Sep 13, 2014 06:06 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Soraya M. Coley has been named as the new president of the California State Polytechnic University, effective January 1, 2015. Coley will become the first woman to serve the president of Cal Poly Pomona in school's history. She replaces J. Michael Ortiz who announced his retirement after 12 years as President.

"Cal Poly Pomona is one of the most renowned institutions in the west and has a long and rich history of providing the highest quality education to a highly diverse student population," said Coley in a statement. "I am excited to work alongside the many outstanding faculty and staff and embrace the 'learn by doing' philosophy to fulfill the university's unique mission to prepare students for a lifetime of learning and contribute to the region's educational and economic advancement."

Coley currently serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB). Besides holding the position of Provost/VPAA at CSUB since 2005, Coley also worked as the interim Vice President for University Advancement.

Prior to CSUB, Coley was the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Alliant International University (2001-03) and as a Dean of the College of Human Development and Community Service, an Administrative Fellow in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Department Chair and professor in the Human Services department at California State University, Fullerton (1981-2001).

"Dr. Coley's experience as a teacher and a leader, and her knowledge of public higher education in California makes her the right person to lead the institution," said Lou Monville, chair of the CSU Board of Trustees who is also chair of the Cal Poly Pomona Presidential Search Committee. "Throughout her career, Dr. Coley has been focused on student opportunities and achievement, and she will both embrace Cal Poly Pomona's core values and apply innovative vision to ensure that the university continues to serve as a model for the rest of the state."

Coley holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from the Lincoln University, and a master's in social planning and social research and a Ph.D. in social planning and policy from Bryn Mawr.

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