Stetson University: A Comprehensive Overview of Programs, History, and Campus Life

Stetson University is a private university located in DeLand, Florida, situated roughly halfway between Orlando and Daytona Beach. With a rich history dating back to its founding in 1883, Stetson has evolved from a small academy into a comprehensive university offering a wide array of degree programs and fostering a vibrant campus community.

Historical Overview

Founding and Early Years

Stetson University was founded in 1883 as DeLand Academy by Henry Addison DeLand, the principal founder of the town of DeLand, Florida. The first director of the academy was John H. Griffith, a minister. In 1887, the institution was incorporated as DeLand University. In 1889, the institution's name was changed to John B. Stetson University to honor John B. Stetson. When the college was founded, John Franklin Forbes took over as the first president.

The university has operated under several names throughout its history:

DeLand Academy (1883-1885)
DeLand College (1885-1886)
DeLand University (1886-1889)
John B. Stetson University (1889-1994)

Religious Affiliation

Stetson University maintained a religious affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention from 1885 to 1907 and again from 1919 to 1995. Since 1995, the university has operated without a formal religious affiliation, embracing a diverse and inclusive community.

Campus and Facilities

Stetson University's main campus is located just north of downtown DeLand. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings that cater to various academic and student activities.

Read also: Explore Stetson Law

Key Buildings and Landmarks

DeLand Hall: Opened in 1884, DeLand Hall was the first academic building on campus. The original cost of the building was $4,000.
Lynn Business Center: Home to the university's School of Business.
Lee Chapel: Located in the historic Elizabeth Hall. It is a 100-year-old performance hall that seats 700. The acoustical properties are well-suited for classical music performances. It was built in 1897 and dedicated to the memory of John B. Stetson's late son, Ben, who died at age 6. It is currently named after H. Douglas Lee, who served as Stetson's eighth president from 1987 until 2009. It accommodates up to 787 people. William Sharp, an art professor, designed all the stained glass windows in the chapel. The organ is a 1961 Beckerath Organ.
Sampson Hall: In 1906, the university received $40,000 from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Elizabeth S. Stetson, wife of John B. Stetson, matched Carnegie's contribution allowing for the Sampson Library to be built as a Carnegie library, one of fourteen in the state. Opening in 1908, it was named after university trustee C.T. Sampson.
duPont-Ball Library: The duPont-Ball Library's databases provide access to 50,000 full-text journals, magazines and newspapers.

Academic Programs

Stetson University offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.

College of Arts and Sciences

With 19 academic departments and several interdisciplinary programs, the College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college on campus in terms of total undergraduate majors and total number of faculty. It includes the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, education and the arts. Performance opportunities for students include the symphony orchestra, band, choirs, opera, musical theater, jazz, chamber music, and solo recitals. The curriculum includes degree options in performance, education, theory, and composition. Music students may combine music study with business, pre-law, and many other fields.

School of Business Administration

The Lynn Business Center is home for the university's School of Business.

College of Law

The Stetson University College of Law was founded in 1900 in DeLand. In 1954, the law school was relocated to Gulfport, Florida, where Stetson Law still exists today.

Student Life and Activities

Stetson University provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for student involvement. Stetson has approximately 20 honorary academic and professional organizations and over 100 other student organizations on campus.

Athletics

Stetson is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and the university's 18 intercollegiate men's and women's teams compete on the Division I level in the ASUN Conference, the Pioneer Football League (Football Championship Subdivision - FCS) and MAAC - Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. The school's mascot is "John B.", a stylized version of John B.

Sports Achievements

Since 1970, the baseball program has earned seven ASUN Conference championships and 16 trips to the NCAA Regionals.
In 2013, women's basketball made its third NCAA tournament appearance. The team won the A-Sun Conference Championship in 2005, 2011, and 2013. Stetson also has a signature win in the 2024 NCAA regional against the University of Alabama.
Stetson participated in football from 1901 until 1956 achieving an all-time record of 155-127-27 (.545). The football team earned its 100th victory in 1935. The football program was restarted in 2010, with the team returning to play in 2013.

Library Resources

Before the first library was established in 1887, DeLand University had started to accumulate a small collection of books. At this time, fewer than 1,300 volumes were housed on bookshelves in DeLand Hall, sharing space with the science lab. In 1906, the university received $40,000 from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Elizabeth S. Stetson, wife of John B. Stetson, matched Carnegie's contribution allowing for the Sampson Library to be built as a Carnegie library, one of fourteen in the state. Opening in 1908, it was named after university trustee C.T. Sampson. The duPont-Ball Library's databases provide access to 50,000 full-text journals, magazines and newspapers.

Accreditation and Rankings

Stetson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Notable Alumni

Stetson University has produced numerous accomplished alumni across various fields.

Read also: Applying to Stetson University

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