San Diego State Vice President for Student Affairs James Kitchen announced his retirement and will officially end his 13-year career on May 17.

“SDSU is family to me,” Kitchen said.” I was a Rebel for 18 years, a Husky for four years in Minnesota, a Jayhawk for six years in Kansas, but I am an Aztec for life.”

Kitchen, who is originally from Missouri, first visited San Diego in January 1975. He  developed a love for the city and vacationed here annually with his family. When the opportunity to work at SDSU came, Kitchen couldn’t turn it down.

Since arriving on campus in 2000, Kitchen played a vital role in SDSU’s growth, specifically within Student Affairs.

“These 13 years at SDSU, I’ve had a great staff and great collaborations and I’ve been able to watch this Division of Student Affairs grow and mature,” Kitchen said. “When I came here, there were challenges and Student Affairs wasn’t too highly regarded by some. But at the same time, we’ve made a lot of changes over the years and we’re a very respected division on campus right now.”

Kitchen attributed these accomplishments to his colleagues’ hard work.

“My experience here has taught me to be patient—probably more patient than I’ve ever been in my life,” Kitchen said. “When decisions impact the university as a whole, you have to learn to be patient and more deliberate about the decisions you make and why you’re making those decisions.”

He described his career at SDSU as one of the brightest times of his life.

“To come here and really be a part of its growth as a vice president, that really is special,” Kitchen said.

Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Enrollment Services Sandra Cook, Kitchen’s colleague for 13 years, described their working relationship during those years.

“He’s been my go-to guy for student issues and I’m really sorry to see him retire,” Cook said.

Cook explained how prior to Kitchen’s efforts, there was a huge achievement gap between different ethnic groups on campus.

“SDSU has not only improved graduation rates overall, but for everyone,” Cook said. “There’s virtually no achievement gap and he played an important and huge role in that.”

Kitchen described himself as being student-oriented and has made himself available to students through student organizations.

“Dr. Kitchen leaving is very disheartening,” Student African American Brotherhood President and communications senior Brandon Williams said. “Not only did he establish the organization, but he shows up to our meetings and makes himself accessible to us as young African-American males.”

A Vietnam War Combat veteran, Kitchen has a multitude of experiences, but he said because of his personal contributions and hard work, SDSU is where his heart is.

He has contributed to various aspects of the campus and created the master’s degree in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Student Affairs, which has been at SDSU for nine years.

Kitchen’s career in Student Affairs wasn’t planned; he wanted to either coach high school basketball or play in the NBA.

“I didn’t know anything at all about what goes on with student affairs,” Kitchen said. “All I wanted to do was go to college, get my degree and play basketball or coach basketball.”

Despite the change in plans, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Eric Rivera said Kitchen mentored him and made a huge impact on SDSU’s campus.

“You have a lot of competent leaders, but not a lot of leaders who lead with soul,” Rivera said. “There’s no question—he leads with soul. Students love him, parents love him. Everybody loves Dr. Kitchen.”

Although Kitchen said he doesn’t like the word “retirement” because of its connotation to an inactive lifestyle, he will enjoy his post-work life spending quality time with family, exercising and relaxing on his boat. He said he looks forward to enjoying life and being able to spend time with his four granddaughters.

“I just want to live life to the fullest and want to enjoy whatever’s left for the rest of my life,” Kitchen said.

Kitchen said there is a lot he will miss, but he knows it’s a part of change.

“It’s been a fun journey,” Kitchen said. “Life is short and it goes by fast. Have fun in your journey—that’s the most important thing.”