WMU Evaluation, Measurement, Research

CEHD Brain Trust.

Spring Commencement
May 2026

Congratulations Nick Chang, Petro Okoth and Clement Malanda. Three new Masters degrees completed. EMR had much to celebrate at the Spring Commencement!!!

Hi WMU Community,
🎬 New Video Now Available on the EMR YouTube Channel!
The Evaluation, Measurement, and Research (EMR) program at Western Michigan University continues its Evaluation Approaches series with a presentation by Chaya Braxton on Culturally Responsive Evaluation & Assessment (CREA).
CREA is an approach that places culture, equity, justice, and community voice at the center of evaluation practice. It helps evaluators move beyond traditional methods by recognizing lived experiences, collective knowledge, and cultural context as essential sources of evidence.
In this presentation, you will explore:
✨ The philosophy and purpose of CREA
✨ Key founders and foundational contributors
✨ CREA methodology and responsive techniques
✨ The role of the evaluator as a cultural learner and equity advocate
✨ Real-world examples of CREA in practice
✨ Challenges, opportunities, and the future of CREA in the age of AI
This session offers valuable insights for students, researchers, and evaluation professionals committed to more inclusive and socially just evaluation practices.
▶️ Watch here: https://youtu.be/AEupDmjfH2k
🔔 Please like, comment, and subscribe to support the EMR YouTube Channel!
WMU Graduate College
Gary Miron

WMU-Evaluation Measurement Research Evaluation Approaches: Culturally Responsive Evaluation & Assessment (CREA) by Chaya Braxton

Hi WMU Community,
🎉 Proud to Share! Our EMR Community is Leading the Way!
We are excited to highlight Alison LaRocca, PhD student in the Evaluation, Measurement, and Research (EMR) program at Western Michigan University, who has been selected as part of the guest editorial team for a special issue of New Directions for Evaluation through the INVITE-PUB initiative, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).
📘 Special Issue Focus: Cost-Inclusive Evaluation
This special issue supports new authors, especially those who have never published in an academic journal, by connecting them with experienced scholars and mentors to advance high-quality, cost-inclusive evaluation scholarship and practice.
✨ Open Call for Articles
Scholars, practitioners, and students are invited to submit articles that advance the understanding and practice of cost-inclusive evaluation.
🤝 Match-Making Session
Aspiring Authors + Experienced Authors
📅 Monday, May 11, 2026
🕒 3:30 – 4:30 PM EST
💻 Virtual via Zoom
🔗 Register here:
https://wmich.zoom.us/meeting/register/NkFCr9mHyIgGPrcl-4JQ
Let’s continue supporting emerging scholars and strengthening our evaluation community!
Please share this opportunity with your colleagues, students, and networks. WMU Graduate College WMU College of Education and Human Development WMU Evaluation, Measurement, Research

ELRT was well represented at the College Awards. And Dr. Beixi Li received the Trailblazer award. Good day to be a Bronco.

🎉 Celebrating EMR Excellence!

Congratulations to Albert Munyanyi for representing the Evaluation, Measurement, and Research (EMR) program at the Graduate College Research Poster Competition at Western Michigan University!

🏆 Albert was among the students who tied for second place, earning a $250 prize.

His research, “Recurrent Marginality Across Educational Transitions,” explores important themes related to belonging, social capital, and educational experiences.

👏 We are incredibly proud of our students and their achievements!