Newsroom

Stetson University Entrepreneurship Students Win $15,000 at Cairns Foundation Innovation Challenge

DELAND, Florida, Oct. 27, 2021 – Stetson University School of Business Administration senior Chipper Stempkowski of Altamonte Springs won first place and $10,000, and junior Kendall Buck of Gilbert, Arizona, placed second and received $5,000 during the 2021 Cairns Foundation Innovation Challenge. Both prizes also include a one-year resident enrollment in the UCF Volusia County Business Incubator.

• Image 1: Kendall Buck, Image courtesy of Stetson University School of Business Administration
• Image 2: Kendall Buck and Herbtastic, Image courtesy of Kendall Buck
• Image 3: Lou Paris, Image courtesy of Stetson University School of Business Administration
• Image 4: The Herbtastic makes removing herb leaves easy while preparing a meal, Image is courtesy of Kendall Buck
• Image 5: The Herbtastic makes preparing fresh herbs for meals simple, Image is courtesy of Kendall Buck
• Image 6: The Herbtastic is the go-to kitchen gadget for removing herb leaves, Image is courtesy of Kendall Buck
• Image 7: Stetson University School of Business Administration senior Chipper Stempkowski pitches his YourCEtracker during the 2021 Cairns Foundation Innovation Challenge, Photo by Wyatt Peck
• Image 8: Stetson University School of Business Administration senior Chipper Stempkowski pitches his YourCEtracker during the 2021 Cairns Foundation Innovation Challenge, Photo by Wyatt Peck 
• Image 9: Stetson University School of Business Administration senior and the 2020 Cairns Foundation Innovation Challenge winner Deja Robinson won first place and $10,000 for her YuubiHire social media startup business. She spoke to the audience during this year's competition, Photo by Wyatt Peck
• Image 10: Stetson University School of Business Administration junior Finn Anthony pitched his TableYes digital platform during the 2021 Cairns Foundation Innovation Challenge, Photo by Wyatt Peck
• Image 11: Stetson University School of Business Administration junior Haley Mills pitched her Insudose app during the 2021 Cairns Foundation Innovation Challenge, Photo by Wyatt Peck
• Image 12: Stetson University School of Business Administration senior Joey Schultz pitched his Manja digital platform during the 2021 Cairns Foundation Innovation Challenge, Photo by Wyatt Peck
• Image 13: Stetson University School of Business Administration junior Kendall Buck pitched her Herbtastic during the 2021 Cairns Foundation Innovation Challenge. She placed second and won $5,000 during the competition, Photo by Wyatt Peck
• Image 14: Stetson University School of Business Administration junior Kendall Buck provides the audience and judges with a Herbtastic product demonstration during the 2021 Cairns Foundation Innovation Challenge, Photo by Wyatt Peck
• Image 15: Stetson University School of Business Administration junior Kendall Buck provides the audience and judges with a Herbtastic product demonstration during the 2021 Cairns Foundation Innovation Challenge, Photo by Wyatt Peck
• Image 16: Lou Paris, MBA, director of the Prince Entrepreneurship Leaders Program, is ecstatic about his Stetson University School of Business Administration students winning the 2021 Cairns Foundation Innovation Challenge. Pictured from left to right: Stetson University School of Business Administration junior Kendall Buck; Lou Paris, MBA, director of the Prince Entrepreneurship Leaders Program; and Stetson University School of Business Administration senior Chipper Stempkowski, Photo by Wyatt Peck
• Image 17: Lou Paris, MBA, director of the Prince Entrepreneurship Leaders Program, coached and prepared his students for the 2021 Cairns Foundation Innovation Challenge. Pictured from left to right: Haley Mills, Finn Anthony, Lou Paris, Kendall Buck, Chipper Stempkowski and Joey Schultz, Photo credit: Photo by Wyatt Peck
• Image 18: Stetson University School of Business Administration senior Chipper Stempkowski won first place and $10,000 for pitching his YourCEtracker app during the 2021 Cairns Foundation Innovation Challenge. Pictured from left to right: The UCF Volusia County Business Incubator's Director and Site Manager Connie Garzon; Stetson University School of Business Administration senior Chipper Stempkowski; and the Cairns Foundation's founder James Cairns, Photo credit: Photo by Wyatt Peck
• Image 19: Stetson University School of Business Administration junior Kendall Buck pitched her Herbtastic during the 2021 Cairns Foundation Innovation Challenge. She placed second and won $5,000 during the competition. Pictured from left to right: The UCF Volusia County Business Incubator's Director and Site Manager Connie Garzon; Stetson University School of Business Administration junior Kendall Buck; and the Cairns Foundation's founder James Cairns, Photo credit: Photo by Wyatt Peck.
  • Video links:
    • Herbtastic video number one (Video courtesy of Kendall Buck)
    • Herbtastic video number two (Video courtesy of Kendall Buck)
• Image 20: YourCEtracker logo, Image Courtesy of Chipper Stempkowski

