University of Redlands Joins Prestigious Colleges That Change Lives
JOINT PRESS RELEASE CTCL AND UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS JULY 27 2025
Redlands named among 45 institutions recognized for personalized and transformative collegiate experience.
July 23, 2025 – Redlands, CA – The University of Redlands has been invited to join Colleges That Change Lives Inc. (CTCL), a nonprofit organization recognized nationally for championing institutions that provide student-centered, transformative undergraduate education. Redlands becomes one of only 45 member institutions in the country to receive this designation, and joins as part of CTCL’s second carefully planned expansion in two years.
Originally inspired by the late New York Times education editor Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, the organization has evolved into a trusted resource for students and families seeking meaningful and personalized college experiences. The book, first published in 1996, spotlighted colleges that prioritize mentorship, the liberal arts, and real-world preparation, sparking a movement away from rankings toward fit and holistic student development.
“We are honored to join the Colleges That Change Lives organization,” said Krista Newkirk, President of the University of Redlands. “At Redlands, we are committed to a high-impact educational model that blends the liberal arts with professional studies, and equips students to make a difference in the world. This recognition affirms the value of our personalized approach and places us among a powerful cohort of institutions that share our passion for putting students first. We are proud to stand alongside these 44 other colleges helping students discover the college experience that truly fits their needs.”
Redlands was selected following a rigorous evaluation process during CTCL’s strategic membership expansion, an initiative designed to reflect the diversity and depth of institutions that align with Pope’s original vision. CTCL remains committed to promoting colleges that:
- Offer a student-centered college admission process;
- Provide academic programs grounded in the tradition of the liberal arts;
- Feature faculty and staff dedicated to teaching and mentoring undergraduates; and
- Ensure access to transformative educational opportunities.
“This is a significant moment for our organization,” said Ann Marano, Executive Director of CTCL. “We are excited to welcome the University of Redlands to our incredible group of member institutions. For over 100 years, the University has offered students an education firmly grounded in the liberal arts and real-world experiential learning. Graduates are prepared for professional success and lives of impact in the world. Redlands is a kindred spirit and mission-aligned with the institutions first uplifted by Loren Pope.”
Redlands exemplifies the CTCL ethos through:
- A commitment to small class sizes and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio that promotes individualized learning and mentorship.
- A global perspective, including immersive, interdisciplinary programs like the Salzburg Semester, one of the longest-running study abroad experiences in central Europe.
- Educational innovation, including student-designed majors through the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies.
- A strong record of career success and graduate satisfaction.
- A nationally recognized culture of service learning over the past 40 years where every undergraduate student completes a community service internship before graduating.
CTCL’s membership now includes 45 schools in 24 states, with founding dates ranging from 60 to 329 years ago. The smallest member enrolls just over 100 students; the largest, more than 3,000. Collectively, they offer a wide range of majors in the humanities, STEM, visual and performing arts, and pre-professional programs—taught through distinctive curricular models such as Great Books, faith-based learning, self-designed degrees, or one-class-at-a-time approaches. Two members are single-gender institutions.
“Colleges That Change Lives continues to be an organization whose member colleges can serve so many students’ interests and college goals while still offering a transformative experience,” said Crys Latham, CTCL Past-Board Chair and founding Director of College Counseling at Washington Latin Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.
Learn more about the impact of Colleges that Change Lives at the University of Redlands.
About the University of Redlands:
Founded in 1907, the University of Redlands prepares students for lives of meaning, impact, and joy. Nationally recognized for its academic excellence, innovation, and commitment to student success, Redlands offers more than 40 undergraduate and 30 graduate programs. Through immersive, personalized education and hands-on learning opportunities, including community service internships, Redlands empowers students to grow both personally and professionally. Visit redlands.edu for more information.
About Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL):
Colleges That Change Lives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the ideal of a student-centered college search. The member institutions are all liberal arts colleges and universities whose admission processes are personal and thoughtful. The faculty and administration work together to offer distinctive academic programs that develop critical thinking skills, creativity, collaborative work habits, and creative problem-solving skills across disciplines. These schools were first brought together by Loren Pope in his groundbreaking college guide, Colleges That Change Lives; they have been working in partnership for over 25+ years. Learn more at www.ctcl.org.