UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS
PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2024-25
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ONE OF ONLY 45 INSTITUTIONS TO RECEIVE DESIGNATION
#8
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Top 10
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“As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude and resolve.”
Each year at the University of Redlands tells a story of purpose and possibility, and the 2024–25 academic year was no exception. Across our campuses, the Bulldogs achieved remarkable milestones. We advanced new programs through strategic mergers while embracing innovative approaches that help us connect with our students in meaningful ways.
At the same time, we took bold steps to shape the future of Redlands— strengthening our foundation for the years ahead. Through the engagement of our alumni networks, we celebrated the generosity and connections that make Redlands a place where people invest not only in education, but in one another.
As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude and resolve. Our mission— to educate and empower our learners for lives of meaning, impact, and joy— continues to guide us. The University of Redlands is evolving, and the world needs what our Bulldogs bring: curiosity, compassion, and the courage to lead.
Our impact is magnified by each of you who believes in our vision, invests in our people, and carries the Bulldog spirit forward. Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey.
Go Bulldogs!
This year, Bulldog Athletics transformed determination into dominance, as student-athletes broke records and built new traditions across every arena. Men’s Basketball thrilled fans with a historic season capped by a standout postseason run to the Elite 8, while Women's Softball reached new program milestones advancing to the College World Series. Men’s Water Polo continued its reign with another national title, earning Head Coach Ryan Hall national honors. Redlands even left its mark in the digital arena, as the Esports' Valorant team captured the Playfly College Esports mixed conference championship.
The 2024-25 season also marked the exciting launch of Women's Flag Football at Redlands and the establishment of the Stafford | Korinke Endowment for Women's Athletics, expanding opportunities for female athletes. Both of these accomplishments came as the University celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Women's Athletics program.
Nikki Ayers joined Bulldog Athletics as the new Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Bulldog Athletics raised a record-breaking $243,985 during a historic Giving Day.
240
100%
19
21 All-Americans
15
TEAMS WHO COMPETE IN THE SCIAC AND NCAA DIVISION III
Student-Athletes with a Cumulative GPA of 3.5 and above
All teams maintain a team GPA of 3.0 and above
NCAA Division III National Qualifiers
10
programs at the NCAA Championships/ National Collegiate Championships
5
Athletes of the year
4
SCIAC Championship Titles
Men’s Soccer, Men’s Water Polo, Men’s Basketball, Softball
This year, the University of Redlands deepened its impact beyond campus borders through bold advocacy. President Krista Newkirk represented the University at the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) Day in the Capitol, where she was joined by Gaby Herrera ’25 to advocate for AB 402, a bill aimed at expanding Cal Grant funding and improving transfer pathways for nontraditional students.
Students played a leading role in advancing advocacy efforts, lending their voices to champion greater support for higher education through letters, postcards, and meaningful engagement with lawmakers and community leaders.
The Bulldog Trek brought our students face-to-face with alumni who welcomed them into some of Seattle’s most in-demand workplaces.
This experience was made possible by the philanthropic leadership of Trustee Rob Harris, the Office of Career and Professional Development, and the time invested by our incredible Bulldog alumni network.
In January 2024, as the Hughes Fire forced evacuations across Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the Redlands and Woodbury campuses opened our doors to students and staff from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).
In total, we provided temporary housing and support for nearly 150 members of the CalArts community, offering a safe haven during a time of uncertainty.
Programs and people propelling our mission forward
This year, faculty innovation and academic momentum were on full display. New and revitalized programs expanded opportunities for students and pushed scholarship in bold new directions. Faculty also continued to secure grants to support research and student success. Among them, a Humanities in Higher Education Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities highlighted the power of interdisciplinary learning. Now in its second year, the project united faculty, students, and community members around Octavia Butler’s 1993 novel “Parable of the Sower,” demonstrating how the humanities foster critical thinking, collaboration, and social awareness across disciplines.
This year we welcomed two new deans: Dr. Jennifer Madden, the H. Jess and Donna Colton Senecal Endowed Dean's Chair in Business, and Dr. Vajra Watson, the Robert A. and Mildred Peronia Naslund Endowed Dean’s Chair in the School of Education.
In the summer, Provost Adrienne McCormick traveled with six students to Sichuan University for a two-week academic and cultural exchange, an unforgettable experience made possible by International Relations alumnus Jim Mitchell ’89. The program exists thanks to Art Svenson, the David Boies Professor of Government, and his decades-long relationship with Sichuan University.
Professor David Soulsby recently obtained a provisional patent for contrast agents designed to enhance Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). A leader in organic chemistry research, he has been named the inaugural John Stauffer Chair in Chemistry, a position established in 2024 to support exceptional faculty in the field.
