Stetson’s Student Success Program which began in 2010, has taken Stetson’s dedication to student success to the next level. Under the leadership of Dr. Lua Hancock since its inception, the Student Success Program is one of Stetson’s greatest success stories.

At the fall meeting of the university’s Board of Trustees, the community celebrated the generosity of one of Stetson’s most dedicated alumni families, and recognized a gift from the Hollis Family to establish a center that consolidates the many innovative components to the program, previously scattered throughout campus. (Pictured from left to right: Lua Hancock, Beth Paul, Lynn Hollis, Dean Hollis, Wendy Libby.)

Scheduled to open in Fall 2015, the new Hollis Family Student Success Center, located on the mezzanine level of the duPont-Ball Library, will feature nearly 4,500 square feet for mentors, group and individual study/tutoring spaces, and technology. Its services were previously scattered throughout campus.

“Our students are not coming to us with a blank slate,” Hancock says. “They are coming to us with roots, history and knowledge, and varied backgrounds, to a place where they will grow even further. In Student Success our symbol is the tree because we believe in the roots down and the growth up, and that a college campus is an amazing place to grow.”

Student Success provides a range of deep, engaging learning experiences that lead to substantial personal and academic growth. This means everything from tutoring to internships. The approach focuses on the whole student, empowering them with the academic, social and financial know-how to succeed and become an effective global citizen and lifelong learner.

“It was a special day to have my mom [Lynn Hollis] back on campus, to see the warmth and affection of friends, and to see the space in the library and how it will be transformed into a warm, inviting and innovative space dedicated to student success,” trustee and alumnus Dean Hollis said in describing the ceremony dedicating the space in the library. “It was humbling to see all the people who care so passionately for Stetson, but especially for helping future generations succeed.

“We want to see students benefiting from the Stetson experience, by thriving and maturing in all aspects of their life,” Hollis continued. “We want them to relish challenges, deal with obstacles and turn those obstacles into success.”

Mark C. Hollis, Stetson University Trustee Emeritus, and alumnus, class of 1956, passed away late 2012. Pictured left, with his wife of 57 years, Lynn, Mark Hollis was the former president, chief operating officer and vice-chair, and member of the board of Publix Super Markets, Inc. He received Stetson’s most prestigious awards: the Distinguished Alumni Award; the Doyle E. Carlton Award recognizing extraordinary contributions to the life and development of Stetson University, the City of DeLand, and the State of Florida; the Distinguished Service Award; and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. He was also named a Champion of Higher Independent Education in Florida (C.H.I.E.F. Award) by the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida. In 2011, Mark and Lynn Hollis were presented Stetson’s George and Mary Hood Award, in recognition of their extraordinary passion for, and commitment and contributions to, Stetson University and her core values.

Through the generous philanthropy of their family, Mark and Lynn Hollis have supported student scholarships, endowed chairs and academic program development, and construction and maintenance of campus facilities, including the Hollis Health and Wellness Center. Hollis was a special champion for maintaining and celebrating the beauty and function of the Stetson University campuses.