Vice President of Student Affairs Keith Humphrey is stepping down from his role at Cal Poly effective Aug. 2, according to an email sent out by President Jeffrey Armstrong Thursday afternoon.
Humphrey is stepping down after 12 years focusing on student well-being and success. During his term, he supervised almost two dozen departments and programs assisting students, according to the Student Affairs page. He also managed the division’s leadership, fiscal and strategic planning, campus dining and working relations with the California State University Chancellor’s Office.
“I have appreciated his focus on student wellbeing and success,” Armstrong said in his message to the campus community.
In 2022, Humphrey received an award from the Cal State system for Outstanding Staff Performance. According to the award brief, Humphrey had various responsibilities beyond his main role.
The award highlighted his work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Humphrey ensured the university was well-equipped while juggling housing, food issues, isolation programs and staffing challenges. His leadership was important to the university’s quarantine and isolation program that supported students who tested positive.
“Dr. Humphrey made sure that student health and well-being remained top-of-mind during this challenging time,” the brief said.
Humphrey established various inclusive programs at Cal Poly during his time. This includes the Cal Poly Dream Center, the Men and Masculinities Program, the Native American and Indigenous Cultural Center, the LatinX Cultural Center and the Center for Military Connected Students. He also expanded financial aid to cover student fees.
He also created the National College Student Bystander Intervention Study to expand the application of bystander intervention theory and prevent and reduce harm to students.
“In my time in Student Affairs, we have always worked to create the programs and services that helped students become better versions of themselves and succeed inside and outside of the classroom,” Humphrey said in an email to Mustang News.
Following Humphrey’s Aug 2 departure, the new search for a vice president of student affairs is beginning immediately, according to Armstrong.
Cindy Villa, Cal Poly’s senior vice president of Administration and Finance Emerita, is taking on the interim role until the position is filled.
“I am grateful to Cindy for her willingness to step into this important role and know the division will benefit immensely from Cindy’s exceptional leadership experience and abilities,” Armstrong said in the email.
After 12 years with Cal Poly, Humphrey is taking on a new position to support Cal Poly’s proposed integration with Cal Maritime, continuing his work of ensuring that the student experience is strong at both campuses according to Armstrong’s email.
“My favorite part of working at Cal Poly has been watching our students grow, thrive, and graduate,” he wrote in an email to Mustang News.
Leaving a legacy with various student initiatives, Humphrey will now focus on student success at a larger scale if the Board approves the integration of Trustees.