Stetson University Business Ethics Case Competition Team is Bracket Runner-Up at Collegiate Ethics Case Competition

DELAND, Florida, Oct. 20, 2021 – The Stetson University Business Ethics Case Competition (BECC) Team was named the bracket runner-up in the Central Region bracket division during the 19th Annual Collegiate Ethics Case Competition. The case presented to the students this year was on deep-sea mining.

• Image 1: Sadie Jensen, Image courtesy of Sadie Jensen
• Image 2: Jaylen Walton, Image courtesy of Jaylen Walton
• Image 3: Rebecca Hett, Image courtesy of Rebecca Hett
• Image 4: Dr. Jim Beasley, Image courtesy of Stetson University School of Business Administration
• Image 5: Dr. John Tichenor, Image courtesy of Stetson University School of Business Administration
• Image 6: Dr. Areti Vogel, Image courtesy of Stetson University School of Business Administration

Stetson University Celebrates the Holiday Season with Christmas Candlelight Concerts

DELAND, Florida, Oct. 21, 2021 – The joy and magic of the holiday season comes alive during Stetson University School of Music’s four Christmas Candlelight concerts at historic Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall on campus.

• Image 1: Dr. Timothy Peter, Image courtesy of Stetson University School of Music
• Image 2: Dr. Andrew Larson, Image courtesy of Stetson University School of Music
• Image 3: Dr. Boyd Jones, Image courtesy of Stetson University School of Music
• Image 4: The Stetson University Concert Choir spreads holiday cheer during a Christmas Candlelight concert at Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall, Image courtesy of Stetson University School of Music
• Image 5: The Stetson University Concert Choir spreads holiday cheer during a Christmas Candlelight concert at Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall, Image courtesy of Stetson University School of Music
• Image 6: Elizabeth Hall's historic Lee Chapel on Stetson University's campus is aglow during a Christmas Candlelight concert, Image courtesy of Stetson University School of Music
• Image 7: Elizabeth Hall's historic Lee Chapel on Stetson University's campus is aglow during a Christmas Candlelight concert, Image courtesy of Stetson University School of Music
• Image 8: The Benkerath organ is played during a Christmas Candlelight concert at Elizabeth Hall's historic Lee Chapel on Stetson University's campus, Image courtesy of Stetson University School of Music
• Image 9: Elizabeth Hall's historic Lee Chapel on Stetson University's campus is decorated for a Christmas Candlelight concert, Image courtesy of Stetson University School of Music

Stetson University Opera Theatre Opens Season with Musical Comedy ‘Into the Woods’

DELAND, Florida, Oct. 18, 2021 – Stetson Opera Theatre begins its 2021-2022 season with Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.” The comedic opera tells a musical story that intertwines the plots of Brothers Grimm fairy tales, including “Cinderella,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Rapunzel.”