Inspired by New York Times education editor Loren Pope’s influential book “Colleges That Change Lives,” the nonprofit CTCL has become a national voice for institutions that deliver transformative, student-centered education. This year, Redlands was invited to join its ranks, becoming one of just 45 colleges nationwide to earn the distinction, and one of only a few selected in CTCL’s most recent expansion.
5 endowed lecture Series Opportunity College & University — Higher Access, Higher Earnings
The University of Redlands was recognized among the top 16% of colleges nationwide as an Opportunity College and University from Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
34 endowed deans, directors, chairs, and professors
131 Academic, Experiential, Athletic, and Service Program Endowed Funds
This year, we made meaningful progress in revitalizing campus spaces, expanding opportunities, and embracing innovation to better serve our current and future Bulldogs.
Exterior renovations to the Ken and Lynn Hall Welcome Center, funded by more than $3.5 million in donor support, now provide a refreshed entryway to our beautiful campus, with interior updates planned for the coming year. Other enhancements include a new floor in Currier Gym and an upgraded virtual reality lab in Armacost Library.
Beyond physical spaces, our strategic mergers and acquisitions have introduced new academic programs, partnerships, and students to the Bulldog family, broadening our academic portfolio and enriching the student experience. A newly implemented AI-powered recruitment platform is helping us engage prospective students more effectively, delivering personalized, efficient, and scalable outreach.
The two-phase solar energy project is set to provide over 30% of the University’s energy needs
The University added 196 new card readers, which were installed across 48 buildings, further modernizing campus safety infrastructure.
This year was marked by initiatives and milestones that shaped the student experience and advanced our institutional mission.
Bulldog Beginnings launched to support students during their first six to eight weeks on campus, an essential period for building belonging and setting the foundation for long-term success. We also celebrated 20 years of Outdoor Programs and Summer Bridge, each of which plays a vital role in campus life.
As national conversations around higher education evolved, Redlands responded with action, launching the Access to Higher Education for Every Student Collaborative.
Heather Flood, Dean of the School of Architecture and Interim Dean of the School of Media : Culture : Design at Woodbury University, was named the 2025 Educator of the Year by the American Institute of Architects Los Angeles (AIA|LA). Recognized for advancing projects that unite innovation and social impact, Flood recently led students and faculty in creating the first permitted 3D-printed home in Los Angeles, which earned honors in AIA|LA’s 2025 Residential Architecture Awards and was featured in the Los Angeles Times.
Woodbury architecture students brought design to life by designing and constructing five custom-built pavilions. Created by 20 students, the structures now enhance the Sustainable University of Redlands Farm.
University of Redlands continued to make significant progress in its strategic integration with Woodbury University. Leadership from both institutions now serve on an integrated Cabinet, and U of R continues to host weekly open office hours to support transparency and collaboration. In March, WSCUC conducted a special visit with Woodbury, affirming our accreditation status and confirming our review cycle.
The University proudly celebrated the opening of its Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) office, designed to feel like a warm and welcoming living room. This new space reflects the heart of our campus, fostering connection, inclusion, and opportunity.
76 STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
53 DAWGS PROGRAMS
3,285 HOURS OF SERVICE COMPLETED BY GREEK LIFE
8 REDLANDS STUDENT GOVERNMENT EVENTS
51 OUTDOOR PROGRAM TRIPS
135 RESIDENTIAL LIFE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
$11 Million Total Gifts and Commitments from 19 Classes 1960, 1961, 1965, 1966, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1975, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021
“ With all my heart, I want to express my deepest gratitude [to Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation] for opening the door for me to attend the University of Redlands, find this amazing and supportive community, and pursue my chosen profession and passion.”
—Jasmine Stevens ’25, at the annual Scholarship Luncheon.
An estate gift from William ’51 and Evelyn ’51 Rowland supported the Redlands Fund , a May Term travel course, and the Ken and Lynn Hall Welcome Center.
Stephen ’61 and Lois Yung and 11 others gave generously to revive the Bulldog MARCHING BAND , bringing back a beloved tradition.
Bryan ’67 and Aileen Cooke give annually to the Cooke sTUDENT EMERGENCY FUND , supporting those who need assistance while attending school.
The Bulldog Spirit was relentless this year with an overwhelmingly successful Alumni Reunion Weekend, and a Giving Day that raised almost $503,000, a 9% increase from the previous year.
Homecoming in the fall was filled with 46 events, including nine class reunions, 10 Greek events, and a ceremony for the Fitness Center renovations.
At a time when the broader education sector faces downgrades, the University of Redlands bucked the trend, receiving a Baa2 rating and an upgraded outlook of “stable” from Moody’s.
