A Young Minority-Serving Institution on the Move

Founded in 1938 and one of only two polytechnic universities in the state, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) is known for its learn-by-doing philosophy.
The university recognizes that students who solve classroom problems today have an advantage as employees solving real-world problems tomorrow. Federally designated as a Hispanic-serving institution, Cal Poly Pomona was named eighth most diverse among regional universities in the West and 10th most diverse in the nation. This academic year marks Cal Poly Pomona’s 75th anniversary. Vice President for Student Affairs Douglas R. Freer leads 250 full-time and 50 part-time staff members across many departments, including athletics, enrollment management & services, the disability resource center, the career disability resource center, the career center, student health services, counseling & psychological services, student support & equity programs, parking & transportation services, university housing services, the children’s center, the office of student life & cultural centers, judicial affairs and university police, to name a few. Freer leads Cal Poly Pomona’s Division of Student Affairs with a team of associate vice presidents, including Dr. Rebecca Gutierrez Keeton, who serves as associate vice president and dean of students. With direct oversight of the directors of the Office of Student Life and Cultural Centers and Judicial Affairs, Gutierrez Keeton manages a significant segment of the division proudly. “I have worked in Student Affairs … for over 24 years. Each day, I am thankful for the opportunity I have to work with my student affairs colleagues who are committed to social justice, inclusion and diversity,” remarks Gutierrez Keeton. “It’s our mission. It’s what we do every day.”
Staff within the division affirm that students are first and important, but so too are staff members in student affairs. Staff enjoy many benefits of employment, including competitive salaries, caregiving leave, child care services and support for engagement in professional development.