• Image 1: Donnie Ward, Photo by Amber Waterman
• Image 2: Isabel Barbato, Photo by Amber Waterman
• Image 3: Kaylan Hernandez, Photo by Amber Waterman
• Image 4: Owen Gonzalez, Photo by Amber Waterman
• Image 5: Peter Lorenzo, Photo by Amber Waterman
• Image 6: Dr. Michael Foster, Photo by Andrew Paderewski
• Image 7: Dr. Kristie Born, Image courtesy of Stetson University School of Music
• Image 8: Cinderella’s stepsisters pose with Cinderella’s stepmother in “Into the Woods." Pictured from left to right: Jamie Howard as Cinderella’s Stepsister Florinda, Grace Lauther as Cinderella’s Stepmother and Tessa Stone as Cinderella’s Stepsister Lucinda, Photo by Amber Waterman
• Image 9: Cinderella’s stepsisters fight over a white boa, which causes Cinderella’s stepmother to get angry in “Into the Woods." Pictured from left to right: Jamie Howard as Cinderella’s Stepsister Florinda, Grace Lauther as Cinderella’s Stepmother and Tessa Stone as Cinderella’s Stepsister Lucinda, Photo by Amber Waterman
• Image 10: The "Into the Woods" cast pose in costume during a dress rehearsal on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. Note: The photo does not include all the “Into the Woods” cast members. Pictured from left to right: Scott Ochoa (Steward); Justice Yates (Big Bad Wolf and Cinderella’s Prince); Eliset Vehse (Snow White); Donnie Ward (Rapunzel’s Prince); Samantha Kmetz (Rapunzel); Jamie Howard (Cinderella’s Stepsister Florinda); Tessa Stone (Cinderella’s Stepsister Lucinda); Grace Lauther (Cinderella’s Stepmother); Sarah Sarver (Cinderella understudy and Fauna); Peter Lorenzo (Narrator); Kaylan Hernandez (The Witch); Owen Gonzalez (Baker); Isabel Barbato (Baker’s Wife); Chadley Ballantyne (The Mysterious Man); Alexis Reece (Little Red Riding Hood); Wesley Krist (Jack); Daniela Sosa (Cinderella’s Mother); Dominique Cecchetti (Granny and Milky White); and Jackie Tawil-Brown (Sleeping Beauty, Pinocchio and Little Red Riding Hood understudy), Photo by Amber Waterman
• Image 11: The "Into the Woods" cast pose in costume during a dress rehearsal on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. Note: The photo does not include all the “Into the Woods” cast members. Pictured from left to right: Scott Ochoa (Steward); Justice Yates (Big Bad Wolf and Cinderella’s Prince); Eliset Vehse (Snow White); Donnie Ward (Rapunzel’s Prince); Samantha Kmetz (Rapunzel); Jamie Howard (Cinderella’s Stepsister Florinda); Tessa Stone (Cinderella’s Stepsister Lucinda); Grace Lauther (Cinderella’s Stepmother); Sarah Sarver (Cinderella understudy and Fauna); Peter Lorenzo (Narrator); Kaylan Hernandez (The Witch); Owen Gonzalez (Baker); Isabel Barbato (Baker’s Wife); Chadley Ballantyne (The Mysterious Man); Alexis Reece (Little Red Riding Hood); Wesley Krist (Jack); Daniela Sosa (Cinderella’s Mother); Dominique Cecchetti (Granny and Milky White); and Jackie Tawil-Brown (Sleeping Beauty, Pinocchio and Little Red Riding Hood understudy), Photo by Amber Waterman
• Image 12: Wesley Krist as Jack after he descended from the beanstalk in “Into the Woods," Photo by Amber Waterman
• Image 13: Wesley Krist as Jack after he descended from the beanstalk in “Into the Woods," Photo by Amber Waterman
• Image 14: Samantha Kmetz as Rapunzel (pictured to the left) and Kaylan Hernandez as The Witch (pictured to the right) pose in character as if Rapunzel was in the tower in “Into the Woods," Photo by Amber Waterman
• Image 15: Donnie Ward as Rapunzel’s Prince (pictured to the left) and Justice Yates as Cinderella’s Prince (pictured to the right) sing “Agony,” which is a song about the princes missing Rapunzel and Cinderella in “Into the Woods," Photo by Amber Waterman
• Image 16: Jackie Tawil-Brown as Sleeping Beauty (pictured to the left) and Eliset Vehse as Snow White (pictured to the right) in “Into the Woods," Photo by Amber Waterman
• Image 17: Kaylan Hernandez commands the stage as The Witch in “Into the Woods, Photo by Amber Waterman

Gillespie Museum’s 12th Annual Mostly Green Halloween Explores Spooky Science

DELAND, Florida, Oct. 13, 2021 – Experience the mysteries of nature during the 12th Annual Mostly Green Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 30, 10 a.m.-noon, at the Gillespie Museum on Stetson University’s campus.

