Stetson University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Stetson University, a private institution in DeLand, Florida, boasts a rich history and a diverse array of accomplished alumni. Founded in 1883 as DeLand Academy, the university was later renamed in honor of John B. Stetson, the renowned hat manufacturer and philanthropist, whose financial support was instrumental in its development. This article explores some of the notable individuals who have passed through Stetson's halls, making their mark in various fields.

A Historical Overview of Stetson University

Before delving into the accomplishments of its alumni, it's essential to understand Stetson University's origins and evolution. Originally established as DeLand Academy in 1883, the institution underwent several name changes, reflecting its growth and development:

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

The university's motto, "Pro Deo et Veritate," which translates to "For God and Truth," reflects its commitment to academic excellence and ethical values. Stetson University holds the distinction of being the oldest private college in Florida. The main campus, located in DeLand, spans 175 acres (71 ha), with additional campuses in Gulfport and Tampa.

Key Figures in Stetson's History

Henry Addison DeLand, the founder of the town of DeLand, established DeLand Academy in 1883. John H. Griffith, a minister, served as the first director of the academy, and John Franklin Forbes became the first president of the college.

Campus Landmarks

Stetson University's campus features several notable buildings:

Read also: Explore Stetson Law

DeLand Hall: Opened in 1884 as the first academic building on campus.
Lynn Business Center: Houses the university's School of Business.
Lee Chapel: A historic performance hall with excellent acoustics, dedicated to the memory of John B. Stetson's son, Ben. William Sharp, an art professor, designed the stained glass windows in the chapel, which features a 1961 Beckerath Organ.

Academic Structure

The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college on campus, offering a wide range of undergraduate majors and interdisciplinary programs in the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, education, and the arts. Stetson also boasts a College of Law, which was founded in 1900 in DeLand and relocated to Gulfport in 1954.

Library Resources

The university's library system has evolved significantly over the years. Before the establishment of a formal library in 1887, a small collection of books was housed in DeLand Hall. In 1906, the university received a generous donation from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, matched by Elizabeth S. Stetson, which led to the construction of the Sampson Library in 1908. Today, the duPont-Ball Library provides access to a vast collection of full-text journals, magazines, and newspapers through its databases.

Student Life and Athletics

Stetson University offers a vibrant campus life with approximately 20 honorary academic and professional organizations and over 100 other student organizations. The university is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with its 20 intercollegiate men's and women's teams competing in Division I. The school's mascot is "John B.", a stylized version of John B. Stetson.

Notable Alumni in Politics and Law

Stetson University has produced numerous alumni who have made significant contributions to the fields of politics and law.

Pam Bondi: Served as the Florida Attorney General from 2011 to 2019.
Max Cleland: A Vietnam War veteran and former United States Senator from Georgia (1997-2003).
Ashley Moody: Currently serving as the junior United States senator from Florida since 2025.
Julia Nesheiwat: Served as the 10th homeland security advisor in the Trump administration from 2020 to 2021.
Gus Bilirakis: U.S. Representative for Florida's 12th congressional district since 2013.
Dean Trantalis: Mayor of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Rick Kriseman: Served as the 53rd Mayor of St. Petersburg from 2014 to 2022.
John Edwin Thrasher: Former state legislator and president of Florida State University.
Kathleen Passidomo: President of the Florida Senate.
Beverly B. Martin: Former United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
Joe Negron: Former member of the Florida Senate and Senate President.
Chris Sprowls: Former speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
Jack Latvala: Republican politician from Florida.
Bob Gualtieri: Sheriff of Pinellas County, Florida.
Doyle E. Carlton: Served as the 25th Governor of the state of Florida from 1929 to 1933.
David Sholtz: The 26th Governor of Florida.
Suzanne Kosmas: Former U.S. Representative for Florida's 24th congressional district.
E. Clay Shaw, Jr.: Represented South Florida in the United States House of Representatives from 1981 until 2007.
Andy Gardiner: Republican politician.
Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse: A Thai-American attorney and former member of the Thai Royal Family.
Olav Gutting: A German lawyer and politician of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

These individuals have demonstrated leadership and commitment to public service, shaping policies and contributing to their communities.

Notable Alumni in Arts, Entertainment, and Media

Stetson University has also produced notable alumni in the fields of arts, entertainment, and media:

Ted Cassidy: An actor known for playing Lurch on "The Addams Family" TV series.
Britt McHenry: A television personality and sports commentator.
George Winston: An American pianist performing contemporary instrumental music.
Jaclyn Stapp: An American fashion model and author.
Lionel: An American syndicated radio, television and YouTube legal and media analyst.
Craig Crawford: An American writer and television political commentator.

These alumni have achieved recognition for their creative talents and contributions to the entertainment industry.

