Kennesaw State University administrator Kathryn Bedette was recently named Georgia Educator of the Year at the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Georgia Design and Honor Awards. 

Bedette, interim associate dean in Kennesaw State’s College of Architecture and Construction Managementand associate professor of architecture, was honored for furthering the objectives of the AIA by educating and supporting the next generation of architects. Eligible award candidates are chosen from the architecture programs in Georgia at Georgia Tech, KSU and Savannah College of Art and Design.

“I am deeply humbled to be recognized by AIA Georgia, especially among such an esteemed group of educators across the state,” Bedette said. “Thank you to Cheryl McAfee and the selection committee for their consideration and to AIA Georgia for creating this award. This honor is a reflection of the wonderful work of our students at KSU who inspire me daily.”

Bedette has taught at the University full time since 2006 and has served as the architect licensing advisor for Georgia since 2015. She previously served as the president of AIA Georgia, and her work has been displayed in several venues both in the US and internationally.

In 2018, Bedette was honored among Engineering Georgia magazine’s 100 Influential Women to Know list, which recognizes women of character, integrity and purpose within the state’s engineering community.

“Kathryn has long been a source of inspiration for students within the College of Architecture and Construction Management, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of such an honor,” said Dean Andrew Payne. “Her selection for this award is a testament to the student-focused approach we value at KSU, and faculty mentors like her are what truly makes a difference in the lives of aspiring architects.”

Also honored at the event were KSU architecture alumna Jessika Nelson, who received the AIA Georgia Emerging Professional Award, and professor Bill Carpenter, who joined Jay Silverman in accepting an AIA Georgia Bronze Medal on behalf of the AIA Atlanta High School Design Competition. KSU architecture students Kathryn Stapleton, Daryl Rowe and Rourke Brakeville were recognized with the People’s Choice Award for their project “Macro Grove.”