Celebrate across the university

Dear University Community,

It’s been a full couple of weeks, with plenty to celebrate across the University.

We received some wonderful national recognition this week, with the University of Redlands being named the Top Private Regional University in the West in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. Redlands was also ranked No. 3 among the Best Regional Universities in the West, along with recognition for Best Value, Best College for Veterans, and Social Mobility. It’s always gratifying to see the work happening across our University reflected in these rankings, and there is a lot to be proud of.

We’ve also had some great conversations at the Redlands campus this week, with a faculty and staff town hall followed by a student town hall. Thank you to everyone who helped pull these conversations together and to everyone who took the time to attend. I’m especially grateful to the students who joined us and shared their questions and perspectives. I’m looking forward to continuing those conversations next week when I host town halls at our Los Angeles campus.

A highlight from the past few weeks was the ribbon-cutting for the Sylvia Hobart Mack Wellness Hub at the School of Education. The Hub is the culmination of more than a decade of work to create a space where we will educate and prepare the next generation of mental health professionals. Congratulations to Counseling and Human Services Professor Janee Both Gragg, whose persistence and hard work helped restore $4.3 million in federal funding that had initially been rescinded.

If you see four adorable puppies around campus, you’ve found our newest Bulldogs. The PAWS program, in partnership with Guide Dogs for the Blind, has returned to campus after nearly a decade. The program is part of a living-learning community centered on raising future guide dogs. George, of course, is still the undisputed canine celebrity around here.

I would also like to thank everyone who came out to the University’s Constitution Day event on September 17! Many thanks to Professor Renée Van Vechten for organizing this annual tradition and to everyone who participated.

And finally, congratulations to our National Champions – the Women’s Softball Team, who were honored by the Redlands City Council on September 15. It was a great opportunity for our community to celebrate an incredible season and a team that represented Redlands with such pride. Congratulations, Bulldogs!

There is always a lot happening across our campuses. Remember to check Bulldog Connect for the latest event information and opportunities.

Sincerely,

Krista L. Newkirk
President