The University of Oklahoma Outreach’s Educational Training, Evaluation, Assessment, and Measurement (E-TEAM) department recently published its first annual Year in Review, highlighting a year of impactful research, statewide partnerships, and continued growth. The report showcases E-TEAM’s work supporting projects in early childhood education, behavioral health, child welfare, criminal justice, and leadership development across Oklahoma and beyond.

Highlights from 2025 include award-winning research presentations, peer-reviewed publications, major evaluation partnerships with organizations, such as the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) and the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY), and the ongoing development of EON, the secure web-based evaluation platform E-TEAM developed for ODMHSAS.

The Year in Review also reflects the department’s continued momentum through new and ongoing projects, professional achievements among staff, and expanding collaborations with local, state, and national partners. In 2025 alone, E-TEAM supported 17 projects, submitted 29 proposals, and worked with 13 clients. Looking ahead, the department plans to continue advancing data-informed decision-making and program improvement efforts through research and evaluation initiatives that support stronger outcomes for communities across Oklahoma and the nation. The full report is available on the E-TEAM website https://eteam.ou.edu/.

---

E-TEAM in the Community

E-TEAM had a productive spring tabling season, participating in three events that provided opportunities to reconnect with current partners and engage with new faculty and organizations across campus and the community.

From March 30th to April 1st, E-TEAM tabled at the 2026 Oklahoma Child Abuse and Neglect Conference, which brought together professionals from a wide range of disciplines to share best practices for serving children and caregivers affected by maltreatment, with a focus on reducing trauma and improving outcomes.

On April 7, E-TEAM hosted a table at the second annual Data Institute for Societal Changes (DISC) Symposium, which featured a student poster session, a panel discussion, and multiple speaker presentations. In addition to tabling, E-TEAM supported the event by developing an event feedback survey to assist organizers in continuing to refine and strengthen this growing symposium.

Finally, on April 9, E-TEAM participated in Celebrating Research Translation at OU, a first-of-its-kind event hosted by the NSF ART: InTRO grant team. The event convened faculty, researchers, students, industry partners, and innovation leaders to recognize and celebrate research translation excellence at the University of Oklahoma.

---

Student Spotlight: Celebrating Sua Kim

Sua is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a field she was drawn to because of her interest in numbers, attention to detail, and desire to help organizations make informed and responsible financial decisions. She values work that is structured and reliable, while also allowing her to contribute in a thoughtful and consistent way.

Since October 2023, Sua has been a valued member of the OU E-TEAM. She shared that one of her favorite parts of the experience was the supportive environment and the opportunity to work alongside such a great team. As her first professional work experience, her role with E-TEAM has been especially meaningful, helping her learn what it means to be part of a team, build workplace skills, and grow both personally and professionally.

After graduation, Sua plans to prepare for the CPA exam while continuing her work with OU E-TEAM. She is excited to keep building her experience and apply what she has learned as she continues to grow in her accounting career.

---

E-TEAM Celebrates Staff Recognition at 2026 Norman Campus Staff Awards

E-TEAM was in attendance at the 2026 Norman Campus Staff Awards Ceremony to celebrate Hannah Anderson and Jeremy Caudle. Hannah, E-TEAM's Senior Full Stack Developer, was recognized for reaching her 10-year milestone with the University of Oklahoma, and Jeremy, E-TEAM’s Web Developer/Graphic Designer, was honored with a Distinguished Performance Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions in design excellence and collaborative support that have enhanced the quality, accessibility, and visibility of E-TEAM’s work across campus and with clients.

---

E-TEAM Collaborates with OU Faculty on Published Telehealth Study

E-TEAM is excited to highlight a recent publication co-authored by E-TEAM Senior Research Associates Dr. Sarah Connelly and Lisa White, in collaboration with Dr. Courtney Beers Dewhirst, Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education in the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education; Dr. Amber Beisly, Assistant Professor in the Department of Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum at OU-Tulsa; and Dr. David McLeod, Director of the Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work. The article, Connected Care: Exploring Telehealth Use and Provider Well-Being in Family Childcare, was published in the Early Childhood Education Journal.

This mixed-methods study examined how family childcare providers used telehealth services and how those services supported healthcare access, provider well-being, and workforce retention. Findings showed that telehealth helped address common barriers faced by family childcare providers, including limited time away from work, geographic distance, and difficulty accessing care. Among providers who used telehealth, nearly all reported that it supported their physical and mental health, and many indicated that it helped them remain in the childcare workforce. At the same time, the study found that teletherapy was underused and that broader workforce challenges, such as compensation, policy requirements, and business sustainability, remain critical issues for the field.

This publication reflects the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration across the University of Oklahoma. By bringing together expertise in evaluation, early childhood education, instructional leadership, and social work, the author team contributed to an important conversation about supporting Oklahoma’s early childhood workforce and strengthening systems that promote provider well-being, access to care, and long-term workforce stability.

---

E-TEAM Honored for Partnership with CCAN and NCSBY

E-TEAM was recognized with a Collaboration Award at the 2026 State of Outreach for their ongoing partnership with the Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (CCAN) and the National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth (NCSBY) at OU Health. Through this partnership, E-TEAM has worked alongside nationally recognized experts, including Drs. Jane Silovsky and Erin Taylor, to develop accessible, user-friendly educational resources focused on child sexual abuse prevention and youth behavioral health.

Working closely with subject matter experts and multidisciplinary stakeholders, E-TEAM helps to translate complex and sensitive information into practical tools for professionals, caregivers, schools, and communities. Together, the partnership advances national efforts in prevention and behavioral health through the development of high-impact toolkits, family and provider resources, and interactive guides used across Oklahoma and beyond. The collaboration reflects E-TEAM’s commitment to thoughtful design, stakeholder engagement, and creating resources that support meaningful community impact.