Cal Poly Student Affairs Names New Diversity and Inclusion Officer

June 9, 2017

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cal Poly has appointed Jamie Patton, a longtime higher education administrator known for supporting student success, as the university’s new assistant vice president for Student Affairs — Diversity and Inclusion.

Patton has more than 15 years of experience in higher education leadership, teaching and inclusion practices.

Beginning next month, Patton will assume responsibility for developing, implementing and managing new programs and initiatives that advance diversity and inclusion at Cal Poly. As a divisionwide leader and diversity officer, Patton will provide direction and consultation for services and policies to ensure inclusive practices across all Student Affairs departments. In addition, he will provide campuswide support for diversity and inclusion efforts in partnership with the Office of University Diversity and Inclusivity.

“Dr. Patton’s experience in both multicultural student affairs and strategies that support the retention and graduation of underrepresented students will be an asset to Cal Poly,” said Keith B. Humphrey, vice president for student affairs. “His energy, enthusiasm and passion for student success is infectious, and I look forward to him joining our team.”

Patton, a first-generation college graduate, completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania before earning both his Master of Education and Doctor of Education degrees at Northern Arizona University. He has served in several key leadership roles throughout his career in higher education, including six years as Northern Arizona University’s director of Inclusion and Multicultural Services. During his tenure as director, Patton developed the university’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Ally (LGBTQA) Resources and Support program.

Since 2014, he has served as assistant dean of students at Ohio University, where he co-initiated the African-American Male Initiative, which aims to increase retention and graduation rates among African-American male students. In addition, Patton created a social justice development series to educate and increase awareness among staff in the division of Student Affairs.

“My career has been deeply rooted in diversity, access and inclusion of all students in their pursuit of higher education,” Patton said. “I am excited and honored to create new initiatives that help support the existing efforts Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong has outlined in the Vision 2022 strategic plan and the CSU Graduation 2025 Initiative.”

A native of North Philadelphia, Patton’s primary research activities and programs have focused on supporting underserved ethnic minority males who attend predominantly white institutions.

Patton will be joined in San Luis Obispo by his wife, Elisa, and their two daughters.

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