Since its inception the FSLI has used a team of external evaluators to collect data on various aspects of the institute.  From speakers and topics in the residential sessions to the development of leadership competencies, the FSLI has employed a variety evaluation activities to collect data that has been used to continually improve the experience for our Fellows and to obtain the outcomes desired by our supporters. 

At the 2007 Annual Meeting of the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges (NASULGC), FSLI’s external evaluation team made a presentation to NASULGC’s Board of Agriculture Assembly.  A copy of there presentation is available here:  http://www.fsli.org/filelibrary/FSLI_Eval_NASULGC_2007.pdf

Through surveys, focus groups, and interviews the external evaluation team has collected data from from FSLI Fellows, their mentors, and other program stakeholders.  They have found that the program is succeeding in all three objective areas (personal leadership, leadership for organizational change, and food systems leadership) and Fellows have grown in their skills in all 24 FSLI core competencies.  Past Fellows recommend the program to their colleagues and have become the strongest advocates and recruiters for the program.  Comments the Fellows and their mentors have shared with the external evaluation team include:

• "FSLI was a life changing experience.  I am a different person after being a part of this group.  Everyone in a leadership position deserves to be a part of this program."
• "I am really appreciative and thankful for the opportunity to participate as a Fellow.  It has been a broadening experience and well worth my involvement... this program is well-managed, high quality, and of great value to the land grant system."
• "A great investment in future leaders." 
• "Best leadership development experience I have ever had."
• "FSLI has helped me grow as a university administrator."
• "I am a better Dean today because of my participation in FSLI."