Bulldog Bites

News and Views from the University of Redlands

What’s Next? Graduate Programs Preview Night

Discover how you can best impact your career and community at the Graduate Program Preview Night from 5 to 7 p.m. on February 21 at the Orton Center on the main campus of the University of Redlands. 

You'll enjoy a complimentary dinner buffet, networking opportunities, learn about more than 30-plus graduate programs, and attend breakout sessions and information tables with Student Financial Services, Office of Career and Professional Development, Student Success Center, Enrollment, and faculty representing graduate programs. You’ll hear from guest speakers — Vice President for Enrollment Kevin Dyerly and Provost Adrienne McCormick — as well as alumni and faculty from various highlighted graduate degree programs sharing how the Redlands experience goes far beyond the classroom.  

RSVP by February 19 to attend.

Business and STEM 

The School of Business and Society will highlight the Master of Business Administration, Presidio MBA in Sustainable Solutions, and Master of Science in Business Analytics programs. School of Business & Society Dean Thomas Horan, and Professor Avijit Sarkar will offer key insights into program requirements, answer questions, and more.  

Neel Chowdhury ’15 completed the MBA program and Master of Science in Geographical Information Systems (MSGIS) program and now is a mobile app product engineer for Esri.  “Since I came from a different country, the MBA and MSGIS programs enabled me to be counseled by and connect with so many people. Then, I landed a great job. I don’t think many schools can offer that same kind of opportunity.” 

The MS GIS, Executive Master of GIS, and Master of GIS will also be discussed during this breakout session. Questions and insider information will be provided by Professor Ruijin Ma.  

Jess Altanira ’14, who earned her MSGIS, said, “The MSGIS program helped me take the first step into the GIS community, which continues to expand even a decade later in my career. It taught me core technical, management, and communication skills that I've applied inside and outside the office. The program introduced concepts and ideas that I've seen come to life in real-world applications. The standards taught and the people I’ve come to know through the program have had a long-lasting impact on my career and growth. GIS connects more than data, it connects people; the MSGIS program is a foundational beginning to your journey.” 

Leadership and Public Service 

College of Arts and Sciences Dean Justin Rose, Professor Greg Thorson, and Professor Jim Spee will lead the panel discussing the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) programs.  

“The MPPA program really helped me develop my leadership and management skills as a project manager,” Daniela Rojas ’23 said. “The extensive and well-thought-out class schedule helped me learn about various topics including decision-making during a crisis, grant writing, strategic planning, and messaging. I was immediately able to put what I learned into practice through my job with a nonprofit.” 

“I quickly realized my skills were useful across different job descriptions and settings when I was offered a position at a museum to diversify their education and community engagement programs. In addition, the MPPA program helped me strengthen my professional writing related to law and policy, public perception, and messaging.” 

Teaching and Leading for Change  

“The Department of Teaching and Learning adheres to an equity conceptual framework,” Dr. Nicol Howard, dean of the School of Education, said.  “We work with our students in supporting their acquisition of an equity understanding and an equity mindset. The faculty in the Department of Teaching and Learning really aspire to support our students while they're in the program but also once they leave our program. We are deeply invested in their success. We love to collaborate with our students once they become teachers in their own classrooms.” 

Howard and Professor Adriana Alvarado will discuss the Master of Arts in Education: Learning and Teaching program and other courses offered in the School of Education.  

Counseling and Mental Health 

Professor and Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) Coordinator, Janee Both Gragg, and Professor and Program Coordinator for the School of Counseling School of Education, Yang Ai, will lead the conversation on CMHC and counseling programs. 

“The MA in Clinical Mental Health at the University of Redlands is not just a program,” said Dr. Conroy Reynolds, professor in the School of Education. “It's an education rooted in social justice principles, dedicated to real-world experiences and community engagement, and committed to preparing students for the evolving mental health landscape.”  

“From its inception, the program has been deeply rooted in the principles of social justice. These principles are not merely touched upon but are embedded into the fabric of every course, making social justice a defining characteristic of the program. Students are consistently challenged to view mental health through the lens of social justice, exploring the interplay of mental health, societal structures, and individual rights.” 

Please RSVP by February 19 to attend. All attendees who RSVP will be entered in a drawing to win an Apple iPad.