Appalachian State University Blog

Dr. Kevin Sutton’s professional story doesn’t start in a lab or a lecture hall — it starts 50 feet up a tree, chainsaw in hand, snow piling on his shoulders, and a simple but profound question running through his head: “What decisions did I make to get here, and what decisions do I need to make to never do this again?”

That moment of reflection marked a turning point. What had started as a practical small business venture — mowing lawns and removing trees with his brother to help pay the bills — was no longer the path forward. “I now only cut trees by choice,” he jokes, “which is much better than it being your career.”

Today, as an assistant professor, Dr. Kevin Sutton brings a grounded, practical approach to App State Online’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Organizational Leadership and Learning Flight Path program.

From Chainsaws to Cockpits and Classrooms

Dr. Sutton’s early love for technology and design never wavered. Initially enrolling as a mechanical engineering student, he quickly realized that what excited him most was not the theory-heavy path, but the hands-on, creative world of drafting and design — courses he’d been told to avoid because they would “sandbag his GPA.”

He ignored that advice and, true to form, pivoted after his first semester into the Technology Engineering and Design Education program, a discipline rooted in industrial arts, engineering graphics, and creative problem-solving. It wasn’t just a better fit — it was the launching point of a career in integrative science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

A ‘Force Multiplier’ for Aviation Teachers

Before arriving at Appalachian State University, Dr. Sutton was already combining his passion for education with real-world impact through his work with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). EAA’s Young Eagles program had flown over 2 million youth in small aircraft for free, sparking imaginations and curiosity about aviation careers.

Partnering with EAA, Dr. Sutton coauthored a comprehensive white paper that laid the foundation for AeroEducate — a free online education platform that connects K-12 students with STEM-based aviation career pathways. 

“We wanted to be a force multiplier for teachers,” Dr. Sutton explains. “That way, we can reach more students with authentic, hands-on STEM experiences that connect directly to real careers.”

The effort is far from theoretical. Each year, Dr. Sutton attends EAA AirVenture Oshkosh — North America’s largest air show, with over 700,000 attendees — where he cohosts forums; professional development for educators; and panels featuring astronauts, engineers, pilots and spaceflight pioneers. 

Real-World Experience at the Core

At App State, Dr. Sutton continues that practical mission of empowering professionals. With a unique blend of storytelling, systems thinking and STEM education, he helps students reimagine what it means to learn through doing.

Dr. Sutton serves as the director of the Organizational Leadership and Learning program. Unlike traditional programs that expect students to mold their lives around school, the Organizational Leadership and Learning Flight Path program is designed to fit into adult learners’ lives. This isn’t your traditional bachelor’s degree. It’s a forward-thinking, highly practical and deeply human-centered program built for adult learners who are serious about advancing their careers.

“We want to give you the skills to lead and advance in whatever career you’re in, or wherever you want to go,” Dr. Sutton says.

Consider some of the many reasons that students from all walks of life are choosing the Flight Path program.

Credit for Your Experience

One of the standout features of the Organizational Leadership and Learning Flight Path program is how it recognizes and rewards working professionals’ prior experience.

“Whatever background you have, we give you that step up,” Dr. Sutton explains. “Could be an HVAC technician, cosmetology or especially military. We’re able to take your transcripts and give credit.”

The program accepts up to 24 hours of prior credit, including credentials over 10 years old — a rare level of flexibility in higher education.

Expert Faculty With Industry Experience

App State’s faculty are not just academics — they’re practitioners with decades of real-world experience. Dr. Sutton himself runs a small business with his wife, brings board leadership experience and continues to work with national organizations such as the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA).

“We hire faculty intentionally for their expertise,” he explains. “We want people that have real experience and can share and show that.”

Skills That Translate Across Industries

Dr. Sutton emphasizes that the curriculum is built for career advancement: “Our goal is to help you advance and kind of unlock new opportunities, whether you’re trying to shift into a completely different career, or you’re just trying to climb in your current career.”

Students gain durable, high-impact skills that are relevant in virtually every industry. These include:

• Leadership and management foundations

• Effective communication and teamwork

• Career management

• Project management

• Professional learning and development

• Entrepreneurial thinking and innovative problem-solving

• Data analysis, digital literacy and use of technology in leadership

Internship

A standout feature of App State Online’s Organizational Leadership and Learning program is its flexible, real-world internship component, designed specifically for working adults. The program is intentionally structured so that students can continue working full time and earn internship credit through their current roles.

As a parent himself, Dr. Sutton explains how he and his colleagues tailored the program with busy, working professionals in mind. He explains that students sometimes say, “‘I can’t just stop my job. I still need to eat and need to make money.’ This entire program is designed so you don’t have to put your whole life on pause.”

Students in the program are encouraged to leverage their current roles and experiences without stepping back from their careers. Through structured reflection and guided application, students earn credit for meaningful work they’re already doing. 

Leveraging Cutting-Edge Technologies, Including AI

Dr. Sutton takes a future-focused approach to teaching professionals about technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing critical thinking, ethical use and practical application over fear or hype. He frames AI not as a threat, but as an opportunity. This perspective shapes how he teaches students and professionals: by equipping them with durable skills that embrace emerging technologies.

“Many people were going, ‘Oh, you can’t use AI,’ and we’re going, ‘No, let’s talk about AI.”

Through this mindset, Dr. Sutton helps professionals become not just users of AI, but ethical, informed leaders who understand its potential and limitations — and who are ready to adapt as the workplace evolves. 

Continuous Improvement With Learner Feedback

To deliver a top-rate curriculum, faculty in the Flight Path program tailor their courses based on student feedback. Feedback mechanisms are built into each course. “We very much value class evaluations, you know, buy-in from the students,” Dr. Sutton says. “Most of our instructors also don’t even wait until the end of the semester to ask for student feedback. We appreciate any student feedback at any point.”

In the program, students are encouraged to share their experiences in the spirit of innovation. “I believe in continuous improvement,” Dr. Sutton explains. “So as we’ve been developing the courses and teaching, we take the feedback from the students and incorporate that into the other courses.”

Unlock Your Career Potential With App State Online’s BS in Organizational Leadership and Learning

From tree limbs to flight paths, Dr. Sutton’s journey illustrates how sometimes the most meaningful work begins with the question: Are you happy with what you are doing? If not, what steps can you take to make a change?

If you’re a working professional, military veteran, technical expert or small business owner looking to elevate your career without putting your life on pause, App State Online’s BS in Organizational Leadership and Learning Flight Path program may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

App State values your professional experience and the work you are already doing. “This is here to be a catalyst, to help you,” Dr. Sutton explains. Through the Flight Path program and career content concentration, you receive up to 24 credit hours for previous work, military or technical experience — even if it’s over a decade old. Students also get 24/7 tech support; a success coach; and supportive faculty who understand the challenges of balancing work, life and school.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Explore App State Online’s BS in Organizational Leadership and Learning today.

Recommended Readings

6 Organizational Leadership Skills for Success

What Is a Project Consultant?

What Is an Organizational Leadership Degree?

Sources:

ACTE, Help CTE Students Soar in Aviation Careers

Indeed, “What Is Effective Communication?”

McKinsey & Co., “New Leadership for a New Era of Thriving Organizations”

Stemblazers, “Elevating STEM Leadership: Programs That Empower Future Innovators”

TechTarget, “What Are Leadership Skills?”