July 1, 2002
Contact: Jeff Bliss
(805) 756-1511
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kent State Administrator Named Cal Poly's Vice President for Student Affairs
SAN LUIS OBISPO - Cornel Morton, currently associate vice president for
student support services at Kent State University in Ohio, will become
Cal Poly's vice president for student affairs beginning Aug. 26.
Morton has spent his 30-year career in higher education focusing on
student affairs and institutional diversity issues.
"We are fortunate to have Dr. Morton joining our executive team," Cal
Poly President Warren J. Baker said. "His in-depth experience and
commitment to advancing student development and fostering a diverse
campus community will reinforce our commitment to providing the best
educational experience for our students. His recognized expertise in
building consensus will assist the university in developing
student-related partnerships at Cal Poly as well as within the
broader community."
In his new position, Morton will be responsible for the offices of
Campus Student Relations and Judicial Affairs, Career Services, the
Disability Resource Center, Health and Counseling Services, Housing and
Residential Life, Student Academic Services, and Student Life and
Leadership. He also will be the university's liaison to the Associated
Students Inc.
A graduate of Kent State, with a Ph.D. in higher education and student
personnel administration, Morton returned to the university in 1997 to
assume the position of associate vice president for student support
services. He has also worked as assistant vice president for
institutional diversity for Central Michigan University, as dean of
students, executive assistant to the president and director of equal
opportunity/affirmative action at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and
State University, in affirmative action and students affairs at the
University of Toledo, and as director of human relations programs at the
University of Maryland.
Commenting on the role of the Student Affairs staff, Morton said that
the staff should "support, influence and challenge students to embrace
personal and community conduct that fosters a sense of personal
accountability, belonging, respect for human diversity, mutual respect
and intellectual freedom."
Morton earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Tennessee State
University, prior to completion of the Ph.D. at Kent State University.
He is a prolific researcher, writer and presenter on student retention,
service learning and diversity planning in higher education.
-30-