First female president chosen to lead University of Redlands

Krista L. Newkirk will be inaugurated president of the University of Redlands next month.

Newkirk, who took over as the university’s top administrator in July, is scheduled to be formally instated Feb. 23 in a 10 a.m. ceremony at Memorial Chapel, according to a statement on the university’s website.

Formerly the president of Converse College in Spartanburg, S.C., Newkirk is the 12th president – and first first female president – in the 114-year history of the University of Redlands.

Newkirk was hired last May following a nationwide search.  She succeeds Ralph W. Kuncl, who retired in June after nine years on the job. Kuncl is now president emeritus.