University of Redlands Partners With San Francisco Theological Seminary to form the Graduate School of Theology (GST)

Redlands, Calif. — The San Francisco Theological Seminary (SFTS), based in Marin County, and the University of Redlands (U of R), located in Southern California, have signed an Agreement in Principle to create a transformative partnership — one that enhances the academic mission and traditions of each institution and creates unique synergies between them.

“In recent years, SFTS has been creating a new kind of seminary for the 21st century—designed to preserve our core values while expanding our reach and opening new pathways for purposeful leadership, community service, and public life,” said Jim McDonald, president of SFTS. “As we looked to the future, we recognized the need and imperative to re-imagine and reset our course to meet a changing world. Our partnership with the University of Redlands accelerates our efforts to make this essential transformation. We are very excited about the possibilities this new relationship creates for students from all walks of life.”

“The University of Redlands and SFTS have many shared values and interests, including the commitment to teaching, scholarship, and community,” said Ralph W. Kuncl, president of U of R. “This forward-thinking partnership has huge potential to unlock dynamic, new opportunities for current and future students.”

Through this partnership, the institutions will create a new graduate school, the Graduate School of Theology (GST) within the University of Redlands, that will articulate and pursue the mission of preparing students for theological engagement and meaningful ministries. The new GST will operate on equal footing with U of R’s other, long-established schools (notably its graduate and professional programs in its School of Education and School of Business), as well as its College of Arts and Sciences and School of Music. The SFTS campus will become part of the University of Redlands and continue to be the primary location for SFTS and its degree programs.

Prior to the Agreement in Principle, U of R and SFTS developed a joint continuing studies program – the Mental Health and Spirituality Certificate — which will hold its first classes next month. Developed within SFTS’s Applied Wisdom Institute and U of R’s School of Education, the program will teach and guide community leaders, building knowledge and competencies in mental health, spiritual care, and community engagement.

With the Agreement in Principle now approved by both Boards of Trustees, the institutions will work to finalize the details and obtain approval from accreditors. An official agreement could take effect by mid-2019. For more information regarding the announcement, please visit www.sfts.edu/pathways or redlands.edu.

About San Francisco Theological Seminary

SFTS is a leading Protestant graduate theological school rooted in the values of social justice, spirituality, and innovation. For nearly 150 years, SFTS has prepared students from around the world for various forms of ministry. Located in Marin County, California, SFTS offers doctoral, masters, and certificate programs for people from all walks of life, on campus and online. SFTS is a founding member of, and partners with, the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley—the most comprehensive center for the graduate study of religion in North America. For more information, visit sfts.edu.

About University of Redlands

The University of Redlands is a private, nonprofit university that connects students to a world of opportunity, geared toward their passions and potential. Centrally located near the beaches, mountains and desert in the heart of Southern California, the University offers more than 40 undergraduate programs, as well as 20 graduate programs in business, communication sciences and disorders, education, geographic information systems, and music—blending liberal arts and professional programs, applied and theoretical study, traditional majors and self-designed curricula.