Our Collective Commitment and Our Newest Bronco

April 4, 2022

Dear Cal Poly Pomona Community,

With the spring instruction break behind us and seven weeks remaining in our semester, I write to again express my gratitude to our students, faculty and staff for continuing the great work of this university.

A little more than two years ago, I sent a message to the campus community with the subject: “Keeping Cal Poly Pomona Healthy.” It laid out guidance from public health experts on how to protect ourselves from an emerging infectious disease called “COVID-19.” What followed was the most disruptive period in our university’s history since World War II.

Despite this historic challenge, you have persevered. Our enrollment grew to unprecedented levels. Our student body is more diverse than it’s ever been. Last May, we celebrated our largest ever graduating class. Applications for this fall obliterated previous records. And now we are preparing to again hold our Commencement ceremonies on our beautiful campus.

These accomplishments, and so many more, came about through the collective dedication of each of you — our campus community — to support student success and foster excellence across our colleges and divisions. And while we can’t expect a full return to the way things were pre-pandemic, our return to campus life serves as proof that better days are here with more yet to come.

I particularly wanted to take this opportunity to further introduce one of our newest Broncos. I first announced her appointment in January, but last Friday marked the official start date for our new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Jennifer Brown. With her clear record of success in supporting faculty and students, promoting innovation in teaching and learning, and fostering inclusive excellence, we’re fortunate to have her leading our academic enterprise. I hope you enjoy this special video and get to know Provost Brown a little better as she begins her tenure at Cal Poly Pomona. I also again recognize and thank Dr. Iris Levine for her leadership as interim provost, ensuring the ongoing progress of Academic Affairs.

I also want to offer a personal invitation to join our Campus Conversation this coming Thursday at noon, where we will discuss our innovative career and professional readiness model — FuturePaths. You can find all the relevant details at the Campus Conversation webpage.

I wish you all the best for a safe, healthy and successful remainder of the academic term. Please continue to rely on our Safer Return website for the latest information on our ongoing efforts to protect our campus community, including recent changes in campus masking requirements.

Thank you again for carrying forward the transformative legacy of Cal Poly Pomona.

Sincerely,

Soraya M. Coley, Ph.D.
President