About Stetson University
Founded in 1883, Stetson University is Florida's first private university. Its residential campus in DeLand sits between Daytona Beach and Orlando, and its Gulfport campus and Tampa Law Center serve the Tampa Bay area. Nearly 4,000 students choose from more than 100 academic programs across four colleges and schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration, School of Music and College of Law. Students also compete in 20 NCAA Division I sports.
Academics
See the majors, minors and graduate programs offered at Stetson University.
Programs at Stetson UniversityAthletics
Follow the Stetson University Hatters in NCAA Division I competition.
Teams of the Stetson University HattersLeadership
Meet the president, trustees and leaders who guide Stetson University.
Leadership at Stetson UniversityStetson University is guided by its mission.
Four values shape the university: intellectual exploration, inclusive community, human dignity and personal growth.
Mission and valuesA storied past shapes the university today.
Learn about the people, places and milestones that have shaped Stetson University from its founding to today.
University historyBy the Numbers
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Plan a VisitFrequently Asked Questions
Yes. Stetson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master's, education specialist and doctorate degrees. The School of Business Administration is accredited in accounting and business by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The College of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
No. Stetson University and the Stetson hat company are separate organizations. The university is named for John B. Stetson, the hat manufacturer and early benefactor who supported the school after Henry A. DeLand founded it as DeLand Academy in 1883.
Stetson University has three locations in central Florida. The residential campus in DeLand, between Daytona Beach and Orlando, is home to the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business Administration and the School of Music. The College of Law is based in Gulfport, near St. Petersburg, and also holds classes at the Tampa Law Center in downtown Tampa.
Stetson University athletics compete in NCAA Division I as members of the ASUN Conference. Two teams compete in other conferences: football in the Pioneer Football League and women's rowing in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC).
Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, is the 10th president of Stetson University. He took office in July 2020.