Sara Garver to Retire After 25 Years of Service

By Stephanie Salazar

Photo by Vanessa Franco & Pali Wilson

Sara Garver, who began her career at Cal Poly Pomona in 1997 and currently serves as the interim dean for the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences, will be retiring after 25 years of service.

“I still remember the very first day that I walked into building 5 to interview with Dean Way for a tenure track position in Geography—I think it also may have been the last time I wore a dress,” said Garver. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of my 25 years here at Cal Poly Pomona, in all my various roles, and though I will miss being a part of CLASS, I also look forward to pursuing new opportunities and adventures!”

Before becoming interim dean, she served as the associate dean for academic programs and student success for the college and was a professor in the Department of Geography and Anthropology. 

“Congratulations to Dr. Garver on an outstanding career! I was so fortunate to have worked with her over these last seven years. She was always fully committed to excellence, and together, we had some great accomplishments,” said President Coley’s Special Assistant Iris Levine, who served as an associate dean and dean of CLASS alongside Garver. “I’m so thankful to have had such an amazing coworker, mentor, and even better friend. Our time together will always be one of my greatest memories of CPP, and I wish her the very best in this next and exciting chapter of your life.” 

Throughout her time at Cal Poly Pomona, she also served and excelled in various leadership roles, including interim director of the Kellogg Honors College, Academic Senate roles and co-chair of the semester conversion curriculum committee.

“Dr. Garver’s commitment to the college and student success, as well as her work on diversity, equity and inclusion will be missed. We value and respect the dedication and expertise that Dr. Garver has brought to the campus,” said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Jennifer Brown.

The college and university shared their good wishes for Garver and her future endeavors during an intimate retirement celebration on June 23. Garver's retirement will become effective on August 5, 2022.