David W. Oxtoby is a leading expert on higher education and a strong advocate for the liberal arts. Speaking across the globe, he makes the case that the pressing challenges of the 21st century will be addressed by those whose minds have been developed to think creatively in ways that cut across disciplines.
An internationally-recognized climate scientist, President Oxtoby has advanced Pomona as a champion of sustainability. The College has committed to reaching net carbon neutrality by 2030, and has completed five new academic buildings and two new residence halls designed to meet or exceed LEED Silver.

President Oxtoby has been particularly supportive of the arts, with the recent opening a new Studio Art Hall, revitalization of the Pomona College Museum of Art and the establishment of faculty positions in creative writing, theatre and dance.

The importance of creativity is also a key theme for President Oxtoby. September 2015 brought the opening of the Rick and Susan Sontag Center for Collaborative Creativity, serving the five undergraduate institutions of The Claremont Colleges, the distinctive consortium in which Pomona is the founding member.
Under President Oxtoby's leadership, Pomona has maintained a commitment to meet 100 percent of students' demonstrated financial need through scholarships and financial aid, and has replaced loans with grants in student-aid packages, in order to enhance low-income and under-represented students' access to a Pomona College education.

President Oxtoby received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry summa cum laude from Harvard University and his Ph.D. from UC Berkeley. He has authored more than 170 scientific papers, and has served as chair of Harvard University’s Board of Overseers and the Association of American Colleges and Universities. In 2012, he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.