Creating a Successful Ph.D. Program in Evaluation to Grow a Diverse Evaluator Workforce

Abstract Information: The demand for new evaluators with diverse backgrounds is clear in the theme of this year’s conference. Although many evaluators come to the profession through informal paths, the need for formal educational pathways that train future evaluators and evaluation educators is paramount. This presentation describes the creation and growth of a successful Ph.D. program in evaluation. The presentation will include tips for building such a program, including how to recruit and graduate a diverse student body, how to provide apprenticeship opportunities, how to mentor doctoral students, how to create connectedness and belonging among students, how to utilize campus resources, and how to work across campus to build the program. Challenges and strategies for overcoming those challenges will also be discussed.