SEARCH PROFILE: DEAN, COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL AND GLOBAL EDUCATION 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, POMONA 4 ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND OFFICE OF THE PROVOST 6 THE COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL AND GLOBAL EDUCATION 7 THE LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY 7 QUALIFICATIONS 8 NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS 93 California State P olytechnic Univ ersity, Pomona (Cal Poly P omona) seeks a creative, collaborative, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the Dean for the College of Professional and Global Education ( CPGE). The Dean will pos sess the academic, financial, and str ategic acumen to exec ute collaborative and transparent leader ship for the present and future of CPGE. The Dean will expand CPGE’s professional, continuing, and online programs to increase access to education and meet changing learner and workfor ce demands; to deepen global engagement and partnerships to drive student enrollment and elevate CPGE’s international vis ibility and impact; and to propel specialized programs to advance CPGE’s mission and serve the univer sity and local communities . The Dean is expec ted to begin in Summer 2026.4 CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY , POMONA Cal Poly Pomona has a rich history unlike that of any other institution in Southern California. The University first opened in September 1938 in San Dimas, California as a satellite campus of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. In 1949, W. K. Kellogg, the entrepreneur who founded the Kellogg Company, deeded 813 acres of land to the state of California, which is today’s Cal Poly Pomona Campus. In 1961, 329 women joined the student body of Cal Poly SLO for the fi rst time, and five years later, the Pomona campus separated from the SLO campus. In 1972, the university was granted university status and renamed California State Polytechnic University , Pomona. Today, Cal Poly Pomona is part of the 22-campus CSU system and stands as an infl uential and impactful regional comprehensive state university, recently designated as an R2 institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, home to approximately 27,000 students, 2,250 faculty and staff, and that benefits from a network of more than 170,000 alumni. Cal Poly Pomona offers a transformative, world-class education – known as the CPP Polytechnic Experience (PolyX) – rooted in experiential learning, discovery, and innovation. As one of three polytechnic universities in the CSU, Cal Poly Pomona prides itself on cultivating student practitioners, integrative thinkers, and model leaders through a “Become by Doing ” approach that prepares students for civic engagement and fulfilling professional and personal lives. The university is ranked the #1 polytechnic university in the nation for social mobility, and its caring and inclusive campus community is committed to honoring and supporting varied paths to success for its student body. The multi- disciplinary nature of Cal Poly Pomona’s PolyX approachdevelops graduates who are not only ready to succeed in the professional world on day one but are also resilient, agile, and adaptable for the workforce of tomorrow. Nowhere else can students ride an Arabian horse , practice on a Steinway piano, bring a new product to market, and build a liquid-fueled rocket. The University includes eight academic colleges ( Don B.Huntley College of Agriculture , College of Business Administration , College of Education and Integrative Studies , College of Engineering , College of Environmental Design , Collins College of Hospitality Management , College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences , and College of Science ), the University Library , and the College of Professional and Global Education , that together offer 54 bachelor ’s degrees, 37 master’s degrees, and a doctorate in education. Beyond the campus, Cal Poly Pomona provides a strategic selection of academic programs across eight locations in southern California, including an agricultural training program in Escondido, an d evening-hours K-12 administrative service credential at various high schools throughout greater Los Angeles. Cal Poly Pomona is located in an idyllic foothill location in the San Gabriel Valley at the nexus of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, les s than 30 miles east of Los Angeles and within an hour’s drive of beaches, mountains, and deserts. The University is accredited by the WSCUC, and many of its progr ams are also individually accredited by specialized boards and associations. For more information about Cal Poly Pomona, please visit www.cpp.edu/. 5 CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY , POMONA (CONT.) PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNITY We value academic excellence, experiential learning, diversity and inclusivity, student learning and success, community engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. In line with these values, we are committed to the following Principles of Community that shape our individual and collective character and guide our interactions with each other. •Practice Mutual Respect: We recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, treating them with courtesy and kindness, actively listening to their perspectives, and maintaining a respectful and open dialogue. •Foster Growth: We support the holistic development of each community member, promoting and encouraging opportunities for intellectual, professional, and emotional growth. •Cultivate Belonging: We actively create an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, welcomed, and empowered to contribute. •Act with Integrity: We commit to the highest standards of ethical behavior, transparency, and fairness in all aspects of academic, professional, and personal life. Through our Principles of Community, we reaffirm our individual and collective responsibility for creating a supportive, inclusive, and intellectually vibrant environment where all can flourish. POINTS OF PRIDE Cal Poly Pomona is a university of significance, ranked among the top institutions in the nation in social mobility and recognized as a leader within the CSU. As an institution defined by its multi-disciplinary PolyX approach to education, Cal Poly Pomona is committed to graduating students who are confident, well prepared, culturally competent, and uniquely positioned to excel in their future careers and beyond. The University is exceptionally proud of its achievements, including: •#1 Polytechnic University for Diversity & Economic Mobility (The Wall Street Journal , 2025; CollegeNET, 2024; Diverse: Issues in Higher Education , 2024) •#2 Top Public University West (U.S. News & World Report, 2026) •#2 Most Innovative Schools West (U.S. News & World Report, 2026) •#3 Best Value School West (U.S. News & World Report, 2026) •#2 Best Colleges for Veterans Regional Universities West (U.S. News & World Report, 2026) •#10 Top on Social Mobility ( U.S. News & World Report, 2026) •#21 Best Colleges in America (Wall Street Journal , 2025) •#1 Best Bang for the Buck Polytechnic: West (Washington Monthly , 2024) •5 of 5 stars: Best Colleges in America (Money, 2024) •#11 Bachelor’s Degrees Earned by Hispanic Students (Diverse: Issues in Higher Education , 2024) •#17 Bachelor’s Degrees Earned by Asian American Students (Diverse: Issues in Higher Education , 2024) To learn more about the University and its programs’ recognitions and accolades, please visit www.cpp.edu/aboutcpp/rankings.shtml . 6 ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND OFFICE OF THE PROVOST The Division of Academic Affairs provides leadership and support to faculty, staff, and students in the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. The division oversees Cal Poly Pomona’s eight academic colleges, the University Library, the College of Professional and Global Education, and a broad range of academic and student success programs that advance CPP’s mission as an inclusive polytechnic university. The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs serves as the chief academic officer of the University, reporting directly to the President and responsible for the academic enterprise, including the coordination of academic programs, faculty development, and institutional initiatives. The Provost partners closely with the President to execute the University’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment between academic priorities and the institution’s long-term vision. The Provost works collaboratively with Student Affairs, Administrative Affairs, Information Technology, and University Advancement to promote student success and institutional effectiveness.Dr. Terri Gomez currently serves as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. A nationally recognized leader in student success and equity, Dr. Gomez has served Cal Poly Pomona for over two decades in roles including Associate Provost for Student Success, Equity, and Innovation; Interim Associate Dean, Department Chair; and faculty member in the College of Education and Integrative Studies. Under her leadership, CPP has advanced equity- centered strategies to improve retention, persistence, and graduation rates, aligning with the CSU’s Graduation Initiative 2025 goals.7 THE COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL AND GLOBAL EDUCATION The College of Professional and Global Education (CPGE) at Cal Poly Pomona is a dynamic and future-focused college dedicated to extending learning opportunities beyond traditional boundaries. Guided by its commitment to ‘Innovate Locally, Impact Globally,’ CPGE offers a comprehensive portfolio of professional, continuing, and global education programs that empower learners to advance their careers, explore new opportunities, and thrive in an ever-changing world of work. Re-envisioned in 2022 and expanded in 2025 with the launch of the Workforce Innovation and Career Engagement (WICE) unit, CPGE integrates four strategic clusters: Program Development and Partnerships, Global Campus, Workforce Innovation, and Business Operations. Through these units, CPGE creates innovative educational pathways serving working professionals, adult learners, and international students through advanced degrees, professional certificates, open university opportunities, and global education experiences. CPGE’ s Strategic Action Plan for Growth includes bold initiatives: expanding innovative academic and non-degree programs, deepening global partnerships, establishing an Industry Advisory Board, and cultivating philanthropy and external funding to sustain its mission. Together, these initiatives ensure CPGE strengthens Cal Poly Pomona’s economic vitality, extends its polytechnic identity, and enhances its national and international reputation as a leader in professional, continuing, and global education. LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY Under the leadership and direct supervision of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean serves as the chief administrative and academic officer for the College of Professional and Global Education. The Dean provides overall strategic vision and leadership for the College, ensuring alignment with Cal Poly Pomona’s mission, goals, and become by doing polytechnic identity. The Dean is responsible for advancing the College’s strategic plan and vision, fostering partnerships with academic units, regional industries, and global partners, and promoting innovation in workforce development and lifelong learning. As a member of the Provost’s Council, the Dean collaborates closely with peers to support, develop, and deliver self-support academic programs, professional certificates, and global education initiatives that meet the evolving needs of students and the workforce. The Dean of CPGE oversees five units, directly supervises managers, and is responsible for a team of approximately 26 staff. Direct reports include: •Director of Business Operations •Director of Marketing & Communications •Director of Program Management and Partnerships •Assistant Vice President of Global Campus •Assistant to the Dean8 QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS S •An earned doctorate or comparable terminal degree from an accredited institution, or a master’s degree with significant professional experience in adult education, online learning, or global education. •A minimum of five years of academic administrative (management level) leadership. •Prior experience developing and delivering professional and continuing education programs. •Demonstrated success in developing and scaling innovative academic, self-supporting, and professional programs aligned with workforce needs and market trends. •Demonstrated commitment to communicating and engaging with a broad range of stakeholders in a large public university system. •Familiarity with the range of existing and emerging technologies and methodologies that support life-long and distance learning. •Commitment to cultivating an open, supportive, and collaborative management environment that empowers staff, encourages innovation, and