Welcome to the Evaluation Unit!
We are a dedicated team of program evaluators who support impactful work by providing actionable insights and meaningful evaluations. Our services are designed to help organizations achieve their goals and improve their outcomes. Whether through conducting comprehensive evaluations, delivering technical assistance, or supporting grant writing, we are committed to fostering positive change. If you think our services could benefit your work or you’d like to learn more, reach out. We’d love to connect
About Us
The Evaluation Unit is a vital component of the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute (HDI), the University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities for Kentucky. We collaborate with organizations across disability services, special education, public health, mental health, and substance use sectors to deliver high-quality evaluation services.
With extensive experience in program evaluation, public policy, and data analysis, we support local, state, and national projects by using cutting-edge evaluation methods. Our team members bring expertise in designing tailored evaluations, analyzing complex datasets, and providing actionable recommendations that drive impactful decisions.
What We Do
Program and Policy Evaluation
- Design multi-method evaluations of programs to assess outcomes, processes, and impacts.
- Develop logic models and outcome measures to align resources with desired results.
- Create policy briefs and reports to inform stakeholders and decision-makers.
- Capture best practices and assess fidelity of program implementation.
Data Collection and Analysis
- Develop quantitative and qualitative instruments.
- Design online, web-based, and paper surveys.
- Facilitate focus groups and conduct interviews.
- Perform advanced statistical analyses and manage program databases.
Planning and Capacity Building
- Conduct needs assessments and environmental scans.
- Facilitate strategic planning with program leaders and stakeholders.
- Provide coaching and technical assistance to enhance organizational evaluation capacity.
Resource Development
- Support grant writing and proposal development to secure funding.
- Assist with Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications.
- Develop customized briefs and reporting templates for stakeholders.
Our Portfolio
Our diverse portfolio reflects our commitment to advancing evaluation practices across numerous sectors:
Education and Disability Services
- Kentucky and Tennessee State Professional Development Grants
- Kentucky State Systemic Improvement Plan
- Supported Higher Education Project (SHEP)
- Kentucky LEND Program
- Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA) for Kentucky OVR
- KY Transition 360: Postsecondary transition programming for students with disabilities
Mental Health and Substance Use
- Transition Age Youth Launching Realized Dreams (TAYLRD 2.0)
- System of Care-FIVE (Families Involved! Valued! Empowered!)
- Kentucky Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education (KY AWARE)
- Volunteers of America Mid-States Program for Residential Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women
Public Health and Aging
- Food for Thought (Administration on Aging)
- AT3 Center for Assistive Technology (Administration for Community Living)
- Bridging the Gap: Pilot program by the Department for Aging and Independent Living
Workforce Development
- Retaining Employment and Talent after Injury/Illness (RETAIN) KY
- Community Work Transition Program (CWTP)
Contact Us
Mykal Leslie, PhD, LPCC-S, CRC
Director of Data and Evaluation
Human Development Institute, University of Kentucky
126 Mineral Industries Building, Lexington, KY 40506
Email: mykal.leslie@uky.edu