Dear Pomona College Community,
The Pomona College Board of Trustees met in person May 15–16 for its final meeting of the 2025–26 academic year. Below is a summary of the Board’s actions and discussions from that meeting.
The Board approved the conferral of Bachelor of Arts degrees for members of the Class of 2026, who graduated on May 17. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to this outstanding group of graduates and their families, and we look forward to watching their contributions to the world as Pomona alumni.
In addition, trustees voted to support several faculty promotions, tenure appointments, contract renewals, and appointments to endowed professorships, recognizing the exceptional work and impact of our colleagues across departments. Please join me in celebrating their achievements.
Promotion to Professor:
- Nicholas Ball, Chemistry
- Mietek Boduszynski, Politics
- Alfred Cramer, Music
- Heidi Haddad, Politics
- Joyce Lu, Theatre
- Shlomi Sher, Psychological Science
- Wallace “Marty” Meyer, Biology and Director of the Bernard Field Station
- Victoria Sancho Lobis, Art History and Director of the Benton Museum of Art
Other Appointments and Renewals:
- Jean Paul “J.P.” Gowdy, reappointed to an eight-year rolling contract and promoted to Professor of Physical Education
- Alaina Woo, reappointed to an eight-year rolling contract and promoted to Associate Professor of Physical Education
- Cécile Evers, reappointed to a four-year contract in Anthropology
- Jingyi Li, reappointed to a four-year contract in Computer Science
- Amber Williams, reappointed to a three-year rolling contract in Physical Education
- Peter Jasura Haproff, appointed Associate Professor of Geology
Appointments to Endowed Professorships:
- Amanda Hollis-Brusky, Professor of Politics, appointed to the Charles and Henrietta Johnson Detoy Professorship in American Government
- Jane Liu, Professor of Chemistry, appointed to the Osler-Loucks Memorial Endowed Professorship in Science
- Daniel Martinez, Professor of Biology, appointed to the Blanche and Frank R. Seaver Professorship in Science
- Colleen Rosenfeld, Professor of English, appointed to the Phebe Estelle Spalding English Professorship
Since 1955, the Wig Distinguished Professor Award has recognized exceptional teaching, care for students, and service to the community. Chosen by student ballot and a committee of trustees and faculty, this year’s seven awardees approved by the Boardwere:
- David Divita
- Erica Dobbs
- Michael Kuehlwein
- Alexandra Papoutsaki
- Sara Sadhwani
- Nicole Weekes
- Feng Xiao
The Board approved the FY 2027 operating budget, which supports core academic programs, financial aid, competitive compensation, and institutional priorities. The budget reflects continued investment in the student experience, including support for faculty and staff compensation, student wages, financial aid, and the addition of new tenured faculty positions to help restore the student-to-faculty ratio to previous levels.
The Board approved additional projects as part of the College’s Integrated Facilities Plan. These projects prioritize infrastructure renewal, energy efficiency, campus modernization, and long-term stewardship of Pomona’s physical assets.
Approved work includes:
- Pauley Tennis Court LED lighting conversion
- Mason Hall fire alarm panel replacement
- Smith Campus Center North and South Patio upgrades
- Sumner Hall roof replacement
- Frank Hall AC compressor replacement
- SCC/Café 47 DX system installation
- Lincoln and Edmunds corridor, lobby, and classroom LED conversion
Trustees also received an update on the Center for Global Engagement. Temporary relocations associated with the project are substantially complete, demolition activities are expected to begin in June, and the project has received required permitting approvals.
The Board affirmed continued progress toward the College’s 2030 carbon neutrality goals. Trustees discussed Pomona’s pathway toward 100 percent renewable electricity, including the consortium’s participation in the Clean Power Alliance renewable energy program, with implementation anticipated in January 2027.
The meeting included several forward-looking discussions:
- Class of 2030 Admissions Update: Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Jonathan Williams provided trustees with an update on the admitted new transfer students and the Class of 2030, selected from a very large applicant pool and representing a diversity of talents, interests, and perspectives.
- Claremont Graduate University: Treasurer and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Roth led a discussion on the potential partnership between Pomona College and Claremont Graduate University. The Board voted to formally accept the faculty memorandum of understanding regarding implementation of the proposed partnership.
- AI in Higher Education: Trustees engaged in a strategic discussion about artificial intelligence in higher education, including the opportunities, risks, and institutional questions emerging from this rapidly evolving landscape.
The Board will reconvene in October to begin its 2026–27 meetings, and I will share another update at that time. As always, I welcome your thoughts and questions about the Board’s work.
Wishing you a restorative and joyful summer.
Thank you,
Geoff
Geoff Pearson
Secretary to the Board of Trustees
Director of Board Engagement