Vanya Quiñones has been named the eighth president of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Upon assuming her role on July 1, she will be the university’s first Latina president.
Cal Poly Pomona enrolls more than 25,000 undergraduates and nearly 2,400 graduate students, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education. Women are 44 percent of the undergraduate student population.
For the past four years, Dr. Quiñones has served as president of California State University, Monterey Bay. Over the course of her presidency, she has overseen a nearly 30 percent growth in enrollment, expanded academic programs, and increased research funding and philanthropic giving.
Previously, Dr. Quiñones was provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Pace University in New York. Earlier, she spent 21 years on the faculty at the City University of New York’s Hunter College, rising through the academic ranks to serve as a full professor and chair of the psychology department. She also served as Hunter’s associate provost for student success and retention.
As a neurobiologist and biopsychologist, Dr. Quiñones has authored more than 70 publications throughout her career. She was one of the first researchers to describe gender differences in the brain.
“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,” said Dr. Quiñones. “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. 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.”
Dr. Quiñones earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and her master’s degree in cell biology from the University of Puerto Rico. She holds a doctorate in neurobiology and physiology from Rutgers University in New Jersey.