promotes a culture of trust and transparency. •Proven ability to inspire and motivate staff, faculty, and diverse stakeholder groups to advance the institution’s mission, strategic goals, and student-centered values. •Strong personal integrity and high ethical standards, with a professional approach that models accountability, fairness, and respect in decision making and leadership practices. •Exceptional verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively to varied audiences. •Ability to interpret, synthesize, and apply information from multiple sources and formats (quantitative, qualitative, visual, and narrative) to inform sound decision making. •Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to assess challenges, identify opportunities, and implement effective solutions in a dynamic academic environment. •Skill in examining organizational operations, assessing process effectiveness, and recommending improvements that enhance strategic alignment, efficiency, and service quality. •Demonstrated success in collaborating with academic units in the development and delivery of self-support degree and certificate programs. •Evidence of collaborative, visionary leadership that inspires high-performing teams and builds cross-campus and external partnerships to achieve shared goals. •Demonstrated commitment to shared governance, and if applicable, experience working in a unionized environment. •Proven leadership in developing and implementing strategic plans with a track record of achieving measurable outcomes and advancing organizational mission and strategic priorities in higher education. •Experience cultivating industry and community partnerships, securing contract funding, and engaging advisory boards that strengthen industry/community engagement, align programs with workforce needs, and inform the college’s long-term strategic direction. •Proven ability to secure and strategically manage institutional and external resources across multiple funding sources, including workforce development funding, with a focus on sustainability, accountability, compliance, and launching transformative initiatives. •Demonstrated success in budget oversight, financial planning, and effective fiscal management to ensure sustainability of academic and professional programs. •Proven leadership in advancing global education and international partnerships to expand student access and institutional reach. •Strong commitment to inclusion and access with a record of advancing success of a broard range of learners . - Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound independent judgment, particularly when managing sensitive information and navigating complex institutional issues. - Ability to effectively convey information, strategy, and vision to a range of internal and external audiences, strengthening partnerships and supporting organizational goals. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS9 NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS The Search Committee will begin reviewing candidates immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Priority consideration will be given to materials received by March 9, 2026. Academic Search is assisting Cal Poly Pomona in this search under the direction of Managing Directors and Senior Consultant Dr. Cynthia M. Patterson & Dr. Maria Thompson. To apply, a candidate should submit (as 3 separate Pdfs) to cppdeancgps@academicsearch.org 1) a letter of intent addressing how the candidate’s experiences match the position requirements; 2) a current CV/resume; and 3) contact information for at least fi ve professional references, including email addresses and a brief note of the candidate’ s working relationship with each. References will not be contacted without the candidate’s prior knowledge and approval and at a later stage in the search. When submitting a nomination, please send the nominee’s full name, title, position, and email address to cppdeancgps@academicsearch.org . If you need medical or disability related accommodations with the pre-employment processes (applications, interviews, etc.), please contact the ADA Coordinator by email at ADACoordinator@cpp.edu . Additional information about the institution can be found at https://www.cpp.edu. EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS The salary for this position will be $214,500 – $230,000. More information is available at: https://www.calstate.edu/ csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits- summary.pdf. This position’s duties will include participation in decisions that may have a material financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, the selected candidate will be required to file Conflict of Interest Form 700: Statement of Economic Interests on an annual basis, complete ethics training within 6 months of appointment, and take this training every other year thereafter.Cal Poly Pomona will make a conditional offer of employment to final job candidates, pending the satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check). The conditional offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. In determining the suitability of the candidate for the position, Cal Poly Pomona will give an individualized assessment of any information that the applicant submits for consideration regarding the criminal conviction history, such as the nature, gravity, and recency of the conviction, the candidate’s conduct, performance or rehabilitation efforts since the conviction and the nature of the job applied for. For more information, go to https:// calstate.policystat.com/policy/13813878/latest/ . The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017, as a condition of employment . Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly Pomona provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities.Cal Poly Pomona complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. ABOUT ACADEMIC SEARCH Academic Search is assisting Cal Poly Pomona in this work. For more than four decades, Academic Search has offered executive search services to higher education institutions, associations, and related organizations. Academic Search was founded by higher education leaders on the principle that we provide the most value to partner institutions by combining best practices with our deep knowledge and experience. Our mission today is to enhance institutional capacity by providing outstanding executive recruitment services, executive coaching, and transition support, in partnership with our parent organization, the American Academic Leadership Institute. academicsearch.org • 202-332-4049
