He built an experience around service, community impact, and listening to student voices

When Tony Mueller arrived at University of Redlands in 1985, community service was not in his job description. He came to work in Residence Life, but a vision was quietly taking shape. One that brought together academic experience, volunteer outreach, and community impact. By 1991, that vision had a name: the Office of Community Service Learning.

Nearly four decades later, Mueller is retiring as the Director, a role he helped invent alongside alumna and former Vice President and Dean of Student Life Char Burgess ’69, ’70. What began as a pilot course put Redlands on the map as one of the first universities in the nation to mandate community service for every undergraduate student.

“We were right at the forefront of it, and I've always been really proud that Redlands did that — because it didn't have to,” he said.

As members of the University community reflect on Mueller's impact, the picture that emerges is one of a leader who showed up fully every single day.

“In one workday, Tony will work on our sustainable farm harvesting food or pulling weeds, attend an on-campus committee meeting, assist a student with their service placement, attend a community meeting, and take the time to check with his staff to ensure they have the support and resources needed to do their job,” Assistant Dean of Experiential Learning and Director of Sustainable Education Erin Sanborn said.

President Krista Newkirk echoed Mueller’s drive and commitment to impact. “His vision for embedding community engagement into the culture and curriculum of a liberal arts institution has become a model for universities across the country. Today, community service isn't something our students do ‘on the side.’ It's central to the Redlands experience.”

As Mueller steps away, his hopes for Redlands are modest yet remain true to who he was when he arrived in 1985 — keep serving.

“It would be great if we didn't need all the service, because problems were solved,” Mueller said. “But I always want this to be a school that embraces serving its community. That's what I really just hope continues forever.”

Members of the Redlands community are invited to join the Office of Community Service Learning from 5:30–10 p.m., on Saturday, October 3, at the Alumni House, for Celebrating 35 Years of Service and Impact with Tony Mueller. The special event will honor the people, partners, and supporters who have sustained the program and contributed to its success over the years.