Nicholas Ricciardi became director of the Cal Poly School on July 1, 1921. On July 30, 1921, an act of legislature restructured the state normal school and vocational school systems. Cal Poly’s local board of trustees was disbanded and Ricciardi, now “president,” reported to the state superintendent of public instruction.

A graduate of the University of California, President Ricciardi brought extensive experience in secondary and vocational education. He had served as director of vocational training for the Oakland school system and as head of the Twelfth District Board for Vocational Training of World War I veterans.

At Poly, Ricciardi emphasized “vocational efficiency and efficient citizenship” of students. He introduced vocational testing and guidance into Cal Poly’s educational mission. The Journalism and Graphics Communications departments originated during this period in the new “printing course.”

Ricciardi resigned from Cal Poly in January 1924 to become stat commissioner of vocational education.