Updates in Bulldog Athletics

Dear University Community,

I am writing to share an important update about an upcoming transition at the University of Redlands. Director of Athletics Jeff Martinez has shared with me his plans to retire at the end of this academic year. His last day will be May 23, 2025.

Jeff is the true embodiment of a “Bulldog for Life.” Since becoming Director of Athletics in October 2000, he has overseen remarkable transformations within Bulldog Athletics. These include the Serrao Gateway project at Ted Runner Stadium, the Ashel Cunningham all-weather track project, the renovation of the Thompson Aquatic Center, the completion of the new Coach Verdieck Tennis Center, and, most recently, the renovation of the Bulldog Fitness Center. He also served as a steady and trusted leader during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the health and safety of our student-athletes while providing a meaningful and competitive experience.

Jeff’s story with Redlands began long before his role as Director of Athletics. He joined the University in 1983 as Head Athletic Trainer, elevating the importance of our athletic trainers’ role in both competition and practice. As the first head coach, he led the women’s golf team from 2006-2010, growing the program by 83%. He also left a lasting impact in the classroom, serving as an Assistant Professor of Physical Education in 1983 until he was ultimately promoted to Full Professor of Physical Education in 1996.

Under his leadership, Bulldog Athletics has celebrated many outstanding achievements. On average, 34% of our student-athletes earned scholar-athlete recognition, reflecting GPAs above 3.5, and all 21 athletic programs have maintained a team GPA of 3.0 or higher for the past six years. Additionally, he guided the University to the distinguished SCIAC All-Sports trophy three times in 2004-05, 2006-07, and 2007-08. Redlands is one of only four SCIAC institutions to receive such recognition.

Jeff’s capacity to contribute stretched well beyond Athletics, as he served on numerous University committees throughout his tenure, including the Anti-Racism Committee, Emergency Preparedness Committee, and Faculty Review Committee, to name a few. Bulldog Athletics has also seen tremendous success during the University’s annual Giving Day, securing nearly half of the funds raised each day, dating back to 2019. In 2004, he was awarded the University President’s Award. And in 2006, Jeff and his wife Susan were the recipients of the Frank J. Rice Community Service Award. He also elevated the Edwin B. Hales Bulldog Bench Golf Tournament, which began in 1990 and now raises more than $45,000 annually to support Bulldog Athletics and the student experience. In 2023, eight decades of Bulldog athletes returned to participate.

An avid community volunteer, Jeff has served on numerous boards throughout the City of Redlands and beyond. He currently serves on the Redlands Community Hospital Board of Directors and has been involved in local causes, including the Redlands Host Town Special Olympics. He was also a contestant in the Redlands Symphony Gala’s “Dancing with the Stars” fundraiser in 2022.

Search for the next University of Redlands Director of Athletics

The search for a new Director of Athletics will begin immediately, led by Vice President of Enrollment Kevin Dyerly. The University has retained Parker Executive Search, a nationally prominent search firm specializing in athletics searches led by principal Grant Higgison. The plan is to announce Jeff’s successor in the spring of 2025.

Additional information will be forthcoming on the search committee.

In the meantime, I encourage you to take a moment to reach out to Jeff and thank him for his incredible career of dedicated service to the Bulldog community. We are grateful to have had him lead our athletics program, and his impact will be felt for many years to come. All of us have fond memories of working with Jeff, and we hope you will join us at an event later this year to celebrate him and share these special moments.

Sincerely,

Krista L. Newkirk

President