This achievement reflects our strategic moves throughout the year, most notably the University's mergers and acquisitions, which have already contributed $2.6 million, expanded academic offerings, and added more than 800 students to our community.
Redlands and Woodbury Current Fund Expense Categories
The University’s FY24 Return on Net Assets was 21.5%, significantly above the 6.9% median for peer institutions, driven primarily by the strategic merger with Woodbury University.
The University was strengthened by the generosity of over 4,000 donors whose gifts totaled $11.86 million this year, fueling progress across campus.
In April 2025 Presidio Graduate School officially merged with the University of Redlands. The newly established Presidio Center for Sustainable Solutions will reside in our School of Business & Society on the University’s San Francisco Bay Area campus located in Marin. Key academic programs, including the MBA and MPA in Sustainable Solutions, will continue with their unique sustainability-focused curriculum, and with classes available online and through low-residency, in-person sessions on campus.
$273,056,259
Total fair market value as of June 30, 2025
The Board of Trustees annually approves spending from endowed funds. The distribution is calculated based on the average market value of the total principal over the previous five years, stabilizing market fluctuations. In the 2024-25 academic year, the approved distribution rate was 6%.
AS OF JUNE 30, 2025
Brad Adams ’93
Allan Arendsee ’84
Luann Bangsund ’74 ’79
James Benanti '99 '05
Christine Benninger '73
Janet Berckefeldt ’67
Bradley A. Berg
Lisa Cano Burkhead ’93
Bruce A. Cavarno ’82
Jamison “Jim” J. Ashby ’82 Chair of the Board
Joseph “Joe” D’Anna ’91
Patricia Donahue ’74
David P. Enzminger ’85
Suzanne Farver
Warren Fox
Javier Garcia ’02
Kenneth F. Hall ’60
Robert M. Harris, Jr.
Jeannie Kim SFTS ’01
Alice J. Mozley ’70
Patrick “Pat” J. Morris ’59
N. Anthony “Tony” Taylor ’63
Krista L. Newkirk, J.D. President
Nikki Ayers, M.S. Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics
Walter Branson, M.A.
Interim Vice President for Finance & Administration
Kevin Dyerly, MBA Vice President for Enrollment
Rev. Laurie Garrett-Cobbina, Ph.D. Dean, San Francisco Theological Seminary
Wes Head, MBA Interim Chief Information Officer
Clifford Alls ’14
Jared Andrus-Hughes ’05 ’20
James Benanti ’99 ’05, PresidentElect
Clay Bond ’90
Renee MacLaughlan Bozarth ’79
Sean Cervera ’11
Donald Cox ’01 ’07
Theresa Cullen ’78
Christian Curry ’20, Engagement and Events Chair
Richard Edwards ’90
Adam Gottlieb ’15, Past President
Gaby Herrera ’25, Maroon & Grey
Student Ambassador
Kim Stafford Korinke ’00 oN Lu ’93
Jacob Madden ’19
Eugene “Mitch” Mitchell ’90
Brian D. Murphy ’04
Robin S. Quinville ’78
Candice “Candy” L. Unruh
J. Christopher Jennings, J.D. Vice President for Institutional Integrity & Strategy and General Counsel
Christopher Jones Jr., J.D. Senior Diversity & Inclusion Officer
Eric Maczka, Ed.D. University Registrar and Director of Institutional Research
Jennifer Madden, Ph.D. Dean, School of Business & Society
Adrienne McCormick, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Lori Horter ’88, Development Chair
Stacy Huston ’06, Careers and Internships Chair
Valmik Karam ’16
Justin Lee ’08
Chi Luu ’26, Maroon & Grey Student Ambassador
Jacob Madden ’19, President
Casey Makana ’12
Francesca Makana ’12 ’14 ’26
Danielle McConnell ’23
Michael McFarlane ’90
Daniel Newton ’18
Claire Olmstead ’21
James Patricola ’07
Jed Schwendiman, M.A. Vice President for Advancement
Justin Rose, Ph.D. Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Kinnari “Kin” Sejpal, MBA Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Jen Thompson, J.D. Chief of Staff and General Secretary
Vajra M. Watson, Ed.D. Dean, School of Education
Sandra Vasquez, Ed.D. Vice President of Student Affairs
Julian Rice ’10
Jordan Ruting ’12
Sue Schroeder ’91
Leslie Sernaque-Falcon ’22, Belonging, Diversity, and Inclusion Chair
Sheena Shaw ’19
Michael Simiele ’17
Jennifer Solis ’21 ’24 ’28
Keana Suda ’17 ’18
Anne Thorson ’17
*Lists reflective of current membership
