52: Transforming University-Based Evaluation Centers: A Case Study of the Urban Education Research Center

Higher education institutions have long been key players in the evaluation marketplace. They have organizational structures that support large-scale and complex evaluation projects. They are perceived in the community as thought leaders and experts in research methodology, knowledge generation, and scholarly work. Increasingly, university researchers are being asked to engage in collaborative evaluation partnerships. This case study examines one research center’s experience establishing a utilization-focused evaluation unit within a university setting. The authors discuss the transition process from a traditional research and evaluation center to a community-driven, use-focused center. This transition involved financial restructuring, a revised approach to project scoping and delivery, and a new framework for engaging with partners and sustaining relationships. Presenters will discuss the evolving evaluation landscape, where clients increasingly prioritize actionable insights and equitable partnerships.