Vanya Quiñones

President of the California State University, Monterey Bay

Vanya Quiñones, Ph.D., is the fourth president of California State University, Monterey Bay, where she is leading a bold vision centered on student success, equity, and community impact. Since beginning her tenure in August 2022, she has focused on expanding opportunity, strengthening pathways to graduation and careers, and positioning CSUMB as a model for inclusive public higher education. A distinguished neurobiologist and researcher with more than 70 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Quiñones brings over 30 years of experience across scientific research, academic leadership, and student success. Born in Puerto Rico, she has dedicated her career to expanding access and advancing equity in higher education. Previously, she served as provost at Pace University and held senior leadership roles at CUNY, securing over $25 million to support underrepresented students. Dr. Quiñones leads with a deep commitment to opportunity, innovation, and the belief that education transforms lives. In March of 2026, Dr. Quiñones was appointed by the CSU Board of Trustees to be the president of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She will assume the university presidency on July 1, 2026, becoming the eighth president of Cal Poly Pomona and the first Latina to lead the institution.