SDSU Names Kitchen to Top Administrative Post New Vice President of Student Affairs Announced Today

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- PHOTO AVAILABLE ON SDSU WEB SITE**

SDSU Names Kitchen to Top Administrative Post
New Vice President of Student Affairs Announced Today

CONTACT: Sara Muller Fraunces, (619) 594-5204, sara.fraunces@sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO, Tuesday, May 2, 2000 San Diego State University President Stephen L. Weber announced today the appointment of James R. Kitchen as Vice President of Student Affairs, following a national search. Kitchen is joining SDSU from his current position as Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Dean of Students at the University of Kansas.
"I'm delighted to welcome Jim to our University," said Weber during the announcement. "The division of Student Affairs is responsible for a very important part of the SDSU experience because it relates directly to the students on a day-to-day basis."
Kitchen said the opportunity to play a role in the continuing development of SDSU held tremendous appeal to him as a long-time professional in the educational community.
"San Diego State University is a great institution with a wonderful reputation," said Kitchen. "It became evident to me that this university values Student Affairs as an integral part of its mission.
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That philosophy complements my own core belief that every effort should be made to interface a continuous academic and social relationship for both students and staff."
The search committee was headed by Rick Bay, director of athletics for SDSU, and included a total of 11 other faculty and staff members, students and one community representative.
Bay said the committee recommended Kitchen because he is highly articulate, fiscally responsible, has an open communications style, manages with a collaborative philosophy and most important, has proven himself to be an advocate for students and their development.
Dr. Isidro Ortiz, selection committee member and SDSU professor of Chicana/Chicano Studies, said Kitchen's extensive experience and charisma set him apart from the other candidates.
"Jim is a dynamic person who communicated his ability to exercise leadership and inspire people. He also exhibited a strong commitment to the development of students," Ortiz said.
As one of only five SDSU vice presidents, Kitchen will become a member of the President's Cabinet, the leaders who oversee the University and counsel the President on key issues and priorities. The other four divisions represented on the Cabinet include Academic Affairs, Business and Financial Affairs, University Advancement, and Research and Graduate Affairs.
In addition to direct assistance to students, the Student Affairs division develops programs that enhance the learning environment on campus and improve the quality of life for students and others. Key programs include Student Health Services, Housing & Residential Life, Financial Aid, Scholarships and the Student Resource Center, which is the primary information source for students. Also, the International Student Center serves more than 840 international students from 77 different countries.
San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, it has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 76 areas, master's degrees in 59 areas and doctorates in 13 to its more than 30,000 students.
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