As Dr. Mykal Leslie steps into his new role as Executive Director of the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute (HDI), he’s focused on returning to the core purpose of its mission.
“We have to go back to why UCEDDs exist,” Dr. Leslie said. “At their heart, they exist to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. My focus is on ensuring HDI delivers the greatest possible impact for Kentuckians with disabilities.”
Dr. Leslie, who previously served as HDI’s Director of Data and Evaluation, succeeds Dr. Kathy Sheppard-Jones, who significantly expanded the institute’s reach, and follows in the footsteps of former Executive Director Dr. Harold Kleinert, who helped establish much of HDI’s current identity. He acknowledges the weight of this legacy while embracing the opportunity to guide HDI through a period of change.
“There are a lot of unknowns right now. The landscape is shifting, and there’s no denying the challenges ahead,” Dr. Leslie said. “But it’s also an incredibly exciting time for disability rights. We have a chance to rethink how HDI shows up for Kentucky.”
For Dr. Leslie, that means ensuring HDI’s continued ability to deliver high-impact work across the state.
“We’ve grown immensely over the last decade,” he said. “Now the work is about stabilizing and strengthening our foundation — building the infrastructure to support our projects and teams so they can keep doing what they do best.”
“It also means recognizing the opportunities in Kentucky to better meet the needs of people with disabilities,” Dr. Leslie said. “HDI has to play an active role. Sometimes that means pulling in funding to support research or new programs. Other times, it’s bringing evidence-based practices into the state, offering training, partnering with service providers, or working directly with businesses to help them understand why and how to hire individuals with disabilities.”
Raised in Appalachia, Dr. Leslie also brings a personal connection to HDI’s work. With experience spanning vocational rehabilitation, mental health counseling, and leading HDI’s Evaluation Department, he views this role as both a professional step forward and a return to his roots.
“Since I arrived at HDI, it has felt like home,” Dr. Leslie said. “I have a deep passion for the work we do and the people who make it possible. I’ve yet to meet someone here whose values and commitment don’t align with mine, and that’s something really special.”
Dr. Leslie knows the challenges ahead are significant, but he’s energized by the opportunity to lead alongside a team he deeply respects.
“The chance to support, empower, and collaborate with the incredible people across HDI is what excites me most,” he said. “There’s so much important work to do — and we’re going to do it together.”
