Now in his second semester at Marian University, Deeb Kitchen, Ph.D., serves as assistant professor of sociology and director of peace and justice studies at Marian University. At a time when social justice issues are at the forefront of public discourse, Kitchen teaches courses on social justice, sociology of gender, and crime, punishment, and policing. He sees the current climate as a great opportunity for meaningful conversation and creates an opportunity for students to work with local organizing groups like Faith in Indiana.

“It’s really helped with the questions I get from students, like ‘So what?’ or ‘What can I do about it?’” Kitchen said. “It’s really allowed us to dive right in.”

As director of Peace and Justice, Kitchen is updating curriculum and working with students to create meaningful experiences for the entire campus. He also recently served as faculty advisor on the Alternative Break trip to New Mexico.

“Our students were so impressive,” Kitchen said. “The planning of it and the coordinating was incredible. To be there and see the passion, compassion, and maturity of our students was really cool.”

Q & A with Deeb Kitchens

Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus?

A: I can’t narrow it to one. I love the EcoLab, the Rosary Walk, and the Oriental Garden.

Q: How did you decide to become professor of sociology?

A: I found it by accident. I was an undergraduate at University of Florida struggling as an art history major. My advisor recommended sociology. That summer, I took my first sociology course and was hooked.

Q: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: I’ve always known that I teaching is what I wanted to do—in different capacities.  There was a time when I thought that I would coach the Florida Gators football team, but I think everyone who grows up in the Deep South thinks they’re going to coach their team at some point. Of course, becoming a Jedi was a career path I considered. Now, I get to do both.