University of Redlands
The merger signals a momentous opportunity to unite two historic Southern California universities.
REDLANDS, CALIF., January 16, 2024 -- The University of Redlands announced that it will move forward with a strategic merger and integration of Woodbury University into the University of Redlands. Both institutions are leaders in personalized and practice-based education. This merger is a strategic move to expand academic programs and degree opportunities to students of both institutions.
“This is a transformational opportunity to combine two historic Southern California universities into a strong, forward-looking organization with a broad range of programs that are sought after by students seeking a unique and personalized educational experience,” said University of Redlands President Krista Newkirk. “During our regular feedback discussions with both existing and prospective students, we heard that there’s increasing interest in new, exciting programs that reflect the changing dynamics of the world today. In addition to new programs such as Game Art & Design, there’s expanding interest in art, architecture, animation and design, entertainment, and media production, among others.”
University of Redlands Chair of the Board of Trustees, Jamison J. Ashby noted, “The integration of Woodbury University, its student body, their highly ranked and accredited programs in architecture, art and design and business as well as their School of Media : Culture : Design in a location just minutes away from the heart of the Southern California creative community will immediately allow us to dramatically expand students’ educational opportunities and pursuits.”
Located 75 miles apart in Southern California, both private nonprofit universities are well known for delivering innovative and individualized educational experiences to their students on Woodbury University’s Burbank campus and the University of Redlands campuses in Redlands, Marin County outside of San Francisco, and in Salzburg, Austria. The mission and values of the two institutions are similar, with a commitment to small class sizes and hands-on educational experiences.
“Woodbury University and the University of Redlands are a solid match with complementary educational programs and experiences,” said Woodbury University President Dr. Barry Ryan. “Their strategic mission is an ideal fit for current and future Woodbury students while providing additional opportunities to University of Redlands students.”
Finalization of the integration is subject to approval by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC) and the U.S. Department of Education.
About the University of Redlands
Founded in 1907, the University of Redlands is a private, nonprofit university that has prepared students for lives of meaning, impact, and joy for more than 100 years. Today, Redlands offers over 40 undergraduate programs and over 30 graduate programs designed to develop students personally and professionally through immersive, personalized education and hands-on experiences outside of the classroom, from community service learning to internships and residencies. Learn more at redlands.edu.
About Woodbury University
Founded in 1884, Woodbury is one of the oldest universities on the west coast of the United States. A private, nonprofit institution located in the Southern California city of Burbank, Woodbury is at the global epicenter of creativity and influence. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students learn from one of the most professionally accomplished faculties in the world, intern and work at the most innovative companies in the world, and go on to build solid careers. To learn more about Woodbury, visit woodbury.edu.
Woodbury University has been exploring a university affiliation to enhance their financial stability and create additional opportunities for its students, and the University of Redlands emerged as the leading choice.
For the University of Redlands, it will expand on the range of educational pursuits by offering access to Woodbury University’s unique degree programs and an additional campus location just minutes away from the heart of the Southern California creative community.
Our strategic plan, Forward Together, focuses on offering new programs that today’s students seek, growing opportunities for underserved student populations, and further ensuring financial sustainability. The integration of Woodbury into the University of Redlands furthers these initiatives while providing more opportunity for you.
Woodbury University’s interests are in preserving and enhancing the longstanding Woodbury educational experience by merging with a university that is aligned with their mission and values. As part of this, Woodbury students will have the opportunity to expand their educational experience with access to the University of Redlands academic programs, student services, study abroad programs and campuses through California and in Salzburg, Austria.
Our intent is for University of Redlands students to gain access to Woodbury University’s distinctive programs in architecture, animation, business, media production, and design, among others. It also adds another campus location in Burbank, just minutes away from the heart of the entertainment industry.
This change would not impact University of Redlands’ curricular or co-curricular requirements, location, or availability to students.
The first phase of the merger should be accomplished by June of 2024 (pending WSCUC approval). The second phase of the merger is subject to completion of the processes required by the U.S. Department of Education, which can take 1-2 years.
