This guide is designed to give reporters and editors convenient access to Stetson University faculty and staff experts in their fields. Journalists want to quote experts who can provide specific, accurate and current information in a timely manner, which is what our Stetson Experts are prepared to do. Office telephone numbers and e-mail addresses are provided for each expert. In addition, the Office of Public Relations and Communications at Stetson is available to help journalists locate professors and staff members.

Office of Public Relations and Communications
386-822-8920
or
386-717-5836
stetsonpr@stetson.edu

Stetson University: An Overview

Stetson University is a comprehensive university of four strong colleges and schools in five Florida locations. The College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration and School of Music are on the historic main campus in DeLand; the interdisciplinary Stetson University Center at Celebration is near Orlando; the College of Law is in the Gulfport/St. Petersburg area; and a new Law Center and campus in downtown Tampa. Stetson is united by commitments to academic excellence, liberal learning, and the integration of values in the teaching-learning process. Each of Stetson's colleges and schools is ranked among the best in national college guides, and each has achieved distinction through peer groups and prestigious accreditations.

Florida's first private university, Stetson today has more than 2,500 students on its DeLand and Celebration campuses, with another 800 attending the College of Law. Students in DeLand may choose among 60 major and minors and Stetson's 162 full-time professors are committed to blending superior teaching with scholarly research. The student-faculty ratio is an enviable 11 to 1 and more than 94 percent of the faculty hold the highest degrees in their fields.

Stetson is known for its superior programs and course offerings, many of which are found at few, if any, other schools. The Values Council, Christian Ethics Institute, the Howard Thurman Program, and Women and Gender Studies all bring atangible focus to both liberal learning and values-centered education. Students in the Roland George Investments Program manage a real-money portfolio of more than $2.8 million. This year they again won first place in a national portfolio management competition, making Stetson the only university to be a two-time winner. The Digital Arts Program is the first in the South and one of only a few in the entire country. The new Aquatic and Marine Biology major is unusual in its focus on freshwater ecology, especially that of Florida's "American Heritage River," the St. Johns.

Stetson grew from the dream of New York entrepreneur Henry DeLand. He launched Stetson University in 1883 as DeLand Academy, and the State of Florida chartered it as DeLand University in 1887. The name was changed two years later to honor John B. Stetson, a Philadelphia hat manufacturer and philanthropist who gave generously of his time and resources to assure Stetson University's success.

Stetson University continues to build on its 121-year commitment to teaching, as well as on its strong and vibrant history of service to others.

www.stetson.edu