Campus News

U of R names new president

The University of Redlands welcomed Krista L. Newkirk, J.D. as its 12th president on July 19. Newkirk, who is the first female president of the U of R, was most recently president of Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

“I am excited to join the University of Redlands,” says Newkirk, who led Converse College for the last five years and previously worked at University of North Carolina, Charlotte. “This is an especially important time in the history of the University. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and working with the dedicated and talented faculty, staff, trustees, students, and alumni, as well as reaching out to community members and businesses. As we continue to reassess what the higher education landscape will look like following the pandemic, this is our opportunity to create together a bright future.”

Newkirk has hit the ground running upon arrival at the University. In addition to getting to know members of the Redlands community, her first priorities include launching a new strategic planning process to follow the University’s successful North Star 2020 strategic plan.

“We had many qualified candidates from across the country come forward with interest in this position,” says U of R Chairman of the Board Leland C. Launer Jr. “Throughout the process, we remained dedicated to identifying the best individual to lead our University into the future. As a candidate, Krista stood out due to her range of experience in colleges and universities, large and small; successes as the head of an institution of higher education; and passion for making connections within our community.”

U of R Presidential Search Committee Chair and First Vice Chair of the Board Larry Burgess adds, “We are delighted to welcome Krista to Redlands and excited for the potential she brings to the next chapter of the University’s history. Based on her outstanding track record of consensus-building, problem-solving, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, she was the top candidate of our 21-person search committee and received a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees.”

Newkirk succeeds Ralph W. Kuncl, who retired from his current role on June 30 after nine years at the helm of the U of R. 9

Photo by Coco McKown ‘04, ‘10

Krista L. Newkirk is the 12th president of the University of Redlands.

Learn more about Newkirk at www.redlands.edu/meet-redlands/ office-of-the-president/.

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