Soraya Coley

President

Cal Poly Pomona

THE LATEST: Cal Poly Pomona was reaccredited in February for the maximum 10 years by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. In January, the university opened two new residence halls that house 980 students as well as a new central dining facility. The buildings are the latest piece of a strategic plan to re-envision academic offerings and upgrade the physical campus. The Cal Poly Pomona Philanthropic Board was launched in November to expand the university's fundraising capabilities and capacity.

BACKGROUND: Coley is the first woman to lead Cal Poly Pomona. Before her appointment in 2014, she served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Cal State Bakersfield. In September, Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Coley to the Future of Work Commission, whose mission is to make recommendations about harnessing technology, innovation and lifelong learning. Also in September, she became the presidential sponsor of the American Council on Education Women's Network of Southern California.

YEARS ON THE LA500: 3

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