Director Kelly Nye-Lengerman announced today that she will resign as Director of the Institute on Disability (IOD) at the University of New Hampshire on September 6, 2024. Since she began in 2020, Nye-Lengerman has been a visionary leader for the IOD. Deeply committed to full inclusion, her many contributions within the field of disability research and advocacy have been invaluable to the IOD and the broader community we serve.
“Serving as the director of the Institute on Disability has been an honor,” said Nye-Lengerman. “UCEDDs are magical places because we truly get do it all—innovative research, meaningful teaching and training, creative outreach, and real capacity building to improve the lives of people with disabilities. The IOD is stronger, more diverse, and nimble than when I arrived. We have grown together in making the IOD a place where positive change happens around us, and because of us. We are one IOD.”
During her tenure, Nye-Lengerman led a team of interdisciplinary professionals in groundbreaking research, training, technical assistance, and education. Her work has focused on strengthening local and state partnerships, diversifying the IOD’s research and service portfolio, and enhancing organizational capacity to honor the strengths of the IOD. Under her leadership, the IOD portfolio grew by more than 60%, enabling the IOD to reach new populations of disabled people, students, and community members. Her leadership has been a driving force in furthering UNH as a trailblazer in advancing public policies and systems change for people with disabilities. Before her time at the IOD, Nye-Lengerman served for 11 years at the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota, where she made significant contributions in program and workforce development, employment services, and direct support roles. She worked in direct practice roles as a service provider supporting individuals and families. Her extensive experience and passion for research, service, teaching, and advocacy have perfectly fit the IOD.
“I am grateful to Dr. Nye-Lengerman for her leadership and stewardship of the Institute on Disability,” said Kirsten Corazzini, dean of the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS). “Over the last four years, she has strengthened IOD’s partnerships, advocacy, research, and practice—work that has, and will continue, to benefit our College and the disability community of our state and region. I wish her well in her future endeavors and look forward to appointing an interim director and beginning a national search for a permanent director who will carry that vital work forward.”
Nye-Lengerman’s dedication to inclusive practices and policies and expertise in disability-related issues will undoubtedly continue to benefit many as in her new position as a Principal Researcher with Mathematica.
As the IOD transitions to a new chapter, we remain committed to our mission of promoting full access, equal opportunities, and participation for all individuals. Under the direction of the College of Health and Human Services, the IOD is in the process of identifying an interim director and search committee. Please join us in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Nye-Lengerman for her exceptional leadership and wishing her success in her future pursuits.
