Soraya M. Coley, president of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, announced on Feb. 4, that she will step down as president and retire from the California State University system at the end of July 2025.
Coley began her tenure as the sixth president of Cal Poly Pomona in January 2015, the first woman and first African American to be appointed to the role. During her tenure, the university enhanced student success through critical investments in academic advising, programs to increase belonging and promote thriving, and through the development of the CARE Center, essential basic needs services and other critical resources. During her tenure approximately 60,900 students have graduated, with the number of graduates rising from 4,654 for the Class of 2015 to 6,340 in the Class of 2024.
Cal Poly Pomona also made significant investments in campus facilities, including the construction of the Student Services Building and new student housing allowing hundreds more students to live on campus; established the Philanthropic Board, with highly experienced alumni and other leaders who have worked diligently to ensure CPP’s enhanced vitality; and strengthened its partnership with Mt. SAC creating the “Bridge to Success Partnership” to help transfer students.
“I dedicated my efforts to improving the lives and futures of our students,” said President Coley in her email to the campus community. “Watching them grow and flourish filled my heart and focused my work on contributing to building a university that would help them achieve their dreams, no matter their circumstances or backgrounds.”
“I have watched as thousands of our students crossed our graduation stage, smiles beaming across their faces as their families cheered in jubilation,” she said. “I have applauded the success of our extraordinary faculty and the achievements and problem-solving of our incredible management and staff…. Together, we built and implemented a culture of excellence and a community that celebrates diversity and inclusiveness…. Reflecting on these achievements, I am most proud that we are recognized as a leader in social mobility and a high-demand campus, where we have continued to exceed our enrollment targets.”
Coley has served as an academic leader and professor in the CSU system for 40 years. She came to Cal Poly Pomona from California State University, Bakersfield, where she was the provost and vice president for academic affairs from 2005 to 2014. In addition, she served as interim vice president for university advancement from 2011 to 2012. She has also held positions at California State University, Fullerton, the National Center for Substance Abuse and Child Welfare, and Alliant International University.
Cal Poly Pomona, the No. 1 polytechnic university in the nation for diversity and economic mobility, has an enrollment of more than 27,000 students. CPP is nationally ranked as one of the top public universities in the West (U.S. News & World Report), among the best colleges in America (The Wall Street Journal) and a “best bang for the buck” (Washington Monthly). The university is among the largest public sector employers in Los Angeles County.
Following President Coley’s announcement, CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia issued a statement on the pending retirement noting that, “Since her appointment as Cal Poly Pomona’s president in September 2014, President Coley has served as a bold, purposeful and ethical leader…. Perhaps most significantly, under President Coley’s leadership, Cal Poly Pomona has consistently challenged and defied misconceptions regarding who pursues and succeeds within a polytechnic environment, opening doors of opportunity to diverse and historically underserved communities across Southern California and beyond…. Her legacy of student-centered service is truly remarkable – and its impact will span generations.”