selected the new interim chair of Mississippi College’s Department of Education Leadership.

It’s the latest career move for D’Amico following three decades as a successful educator. After working as an MC education professor from 1996 through 2001, she served as principal of East Flora Elementary in Madison County. She served as principal at Madison Crossing Elementary in Canton since 2006 before joining MC.

“I am thrilled to be back at Mississippi College,” D’Amico said. “It has been a dream of mine to return to MC and continue working with educators in order to better prepare them for the future.”

Working at Lowrey Hall since July 1, D’Amico succeeds Cindy Melton, now dean of the MC School of Education. She taught undergraduate and graduate students during her previous tenure as a professor on the Clinton campus.

Originally from Monroe, Louisiana, Martha and her husband Dan D’Amico are the parents of two daughters. Sidney, 22, is a second year pharmacy student at the University of Mississippi. Shelby, 18, is a freshman at Ole Miss. The family lives near the golf course at a Lake Caroline subdivision in Madison County.

Martha D’Amico received her bachelor’s in elementary education from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 1987 and her master’s in administration and supervision from the school two years later. She earned her doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Mississippi State University in 1997.

Former Mississippi College Education and Leadership Department chairman Tom Williams believes D’Amico will prove to be a huge asset to the program.

“She has a tremendous record in Madison County,” Williams said. “When Martha was here at MC, she was well-liked and effective.”

Williams chaired the Mississippi College department for nearly a decade. It’s a strong program that’s produced many outstanding educators over the years, says the executive director of campus operations.

D’Amico worked 16 years as an elementary principal. She’s been a gifted teacher, and a reading recovery teacher, among other things.

“As of today, I have worked 30 years as an educator and I hope to work 30 more!,” D’Amico said.

Education is obviously embedded in her DNA. Nearby shelves of books, Martha D’Amico treasures her grandfather’s teaching license that she keeps in her office at Mississippi College.