Krista Newkirk

Now in her fifth academic year at the University of Redlands, President Krista Newkirk has transformed the Redlands experience. Under her leadership, Redlands continues to grow its footprint throughout California, solidifying a successful merger with San Francisco-based Presidio Graduate School, which has become a signature part of the university’s School of Business & Society, and the acquisition of Los Angeles-based Woodbury University. Under her leadership, the university fortified its commitment to accessibility and sustainability by adding a walkway that connects the university to the Arrow Rail Line and Metrolink train station, and launching a two-phase solar energy project set to provide over 30% of the university’s energy needs. She continues to lead the transformative University Village project, which will benefit the entire region. In response to the evolving needs of today’s students, Newkirk facilitated the development of market-responsive programs, positioning Redlands as a leader in emerging fields like Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Newkirk has also championed advancements in digital learning environments, adding a competitive Esports team and expanding virtual and augmented reality options to enrich the student experience. She continues to advance affordability and accessibility through the Redlands Promise campaign and through fundraising efforts. Newkirk successfully completed the University’s Forever Yours campaign, raising a record $207.2M for the university. She serves on several national education boards, including the Public Policy Institute of California’s Higher Education Center Advisory Council, the Executive Committee of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU), where she was serves as Second Vice Chair, and the Board and Tax Policy Committee of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), where she also will chair the Audit Committee. She frequently presents at conferences nationwide on the dynamic evolution of higher education.