ALL IN for democracy

As a double major in political science and English literature, Byran Whitehead ’25 spent his time at University of Redlands studying systems of power—how they’re built, how they function, and how everyday people can influence them. It wasn’t just theory for him. Through campus voter registration drives, ballot education campaigns, and community outreach, Whitehead turned his academic interests into meaningful civic action.

Whitehead’s commitment was recognized at the 2025 Honors Convocation and Recognition Ceremony, where he became the first Redlands student named to the ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll, a national award celebrating nonpartisan student leaders who champion democratic engagement on their campuses.

“The award is incredibly meaningful,” Whitehead said. “This university is situated in a very politically contentious town, and civic engagement is so important.”

Presented by President Krista Newkirk, the award is part of the nationwide ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, recognizing students across the country who worked to increase nonpartisan voter participation during the 2024 election cycle. Speaking at the ceremony, Newkirk praised Whitehead’s leadership. “Through his involvement in the Bulldog Civic Engagement Collective, Redlands Student Government, and numerous organizations across campus and in the greater community, Byran has been a driving force in building a culture of civic responsibility. His leadership, passion, and tireless efforts to engage students in the democratic process exemplify what it means to create lasting impact through service.”

Throughout his time at Redlands, Whitehead worked to raise student awareness about both national and local elections. Among his efforts, he created comprehensive guides for the 2022 and 2024 California propositions, organized posts about Redlands City Council members, and even arranged shuttle rides to help students get to the polls. Through it all, Whitehead emphasized the importance of nonpartisan civic engagement and why it matters so much on the Redlands campus.

“The City of Redlands government carries so much power in regard to the university and vice versa, and many students are in no way aware of it,” Whitehead said.

As he graduates and transitions from student to engaged community member, Whitehead plans to stay rooted in Redlands, where he will continue monitoring civic affairs at every level—city, county, state, and federal. He also intends to pursue law school, deepening his commitment to policy, politics, and the power of informed participation.

Whitehead’s inclusion on the 2025 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll places him among a growing cohort of 232 across the country, committed to strengthening democracy on college campuses and beyond.