Dr. Soraya M. Coley, president emerita of Cal Poly Pomona, was honored by the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership on October 25 for her transformative leadership and lasting impact on higher education and regional development. As the first woman and first African American to lead the university, she prioritized student achievement, equity, and workforce readiness, aligning academic programs with regional economic needs. Under her guidance from 2015 to 2025, the institution strengthened ties with industry and community colleges, launched initiatives to support student well-being, and expanded access through programs like the Bridge to Success Partnership with Mt. SAC. Approximately 67,500 graduates entered the workforce prepared for professional success during her tenure. Major campus upgrades, including a new Student Services Building, residence halls, and the Rose Float Lab, enhanced the student experience and capacity. Coley also established the university’s Philanthropic Foundation, engaging alumni and business leaders to support institutional growth. Her vision emphasized education as a driver of social mobility and community empowerment, shaping a legacy that continues to benefit Southern California’s economy and diverse populations.
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Soraya Coley Receives Legacy Leadership Award from SGV Economic Partnership
Soraya M. Coley, president emerita of Cal Poly Pomona, was honored by the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership on Oct. 25 for her visionary leadership of the university and its contributions to the region.
As the first woman and first African American president of Cal Poly Pomona, Coley focused the university on student success and championed inclusive excellence, workforce development, and regional economic partnerships that have directly strengthened the San Gabriel Valley. Under her leadership, the university has deepened its role as an engine for innovation, career readiness and social mobility — benefitting thousands of students and industries throughout the region.
During her tenure from January 2015 through July 2025, 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, which provides essential basic needs services and other critical resources. About 67,500 students graduated work-force ready during her presidency.
“During my time at Cal Poly Pomona, I saw the incredible difference that access to higher education can make for students, their families and entire communities. I have witnessed first-generation students become engineers, scientists, teachers and entrepreneurs. I have seen them return to their neighborhoods to lead and to lift others. That is the power of a degree, and the reason I have always believed so deeply in the mission of public higher education,” President Coley said.
“Because education is the great equalizer, the pathway that allows young people to unlock their potential, to change their circumstances, and to contribute to something greater than themselves. Every student who receives a degree represents not only their own determination, but the promise of what can happen when doors are opened and opportunity is shared.”
During Coley’s tenure, Cal Poly Pomona made significant investments in campus facilities, including the construction of the Student Services Building, the new Rose Float Lab and new student residence halls, allowing hundreds of more students to live on campus. She led the establishment of the Philanthropic Foundation, with highly experienced alumni and industry leaders serving as board members to ensure CPP’s enhanced vitality and philanthropic support for student success. The university also strengthened its partnerships with regional community colleges, including Mt. SAC, creating the “Bridge to Success Partnership” to help transfer students.
Coley has served as an academic leader and professor in the CSU system for 40 years. She came to Cal Poly Pomona from CSU 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 Cal State Fullerton, the National Center for Substance Abuse and Child Welfare, and Alliant International University.