by Richard Sandoval, for HL and Inland Valley Living

Women’s History Month Reflection

Veteran educator and scientist becomes the first Latina to lead the institution

The California State University Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Vanya Quiñones as the next president of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, marking a historic milestone for the university and the broader California State University system.

Quiñones, who currently serves as president of California State University, Monterey Bay, will assume the role on July 1, 2026, becoming the eighth president of Cal Poly Pomona and the first Latina to lead the institution.

Quiñones’ 30-year career in education as a scientist, researcher and academic administrator has been centered in student success and diversity in the arts and sciences.

Her appointment comes at a time when the university continues to expand its role as one of Southern California’s leading institutions for applied learning, innovation, and workforce development.

“I am profoundly honored to be chosen to lead Cal Poly Pomona, become part of its long and impressive history and contribute to its future vision,” Quiñones said. “I am drawn to Cal Poly Pomona’s strong focus on measuring success by the opportunities it creates and the impact it has on students, families and the surrounding community.”

Quiñones emphasized her commitment to working closely with faculty, students, and community partners to advance the university’s mission.

“I welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with the campus community to support the continued success of the institution and advance its mission for years to come,” she said.

A Record of Leadership and Growth

CSU leadership highlighted Quiñones’ strategic leadership and results-driven approach to higher education.

“Dr. Quiñones is an innovative and data-driven decision maker who aligns institutional priorities with student needs to support immediate progress and long-term stability,” said Diego Arambula, vice chair of the CSU Board of Trustees and chair of the Cal Poly Pomona Presidential Search Committee.

“Under her leadership at Cal State Monterey Bay, the university has thrived, and the committee is confident that her record of success will continue in service to Cal Poly Pomona.”

Since becoming president of Cal State Monterey Bay in 2022, Quiñones has led the university through a period of renewed momentum. During her tenure, the institution experienced nearly 30 percent enrollment growth, reversing several years of declining student numbers.

Her leadership has emphasized expanding experiential learning opportunities, strengthening student mentorship programs, and creating clearer academic pathways for students. The university has also improved its financial outlook while increasing research funding and philanthropic support.

A Career Dedicated to Student Success

Quiñones brings more than three decades of experience in higher education, including roles as a scientist, researcher, and academic leader focused on advancing student success in the arts and sciences.

Before joining the CSU system, she served as provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs at Pace University in New York, where she oversaw academic programs, student academic services, and information technology while also holding the rank of full professor of psychology.

Earlier in her career, Quiñones spent 21 years at the City University of New York’s Hunter College, where she rose through the ranks from assistant professor to department chair in psychology before becoming associate provost for Student Success and Retention.

During her time at CUNY, she secured more than $25 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health, private foundations, and the U.S. Department of Education. Much of the funding supported research and academic initiatives focused on expanding opportunities for a wide range of students pursuing careers in science and research.

A Scientist and Pioneer in Research

Beyond her leadership in higher education, Quiñones is a respected scientist and scholar.

A neurobiologist and biopsychologist, she has published more than 70 peer-reviewed research papers and was among the early researchers whose work helped identify gender differences in the brain, contributing to a shift in how scientists approached neurological and behavioral research.

Her academic background includes:

• Bachelor of Science in Biology – University of Puerto Rico
• Master of Science in Cell Biology – University of Puerto Rico
• Ph.D. in Neurobiology and Physiology – Rutgers University

Looking Ahead

As Cal Poly Pomona prepares for its next chapter, Quiñones’ leadership is expected to build on the university’s strong reputation for hands-on learning, community engagement, and preparing graduates for California’s evolving economy.

Her appointment also reflects the growing presence of Latina leadership within higher education  an important milestone for one of the nation’s most diverse public university systems.

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