Provost and Vice President for Academic AffairsCalifornia State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona or CPP) seeks a strategic, collaborative, and experienced leader to serve as the next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (Provost).
The Provost is the chief academic officer of the university, overseeing all academic programs, including instruction and research. Reporting directly to the President and serving as a key member of the President's Cabinet, the Provost will join Cal Poly Pomona at a moment of significant opportunity and transformation.
As the university enters its next phase of growth, the Provost, alongside campus leaders, will help advance efforts to better connect academics, career readiness, and industry engagement. The Provost will also help develop a nationally distinctive, integrated approach to student success, connecting academics and career support in ways that meet the needs of all CPP students, including first-generation, transfer, commuter, and working students. A particular area of opportunity is strengthening experiential learning through expanded employer partnerships, paid internships, and cooperative education that takes advantage of Southern California's rich industry ecosystem. The Provost will work alongside an accomplished group of permanent deans and a strong leadership team to advance its polytechnic approach to learning and help position the university to meet the evolving needs of students, employers, and the State of California.
Cal Poly Pomona is one of three polytechnic universities in the 22-campus California State University system and among 11 such institutions nationwide. It has offered a unique education rooted in experiential learning since its founding in 1938. Today, the university serves over 27,000 students who are taught and mentored by more than 2,250 faculty and staff across eight academic colleges. The university also provides community access to degree completion, professional development, and lifelong learning opportunities through the College of Professional and Global Education. The university's colleges and programs span the arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, agriculture, business, education, and professional disciplines.
Given this context, the incoming Provost must demonstrate a strong track record as both a successful teacher-scholar and an experienced institutional leader, possessing the academic, financial, operational, and strategic acumen necessary to lead the academic mission of a complex enterprise. The ideal candidate will hold an earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution and exhibit a distinguished record of teaching and scholarship, warranting appointment at Cal Poly Pomona as a full professor with tenure. Moreover, the candidate should have substantial, progressive academic management experience and a proven track record of success advancing institutional priorities and effectively leading and managing change, along with the vision and ability to help move CPP forward. The Provost will be tasked with addressing the following opportunities and challenges:
- Shape the future of polytechnic education through Cal Poly Pomona's next chapter of transformation;
- Unite the academic enterprise around excellence, innovation, and institutional purpose;
- Expand CPP's research enterprise and strengthen its supporting infrastructure;
- Continue to build a talented, engaged, and forward-looking community of teachers, scholars, learners, and alumni;
- Develop an integrated approach to student success and advance cooperative education;
- Align resources, strategy, and investment to accelerate institutional impact; and
- Elevate Cal Poly Pomona's influence as America's leading public polytechnic university.
The salary range for this position will be $325,000-365,000. Cal Poly Pomona also offers a comprehensive benefits package; more information is available at: https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf
Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be submitted via the Cal Poly Pomona website. The position will remain open until filled, but applicants are encouraged to submit materials to the above website by November 30, 2026 for priority consideration.
David Bellshaw and Joe Kralick are leading this search with Leslie Lemus and Cara Meyers.
Advertised: Oct 15 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: 
