Mykal Leslie to lead Human Development Institute
We are pleased to announce that Mykal J. Leslie, Ph.D., has been appointed executive director of the Human Development Institute (HDI) at the University of Kentucky, effective September 15, 2025.
Dr. Leslie earned a B.A. in Psychology from Marietta College (2011), M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling from Ohio University (2013) and Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Kent State University (2018).
Since joining HDI in 2023 as director of data and evaluation, Dr. Leslie has led a comprehensive restructuring of the evaluation unit to strengthen alignment with HDI’s mission. HDI’s mission is to advance efforts that improve the lives of all people who experience disability across the lifespan.
He has advanced institute-wide initiatives in strategic planning, project management, data integration and UCEDD compliance, while forging cross-unit systems supporting growth, transparency and sustainability.
Dr. Leslie brings extensive external partnerships with state agencies, including the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Kentucky Department of Education, and Cabinet for Health and Family Services. He has served as principal investigator or evaluation lead on major projects funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, Kentucky Department of Education, and Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Before joining UK, Dr. Leslie was an associate professor and program coordinator of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at Kent State University, and interim director of the Center for Disability Studies. He has also maintained a clinical counseling practice, bringing grounded experience to his scholarship and leadership.
As HDI’s executive director, he will be responsible for guiding the unit’s strategic direction, deepening statewide and national partnerships, and supporting the institute’s staff and researchers in carrying forward its national reputation and legacy of impactful research.
We extend our gratitude to Kathy Sheppard-Jones for her exemplary leadership as executive director, and to Beth Potter, who served as acting director during this transitional period.
We look forward to working with Dr. Leslie as HDI enters its next era.
