Associate Dean Kyle Sturgeon Selected for Excellence in Public Service Award

The Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost at UVA annually recognize faculty for outstanding community-engaged scholarship through their public service awards. Aimed at honoring individuals who advance the University’s mission of public service, while undertaking a highly impactful project with students, the Excellence in Public Service Award is given to up to two faculty members in an awards cycle.

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This year, the School of Architecture’s Kyle Sturgeon received this award for his leadership in creating and directing the Design Discovery Youth Summer Program. The committee noted that they were “deeply impressed by the clarity, intentionality, and sustained impact” of this “immersive program [that expands] access to design education for high school students who may not otherwise see a place for themselves in the built environment professions.” 

The award committee also commended Sturgeon for the integration of current UVA students in the program’s vision, goals, and execution. “By inviting student fellows to serve as co-educators, mentors, and collaborators, [Sturgeon has] created a learning environment that prepares them for lives of ethical leadership and community engagement.” 

Sturgeon, Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives, is stewarding the fourth iteration of Design Discovery this summer. We asked him to tell us more about the program at this milestone in its evolution, and in reflection of this well-deserved university-wide recognition. 

What are a few aspects of the Design Discovery program that you feel have been the most rewarding to you?

There are truly too many to count. On a personal level, it’s the lasting relationships I form with our student fellows as we design, make, and mentor alongside one another. In the studio, it’s watching a culture form among a group of strangers, or witnessing those distinct 'A-HA!' moments when a student finally grasps a complex Rhino command or understands that a wall is an assembly of materials on a construction site.

There is also immense joy—and let’s be honest, relief!—during our Celebration of Work.

Seeing a young person proud of their creativity, making new friendships, and watching their families beam with pride over the pathways their children have explored.

Ultimately, the reward spans years; keeping in touch with our fellows and learning when a past participant has been accepted to design school or landed a job.

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This summer will be the program’s 4th year — what lessons have you learned over the years that have informed the program’s growth and success?

First, to grow more intentionally and slower than you might initially want to. Second, operational discipline is everything—we now build a 'Run of Show' that accounts for virtually every minute of the week. 

I’ve also learned the value of capturing lightning in a bottle by taking notes at the end of each day while the reflections are fresh, which directly informs the next session. 

And finally, pacing matters. I’ve learned to build in deliberate breaks; running these immersive experiences takes immense energy, and you can't serve the students well if you are running on empty!

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How would you describe the program’s impact — across participants, student teachers, and beyond?

The program has significant resonance:

• For the Community: The A-School is solidified as a positive, inspiring, and accessible presence for youth and families across the Charlottesville and Albemarle communities.
• For the Participants: A six-day experience can be truly profound. For some, Design Discovery is a low-stakes chance to 'try on' design school; for others, it’s the spark that ignites a lifelong career.
• For our Student Fellows: It is far more than just a great summer job. By co-crafting and leading this program, our students build rigorous project management, teaching, collaboration, and mentorship skills that directly prepare them for their future professional endeavors.

• For the Profession & Commonwealth: Local educators find a true partner in our shared mission to open new possibilities for students and firms connect with the next generation. Through a post-program event, career counselors operating in high schools across the Commonwealth are introduced to the A-School, spreading broader awareness of the A-School and the program.

   

Read more about this summer’s Design Discovery Program.