Notable Alumni in Sports

Stetson University has a strong athletic tradition, and several of its alumni have gone on to professional sports careers:

Corey Kluber: A former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Rich McKay: CEO of the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL).
Corey Walden: An American professional basketball player.
Chris Johnson: An assistant hitting coach for the Washington Nationals of Major League Baseball (MLB).
Jacob deGrom: A professional baseball pitcher.
Lenny DiNardo: A former professional baseball pitcher.

These athletes have excelled in their respective sports, representing Stetson University with pride. The Stetson University baseball program started in 1895. There are twelve former Stetson University ballplayers who made it to the majors. The Stetson University Hatters have had a long & interesting baseball history that includes a team that has come and gone.

Notable Alumni in Academia

John Pilley: An American behavioral psychologist known for his research into canine cognition and language learning.

A Comprehensive List of Baseball Draftees

Stetson University's baseball program has a rich history of producing talented players who have been drafted into Major League Baseball. Here is a comprehensive list of Stetson University baseball players who have been drafted:

Read also: Applying to Stetson University

2025:
- Lorenzo Meola (SS), 4th Round, San Francisco Giants
- Isaiah Barkett (INF), 10th Round, San Francisco Giants
- Ty Van Dyke (RHP), 10th Round, St. Louis Cardinals
- Jonathan Gonzalez (LHP), 14th Round, Philadelphia Phillies
2024:
- Gio Cueto (C), FA, Los Angeles Dodgers
- Aric McAtee (RHP), FA, Chicago White Sox
2023:
- Christian Pregent (C), 10th Round, New York Mets
- Austin Amaral (RHP), 16th Round, Washington Nationals
2020:
- Robbie Peto (RHP), FA, Los Angeles Dodgers
2019:
- Mitchell Senger (LHP), 26th Round, New York Mets
- Robbie Peto (RHP), 26th Round, Tampa Bay Rays
- Vlad Nunez (RHP), FA, Chicago White Sox
2018:
- Logan Gilbert (RHP), 1st Round, Seattle Mariners
- Brooks Wilson (RHP), 7th Round, Atlanta Braves
- Jack Perkins (RHP), 11th Round, Philadelphia Phillies
- Ben Onyshko (LHP), 24th Round, Seattle Mariners
- Austin Hale (C), 28th Round, Minnesota Twins
- Joey Gonzalez (RHP), 28th Round, Houston Astros
- Mike Spooner (OF), FA, Cincinnati Reds
2017:
- Brooks Wilson (RHP), 24th Round, Texas Rangers
2016:
- Walker Sheller (RHP), 9th Round, Kansas City Royals
- Mitchell Jordan (RHP), 10th Round, Oakland Athletics
- Vance Vizcaino (OF), 11th Round, Kansas City Royals
2015:
- Patrick Mazeika (C/1B), 8th Round, New York Mets
- Garrett Russini (C/OF), FA, Pittsburgh Pirates
2013:
- Cameron Griffin (LHP), 23rd Round, Pittsburgh Pirates
2012:
- Tucker Donahue (RHP), 4th Round, Toronto Blue Jays
- Sam Kimmel (C), 18th Round, Baltimore Orioles
- Lindsey Caughel (RHP), 23rd Round, Los Angeles Dodgers
- Robbie Powell (RHP), 32nd Round, Los Angeles Angels
- Ben Carhart (INF), 35th Round, Chicago Cubs
- Jake Boyd (RHP), 38th Round, Los Angeles Angels
- Kirk Schluter (RHP), 39th Round, Boston Red Sox
2011:
- Nick Rickles (C), 14th Round, Oakland Athletics
- Lindsey Caughel (RHP), 35th Round, Baltimore Orioles
- Tucker Donahue (RHP), 38th Round, Texas Rangers
2010:
- Jacob deGrom (RHP), 9th Round, New York Mets
2009:
- Jeremy Cruz (OF), 13th Round, Los Angeles Angels
- Casey Frawley (OF), 17th Round, Cleveland Indians
- Robby Donovan (RHP), 23rd Round, Houston Astros
2008:
- Justin Bass (OF), 19th Round, Miami Marlins
- Brian Pruitt (OF), 34th Round, Washington Nationals
- Nick Pugliese (RHP), FA, Los Angeles Angels
2007:
- Corey Kluber (RHP), 4th Round, San Diego Padres
- Braedyn Pruitt (INF), 14th Round, New York Yankees
- Chris Ingoglia (LHP), 18th Round, Miami Marlins
