President Emeritus

The first president of the newly independent Cal Poly Pomona, Robert Kramer managed a period of explosive growth. Enrollment grew from just under 5,000 students to more than 13,000 students, and the number of academic programs expanded from 20 to 69, including the addition of the first graduate degree, a master’s in biological sciences, and bachelor of arts programs.

To meet the increased demand, Kramer oversaw the construction of eight new buildings, including the University Library, the engineering building, environmental design (07), the science building (08), the music building (24) and University Theatre, the Kellogg Gymnasium (43), the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center (29) and the Kellogg West Conference Center. Kramer also oversaw a substantial increase in overseas exchange programs, including exchanges with Brazil, Greece, Guatemala, Saudi Arabia and Zambia.

In 1969-70, Cal Poly Pomona was accredited as a separate entity by the Western Association of Schools and College. Two years later, Cal Poly was granted university status.