School of Social Work Remembers Kim Archuletta

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Kim Archuletta, a former professor, and Undergraduate Field Director at the School of Social Work. She was more than just a faculty member or lecturer. She was someone’s mentor, confidante, and most of all she was a friend. She was someone you can count on to listen with an open ear. She was someone who could motivate you to push through to complete your goals. She reminded you that you can when you felt like you can’t. She will always be remembered for her kindness, understanding, and her funny nature. She was loved by all who worked with her. She was a colleague helping others get comfortable in their new role. She was a passionate social worker, advocating for others when no one else would and creating programs that were essential to the community. Her impact in the Social Work community, especially at SDSU, was tremendous. She meant so much to many.

Sharing some comments expressed by her former colleagues:

“Kim was my friend and mentor. She really helped me become the social worker I am today. She was funny, kind, loving, and took crap from no one.” – Jennifer Cosio

“We used to share an office together and she would talk about her love cooking and relocation plans. She was a passionate person and will be missed.” – Norman Jackson

“She had an impact on me and she will be missed. It is kind to consider different ways to honor her and her work.” – Paul Brazzel

“Kim was part of the panel that interviewed me with the School of Social Work. She was always so involved and would assist anyone needing her help. She will be truly missed. My prayers go out to her family and loved ones.” – Maria McClean

“Kim was a great friend and social worker, in the truest sense. She was a student advocate and also a fierce presence in CFA. I will miss her, and the School of Social Work Undergrad Field department was led by her hard work and passion while she was here.” – Amalia Hernandez

“Kim was passionate about her work, and her contributions to the department have been significant. She was a wonderful teacher, mentor, and colleague. She will be missed tremendously.”  – Eun Jeong Ko

“I remember Kim’s involvement in the CFA. She was truly a great social worker. I just came across the letter written by Mindy that was included in the packet to the Univ Senate, in support of Kim’s emeritus status upon her retirement. She made a strong and positive impact on our campus and community and inspired a lot of students and faculty alike. Prayers for Kim’s family and friends.” – Dahlia Fuentes

“Kim Archuletta was truly one of the best. I credit her for giving me the courage to go to Grad School. She empowered and showed kindness to so many people, and her loss is impactful.” – Kellie Scott

“Kim was so special and touched so many lives.” – Barbara Ryan

“Kim was my field professor during undergrad. I always felt supported by her. She was someone I connected with well and she encouraged me to apply to grad school. During grad school as a graduate assistant, I interviewed her for the Faculty Spotlight and learned so much from her. Below is a link to my interview for those who didn’t get to meet her. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones.” – Claudia Gonzalez

“I was so lucky to cross paths with Kim for an entire year before her retirement during which she was one of the greatest supports to me in learning my role in field education. In fact, this continued to be true even after she moved to WA, as she was always quick to reply to a text or email from either Silvia or I to consult on field matters. We shared a love for Disneyland, and she was there for me when I lost my dog (Roxy) and even made a donation to a local animal shelter in her memory. She was such a lovely human being, and what I continue to hope to aspire to emulate as a social work educator.” – Amanda Lee

“When I came in as faculty just 8 months after graduating from my MSW program, being in faculty meetings with my former professors was intimidating, and it took me a while to find my voice at the table. Kim modeled courage and transparency from the very beginning in meetings that could be a very different environment from where we are now. I can hear her right now in a meeting where we were discussing our admissions process, and there was to be a vote on lowering GPA weight, saying with great fervor “IT IS ABOUT SOCIAL JUSTICE!” Her passion gave me chills, it still does remember it now! I can imagine her joy if she had been in our meeting this fall when our new rubric passed unanimously, and lecturers at last had a vote at the table. Kim helped me so much when I began teaching my first class SWORK 120 in spring of 2018 to find my way in what would be best practice for our students going out into the field for the first time. I am deeply grateful for the incredible path Kim provided for so many of us to shoot for the moon as advocates and agents of change with each other, our students, and the communities we serve!” – Tamara Strohauer

“She was eager to help and mentor me in my first years at SDSU. She was a source of comfort. I was sad when she moved so far away.” – Rosalind Corbett

“I cannot begin to express what Kim meant to me; I was her Admin for the Undergraduate Program, I provided admin support for her Aztecs in Recovery program, even when we didn’t have funding. We were the first Faculty and Staff appointed to the Mental Health Training Program. Kim was more than just a supervisor, colleague/coworker, she was a confidant and “Sistah Friend” For those of you that don’t know, in the Black community a “Sistah Friend” is a “Ride or Die” Sister, that will always be there for you, regardless, even if you are standing alone. That was Kim Archuletta. “RIP Sistah” – Sylvia Telefaro

We share with you a special poem written by Sylvia Telafaro, who writes about how much Kim touched her life. We’re sure the entire community feels the same way. May her family be comforted knowing how much Kim was loved and respected and that her legacy will continue to be remembered at SDSU School of Social Work. For those wishing to help, the family has requested that any donations be made to the Epilepsy Foundation.