Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title

NACTA Journal

Publisher

National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture

Publication Date

2019

Volume

63

Issue

2

First Page

37

Last Page

45

Abstract

This study evaluates the contribution of Extension-based community engagement design projects to the development of core technical competencies and professional values in the landscape architecture program at Utah State University. Many university design programs--including landscape architecture--employ community engagement to address local and regional design dilemmas. Programs within traditional agriculture schools often frame these activities as contributory to their institutions' land-grant missions. Engaged scholarship is well enumerated within the literature of landscape architecture. However, little has been published on how Extension facilitates these engagements or its contribution to the development of core competencies and professional values. Utah State University's (USU) landscape architecture program alumni and students were surveyed to determine their perceptions of Extension-based design projects' contribution to the development of core competencies and professional values. Results revealed projects contribute to the development of core technical competencies including software skills, problem-solving, as well as acculturation of professional values and interpersonal skills such as collaboration, empathy, and leadership. As land-grant design programs assess the value of Extension-based community engagement projects, this study illuminates benefits for developing core competencies and professional values in the next generation of design practitioners.

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