Warren J. Baker, president of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is retiring after more than 30 years of heading the university.

Baker’s retirement becomes effective when his replacement is named in mid-2010, the school said in a release. Baker will continue to teach part time and assist with science, technology, engineering and mathematics initiatives.

Since Baker became president in 1979, 20 new majors and 72 minors have been introduced for undergraduates, along with 15 new master’s degree programs.

“His extraordinarily thoughtful, incisive and results-oriented approach to leadership has resulted in a significant legacy that will continue to benefit Cal Poly, the CSU and the nation for many years to come,” California State University Chancellor Charles B. Reed said in a release.

Reed said the system will conduct the search for a new president.

Baker developed the Cal Poly Plan in 1996 to institute a special academic student fee that currently provides $17 million annually for support of academic programs.

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Baker earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Notre Dame and his doctorate in geotechnical engineering from the University of New Mexico.

Before joining Cal Poly as president in 1979, Baker served as vice president for academic affairs at the University of Detroit, where he was Chrysler Professor and dean of the College of Engineering.

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