- Shane Jordan (OF), 43rd Round, San Francisco Giants
2006:
- Chris Johnson (INF), 4th Round, Houston Astros
- Brian Bocock (INF), 9th Round, San Francisco Giants
- Nathan Nery (LHP), 18th Round, Baltimore Orioles
2005:
- Ryan Dixon (RHP), FA, St. Louis Cardinals
2004:
- Chris Westervelt (C), 11th Round, Los Angeles Dodgers
2003:
- Brian Snyder (INF), 1st Round, Oakland Athletics
- Mike Wiley (LHP), 16th Round, Colorado Rockies
- Roger Lincoln (LHP), 34th Round, Cleveland Indians
- Chris Westervelt (C), 40th Round, Oakland Athletics
- Rusty Beale (INF), 45th Round, Cincinnati Reds
- Andy Wilson (INF), FA, New York Mets
2001:
- Lenny DiNardo (LHP), 3rd Round, New York Mets
- Jeff Christy (OF), 12th Round, Oakland Athletics
- Frank Corr (OF), 17th Round, New York Mets
1999:
- Jeff House (RHP), 40th Round, Milwaukee Brewers
1998:
- Sammy Serrano (C), 2nd Round, San Francisco Giants
- Brooks Stephens (1B), 47th Round, Tampa Bay Rays
1997:
- Kevin Nicholson (INF), 1st Round, San Diego Padres
- Clint Chrysler (LHP), 17th Round, Seattle Mariners
1996:
- Mike Lyons (RHP), 20th Round, New York Mets
- Chuck Beale (RHP), 20th Round, Boston Red Sox
- Eric Knott (RHP), 24th Round, Arizona Diamondbacks
- George Kauffman (RHP), 44th Round, Kansas City Royals
- Javier Gomez (RHP), FA, Detroit Tigers
1995:
- Jeff Smith (C), 20th Round, Minnesota Twins
1993:
- Willard Brown (RHP), 10th Round, Los Angeles Angels
- Aaron Iatarola (OF), 21st Round, Los Angeles Angels
1992:
- Larry Hingle (LHP), 7th Round, Los Angeles Angels
- Wes Weger (INF), 9th Round, Milwaukee Brewers
- Ernie Yaroshuk (OF), 18th Round, New York Yankees
- Tibor Brown (LHP), 41st Round, New York Yankees
- Christopher Thomas (C), 44th Round, Milwaukee Brewers
1991:
- Jim Waring (RHP), 21st Round, Houston Astros
- Tom Hickox (RHP), FA, Milwaukee Brewers
- Craig Risdon (RHP), FA, Atlanta Braves
1990:
- Mike Pinckes (INF), FA, Cleveland Indians
1989:
- George Tsamis (LHP), 15th Round, Minnesota Twins
- Darin Bruehl (INF), FA, Houston Astros
1988:
- George Tsamis (LHP), 33rd Round, Toronto Blue Jays
1987:
- Chris Dunham (1B), 19th Round, Cleveland Indians
- Steve Woide (LHP), FA, Toronto Blue Jays
1986:
- Chris Byrnes (LHP), 11th Round, New York Yankees
- Kevin Wasilewski (RHP), 15th Round, Houston Astros
- Fred DeLamata (OF), FA, Baltimore Orioles
1985:
- Jay Nieporte (C), 11th Round, San Diego Padres
- Jeff Henderson (LHP), 16th Round, Detroit Tigers
- Scott Gray (INF), 17th Round, Houston Astros
- Rick Malizia (OF), FA, Baltimore Orioles
1984:
- Mike Ullian (LHP), 10th Round, Houston Astros
1983:
- Mike Ullian (LHP), 15th Round, St. Louis Cardinals
- Jeff Pequignot (OF), 32nd Round, Milwaukee Brewers
1982:
- Bob Klusacek (LHP), 14th Round, San Diego Padres
- Mike Burgermeister (RHP), FA, San Francisco Giants
1981:
- Wade Rowdon (INF), 8th Round, Chicago White Sox
- David Miller (OF), FA, Baltimore Orioles
1979:
- Bill Swaggerty (RHP), 26th Round, Baltimore Orioles
- Dan Williams (1B), 27th Round, Chicago White Sox
1978:
- Ronnie Pearce (RHP), 12th Round, Montreal Expos
1977:
- Jeff Brueggemann (RHP), 36th Round, Minnesota Twins
1976:
- Jesse Wright (LHP), FA, Oakland Athletics
1975:
- Jim Howard (OF), 25th Round, New York Mets
1974:
- Stephen Kotenda (INF), 3rd Round, Boston Red Sox
- Ted Loehr (RHP), 20th Round, Chicago White Sox
- Dave Braden (LHP), 28th Round, Texas Rangers
1972:
- Roy Tanner (OF), FA, Kansas City Royals
1970:
- Pete Dunn (C), 36th Round, Kansas City Royals
- Ashby Frayser (INF), FA, Montreal Expos
1958:
- Bob Vostry (1B/OF), FA, Chicago White Sox
1957:
- Walt Jasinski (RHP), FA, Los Angeles Dodgers

This list showcases the consistent talent and dedication fostered by the Stetson University baseball program.

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