Lea M. Jarnagin, associate vice president for student affairs at Cal State Fullerton, has been selected to serve as the university’s vice president for the Division of Student Affairs. Her new appointment begins July 5, 2016.
As a first-generation and non-traditional college student, Jarnagin says the CSU changed her life and sparked her passion to serve students. The chance to be a part of a campus that is experiencing the invigoration of a leadership change is what inspires her to come to Cal Poly Pomona.
“The opportunity to truly make a difference is what brings me here. I’m committed to Cal Poly Pomona’s mission and attracted to the opportunities of where you are poised in your history right now,” Jarnagin says. “Being a part of that change in leadership, being able to help work together as an entire campus, to shape a vision of where we’re going – this is the opportunity that presents itself here.”
Jarnagin has been at Cal State Fullerton for 18 years, serving as assistant dean for student affairs, associate dean for new student programs, assistant vice president for student affairs, human resources & budget, assistant to the vice president for student affairs and dean of students. She has held her current position since April 2013.
“Dr. Lea Jarnagin’s vast knowledge and experience in student affairs and institutional collaboration will greatly benefit Cal Poly Pomona,” says university President Soraya M. Coley. “The Division of Student Affairs is getting a skillful and talented leader who has dedicated her career to student engagement and success.”
Prior to Cal State Fullerton, Jarnagin served as the special projects coordinator and the assistant to the associate dean of students at Cal State San Marcos.
She earned her bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Cal State San Marcos, a master’s degree in counseling from Cal State Long Beach and a doctorate in educational leadership from UCLA.
Special thanks are extended to the search committee for their time and diligence throughout the process: Megan M. Stang, chair, Sylvia Alva, Elena Aleman, Suketu Bhavsar, Julian Herrera, Anita Jain, Jocelyn Pacleb, Brian Swanson, C. Julian White, Lavada Austin (non-voting), and Theresa Navar-Rodriguez (staff support). Additionally, appreciation is extended to Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Board members, Debra Bogdanoff, Jill Escoto, and Nick Felter, who met with the candidates and served in an advisory role to the president.