Ph.D. in Educational Policy & Leadership—Higher Education, The Ohio State University
Joseph A. Kitchen is an associate research professor at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Kitchen conducts quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research, and his research agenda spans several areas, with a central focus on the role of college transition, outreach, and support programs and interventions in promoting equitable outcomes and college success among first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students. He is committed to translating his research to inform policies and practices that promote social justice and equity in education.
Following postdoctoral scholar appointments with Harvard University and USC Pullias Center, Dr. Kitchen served as an assistant professor of higher education at the University of Miami before rejoining the Pullias Center in 2021. He received his B.A. (Psychology) and M.A. (City and Regional Planning) from The Ohio State University, as well as his Ph.D. in Educational Policy & Leadership-Higher Education.
Expertise
STEM education | College Success
Current Projects
Latest News
Reflections from Rising Higher Education Scholars & Professionals
“What Works in Peer Mentoring: Evidence-Based Strategies to Support Low-Income College Student Transitions” webinar recording now available
Meet the Pullias Researchers at AERA in Los Angeles, April 8-12, 2026
Promoting Successful First-Year Experiences through Research and Practice
Associate Research Professor Joseph Kitchen Named Editor of the Journal of the First-Year Experience & Students in Transition
The Role of Peer Mentors in Promoting Career Self-Efficacy Among Low-Income Students
The Role of Relational Closeness in Career Development Among Low-income Students
Meet the Pullias Researchers at ASHE in Denver, Nov. 13-15, 2025
Promising Practices for Supporting College Students’ Well-being
Supporting College Transitions: An Effective Peer Mentoring Model
Meet the Pullias Researchers at AERA in Denver, April 23-27, 2025
The Pullias Center Accepts Special Merit Award From the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE)
The Pullias Center Honored with 2024 Special Merit Award from the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE)
Meet the Pullias Researchers at ASHE in Minneapolis, Nov. 20-23, 2024
New Resources for Culture Change
The PASS research team has developed a series of tools — a new guidebook and syllabus, informational video and a new book — for campuses...














