Scaling a Center for Research and Evaluation to Meet Cross-Sector Demand

The Center for Research and Evaluation entered a period of rapid growth, transforming from an academic-focused research unit into a cross-sector provider of evaluation and planning services. Under Dr. Barnard’s leadership, the Center expanded its capabilities in strategic planning, program evaluation, and program review, serving clients across higher education, nonprofits, government, and industry.

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Challenge
How can a university-based evaluation center meet the rising demand for rigorous, actionable research across multiple sectors? The Center needed to evolve beyond its academic origins—building capacity, diversifying expertise, and developing sustainable infrastructure to deliver consistent, high-quality services to external partners.

Solution
 The Center focused on strengthening internal operations, expanding methodological expertise, and aligning service delivery with client needs. Dr. Barnard led multidisciplinary teams to design and evaluate projects ranging from local nonprofit initiatives to federally funded research programs. Each engagement balanced rigor and practicality, ensuring that findings supported both accountability and strategic decision-making.

Outcomes
 Through strategic leadership and capacity building, the Center significantly expanded its impact and reputation.

Highlights:

  • Increased portfolio of grants and contracts by 600%, reflecting rapid growth in client demand.

  • Delivered evaluation, planning, and research services to organizations across academic, nonprofit, government, and private sectors.

  • Customized every project to combine methodological rigor with practical, actionable insights.

  • Established a reputation for long-term partnerships and operational excellence in research delivery.

Impact
The Center’s growth solidified its role as a trusted partner for organizations seeking to understand and demonstrate their impact. Its legacy includes advancing organizational learning, improving program effectiveness, and embedding data-driven decision-making across diverse sectors.