Robert Glidden named Cal Poly interim president

Posted: Jun 18, 2010 6:22 PM by Ariel Wesler

The Cal State Board of Trustees has appointed an interim president for Cal Poly. Robert Glidden is a former president at Ohio University and will step in while Cal Poly continues its search.

Starting August 1, Robert Glidden will lead the way for Cal Poly.

"I am really impressed and applaud the learn by doing philosophy of the university and from the retention rate and graduation rate, it looks the university is doing the right thing," Glidden said.

He came out of retirement to take the position. Glidden served as president of Ohio University from 1994-2004--overseeing six campuses with more than 29,000 students. Prior to that, he worked at Florida State as a provost and vice president of academic affairs. Glidden also has an extensive background in music, having been a professor and dean. He earned his Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate all in music from the University of Iowa.

At 73, Glidden says he's not looking for this to turn into a permanent position. He's just happy to get back into higher education and work with students and staff to maintain Cal Poly's success

"The object will not be to make a lot of drastic changes, obviously, but to make certain that we keep moving forward both in the academic front and just in terms of the whole culture of the institution," Glidden said.

He's already impressed with student test scores but says education goes beyond the numbers.

"I always said when I was at Ohio University, I would rather have a lot of B+ students who want to learn than a students who are there to get a degree," Glidden said.

Students he's proud to prepare for the future and the school's next president.

I asked Glidden about the budget challenges facing the university. He says he's still learning about the specifics, but has tackled tough budget picture while working at other universities.

Cal Poly President Warren J. Baker will retire at the end of July after 31 years with the university.