[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 114 (Wednesday, July 2, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DR. SORAYA M. COLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. NORMA J. TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 2, 2025

  Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
my friend, Dr. Soraya M. Coley, on her upcoming retirement, and to 
honor her four decades of service to higher education in the Inland 
Empire and beyond.
  Dr. Soraya Coley began her journey in higher education by completing 
a bachelor's degree in sociology from Lincoln University in 
Pennsylvania. She then earned a master's in social planning and a 
doctorate in social research from Bryn Mawr College, where she was 
recognized as a distinguished alumna.
  For many years, Dr. Coley has been dedicated to creating 
opportunities in higher education for Californians. As an accomplished 
educator and administrator, she served as the provost and vice 
president for academic affairs at California State University, 
Bakersfield from 2005 to 2014. From 2011 to 2012, she served as the 
university's interim vice president for university advancement. 
Demonstrating her dedication to uplifting children and students, she 
also immersed herself in various roles at California State University, 
Fullerton, the National Center for Substance Abuse and Child Welfare, 
and Alliant International University.
  In 2015, Dr. Coley became the sixth president of California State 
Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) in my district, making 
history as the university's first woman and African American president. 
Under her leadership, Cal Poly Pomona grew into the most diverse 
polytechnic university in the country. She established Cal Poly Pomona 
as an inclusive polytechnic university that motivates all its students, 
staff, and faculty to excel.
  As president, Dr. Coley managed almost 30,000 students and nearly 
2,700 faculty and staff. Under her tenure, enrollment and graduation 
rates at Cal Poly Pomona reached historic levels.
  Dr. Coley has also been deeply involved in serving the wider 
California community. In 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Dr. 
Coley to the California Future of Work Commission where she advised the 
Governor and Legislature about the types of jobs that would be 
available to Californians in the decades to come, the impact of 
technological advancements, different ways to promote job quality and 
labor protections, and how to prepare the state's workforce through 
lifelong education.
  Additionally, Dr. Coley is a fierce advocate of furthering higher 
education interests for women. In 2000, Orange County Metro Magazine 
named her as ``One of Ten Women Making a Difference.'' In 2023, she 
earned the American Council on Education Donna Shavlik Award, 
demonstrating her dedication to supporting women in higher education 
through leadership, career development, and mentoring.
  She has been an incredible leader in our region and has created 
opportunities for the success of thousands of students. For her 
outstanding accomplishments and remarkable career, it is my honor to 
recognize Dr. Soraya M. Coley. Her service and commitment to advancing 
higher education are worthy of the highest commendation.

                          ____________________