Vanya Quiñones named CPP president
By Ava Uhlack, March 24, 2026
Scientist, hidden nerd, sticker guru, mom and university president of Cal State Monterey Bay are all titles Vanya Quiñones has proudly carried, but now she is adding President Select of Cal Poly Pomona to her list.
Quiñones’ term begins July 1 following a year-long search the began in fall 2025 after the retirement of former President Soraya Coley in February 2025 and the installment of Interim President Iris Levine for the 2025-2026 academic year. University News announced the appointment of Quiñones to the permanent presidential position via email March 11.
From one presidential seat to another, Quiñones said her goals for the campus center around financial stability, increased job market connections and social mobility outreach.
“My background is opening doors and ensuring I can help and facilitate students to achieve their dreams (by) expanding the applied learning, deepening industry partnerships and increasing accessibility for students,” Quiñones said.
Quiñones noted upon hearing feedback from the community via the open forum in fall 2025, she recognized the excellence of the university and hopes to elevate CPP’s profile.
Additionally, Quiñones said she doesn’t want to change what CPP is but rather facilitate and guide the university with a culture of care and student success.
“People have pre-conceived notions of what a president is or what administration is; sometimes they think we are fake,” Quiñones said. “My grandmother was the only one out of 13 kids that went to college. I am the result of upward mobility from somebody that finished their degree. I’m an example, and I have a commitment to prioritize people achieving their dreams when they come to a university.”
According to Peter Hanink, chair of the Academic Senate and an associate professor in the sociology department, one of the things the search committee looked for was someone who would not lose sight of the role faculty play within the university.
According to Hanink, the recruitment pool was diverse in terms of geography and background, from provosts to presidents from all areas of the country.
Hanink stated one of the themes that came up within conversation was that the university has been doing more with less. An important note had been made to search for a candidate who would advocate for faculty resources and research along with taking care of students.
“One of the things we really need, that we hope the new president will bring is a positive vision that we can work toward instead of just surviving,” Hanink said.
ASI President Amiyah Ellsworth, who was on the presidential search committee as a student representative, looked for someone to understand and value the diversity and complexities of CPP.
“In interviews, we were all searching for someone who wanted to serve Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly Pomona students, not just someone looking for the next step in their career,” Ellsworth said. “We have been so stagnant for so long. I hope it’s a priority in her leadership to collaborate with students and be transparent with responses, not just a sort of blanket statement.”
As Quiñones prepares to transfer to the Southern California region, she said she looks forward to making new memories with the campus community and creating new traditions, as well as celebrating current ones the campus already has.
Quiñones emphasized her goal to connect with the campus community, stating she always goes to three home games per team and sits in the same spot in the front row to encourage people to come talk to her, not as figurine, but as a team member.
“I wish people will understand I am accessible to them,” Quiñones said. “I go by my first name, Vanya. I don’t use President Quiñones because I am just a member of the team who sees myself as one of many trying to motivate the university forward.”
One way students might connect with Quiñones is through a mutual love of stickers and sticker collecting. She likes to walk around campus handing out and collecting stickers of her own. She is looking to start a collection for CPP and make a mosaic of what CPP is and encourages those who will see her on campus to connect with her.
“I hope the university embraces me as a member of the community and a leader,” Quiñones said. “We are who we are, and we are proud of it. It’s time people understand that pride comes from excellence.”
Feature image courtesy of Vanya Quiñones
