Donna Mertens Recognized for Global Impact with TEI’s First Social Betterment Award

The Evaluators’ Institute (TEI) is proud to announce Dr. Donna Mertens, Professor Emeritus at Gallaudet University, as the recipient of the inaugural TEI Social Betterment Award. The award was presented on May 1, 2025, at the Western Psychological Association (WPA) Convention during a special event celebrating the Claremont Colleges’ enduring contributions to applied psychological science and evaluation.

Launched in conjunction with Claremont Graduate University’s Centennial Celebration, The TEI Social Betterment Award, which includes a $10,000 prize and optional $2,000 travel stipend, recognizes evaluators whose work exemplifies the potential of evaluation to drive meaningful societal change.

“This award reflects our commitment to uplifting evaluators who foster a more just, informed, and thriving world through their work,” said Dr. Tiffany Berry, Director of Student Affairs and Strategic Planning for TEI and Dean, School of Social Science, Policy & Evaluation at Claremont Graduate University.

“We are thrilled to recognize Donna Mertens as a leader and change agent in the evaluation community.”  Dr. Stewart I. Donaldson, Executive Director of TEI and Distinguished University Professor at Claremont Graduate University, agreed. “Recognizing Donna Mertens with the inaugural TEI Social Betterment Award highlights the profound influence she has had in advancing evaluation as a force for social good. Her legacy sets a high standard for all who seek to use evaluation to foster a more just and thriving society.”

Selected from a highly competitive pool, Dr. Mertens was nominated by a global cohort of scholars, including Professor Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie (UK/South Africa), Dr. Fiona Cram (New Zealand), Professor Bagele Chilisa (Botswana), Professor Norma Romm (South Africa), Dr. Tamarah Moss (Bahamas/US), and Professor Anna CohenMiller (Spain).

“Donna Mertens is a trailblazing evaluation and mixed methodology theorist, scholar, mentor, and practitioner whose work has revolutionized the field by centering social justice, equity, and the voices of marginalized communities,” said Ayesha Boyce, a member of the TEI Social Betterment Award Selection Committee.

Support letters praised her “unparalleled commitment to transformative, mixed methods evaluation,” calling her a “catalyst for positive change” with a legacy of “inclusive innovation” and “radical generosity.” Committee member Sarah Chapman emphasized the global reach of her influence and the profound impact of her work on both theory and practice.

The committee also recognized two honorable mentions: Dr. Dawn X. Henderson, founder of WeClaim Research, LLC, and the Reciprocal Consulting Inc. team (Dr. Kim van der Woerd, Dr. Billie Joe Rogers, Kylee Swift, and Sofia Vitalis).

Dr. Mertens will lead a TEI community webinar in Fall 2025.

To follow updates and future opportunities, stay connected through the TEI newsletter or visit the TEI website.