• Image 1: Karen Cole, PhD, director of the Gillespie Museum, discusses the "Florida Formations: Shifting Seas and Sediments" exhibit during Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day in September 2019, Photo by Stetson University/Ciara Ocasio
• Image 2: Dr. Cindy Bennington, Image courtesy of Stetson University
• Image 3: The Gillespie Museum’s annual fall fair will provide youth with an opportunity to celebrate the natural world and its mysteries during hands-on activities in the museum and its grounds. Pictured from left to right: Setyo Scott, Alex Krest, Sam Baird, Yoko Lujan, Jenna Palmisano, Ashley Edwards, Sarah Coffey, John Nylen and Eric Chan, Image courtesy of the Gillespie Museum
• Image 4: The Gillespie Museum's student guides pose with the Mostly Green Halloween event banner. Pictured from left to right: Marisa Ingram, Moomal Jatoi, Brandon Evans and Casey Ramey, Image courtesy of the Gillespie Museum
• Image 5: Stetson University Plant Ecology course students will be designing activities in the Volusia Sandhill Ecosystem for the Mostly Green Halloween event at the Gillespie Museum. Front row (pictured from left to right): Sebastian DeLeon, Kailyn Douglas and Mackensie Stellrecht. Middle row (pictured from left to right): Ashley Russell and Kalie Uzialko. Back row (pictured from left to right): Brandon Evans, Kirsten Pruim, Mikayla Bruce, Ashley Herrara and Katherine Doss, Image courtesy of the Gillespie Museum

Stetson University Counselor Education Department Faculty Receive Two Research Grants Totaling $2,764,570

DELAND, Florida, Oct. 11, 2021 – The Counselor Education Department will be providing students at Stetson University and other universities with specialized mental-health counseling training, thanks to two research grants totaling $2,764,570. The grant awards are the largest combined sum received by a department at Stetson. 

• Image 1: Dr. Jesse Fox, Image courtesy of Stetson University
• Image 2: Dr. Jacqueline Williams, Image courtesy of Jacqueline Williams, PhD
• Image 3: Dr. Page Thanasiu Headshot, Photo by Emilee Cope

Stetson University Research Grants Provide Arts and Educational Opportunities

DELAND, Florida, Sept. 28, 2021 – Five Stetson University research projects have a chance to make a difference, thanks to The Nina B. Hollis Institute for Educational Reform (NBHIER).

• Image 1: NBHIER logo
• Image 2: Katie Baczeski, Image courtesy of Stetson University.
• Image 3: Dr. Nicole Denner, Image courtesy of Stetson University.
• Image 4: Dr. Hala ElAarag, Image courtesy of Stetson University.
• Image 5: Dr. Elizabeth Heins, Image courtesy of Stetson University. 
• Image 6: Dr. Chaz Underriner, Image courtesy of Stetson University.
• Image 7: Dr. Kathy Piechura-Couture, Image courtesy of Stetson University/Ciara Ocasio.

Ceramic Art Examines Post-Colonial Identity at Stetson University's Gillespie Museum

DELAND, Florida, Sept. 27, 2021 – Ancient China's porcelain, silk and tea were popular goods that were sold to other countries on the Silk Road. During the 19th century, Great Britain invaded China and took over its trade and crushed its prosperous economy. 

• Image 1: Ceramist Cindy Leung, MFA, Image courtesy of Cindy Leung.
• Image 2: Ceramist Cindy Leung uses porcelain, silk and tea in her "To Grow" sculpture, which explores post-colonialism and reflects on her multilingual identity, Image courtesy of Cindy Leung.
• Image 3: Ceramist Cindy Leung uses porcelain, silk and tea in her "To Penetrate" sculpture, which explores post-colonialism and reflects on her multilingual identity, Image courtesy of Cindy Leung.
• Image 4: Ceramist Cindy Leung uses porcelain, silk and tea in her "To Renew" sculpture, which explores post-colonialism and reflects on her multilingual identity, Image courtesy of Cindy Leung.

Stetson University Achieves 70% Vaccination Goal on Both Campuses

DELAND, Florida, Sept. 24, 2021 – Stetson University’s DeLand campus has reached its 70% vaccination goal, thanks to its COVID-19 inoculation-action plan, which included opportunities for faculty, staff and students to get vaccinated on campus. 

• Image 1: Stetson University President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, Image courtesy of Stetson University/Ciara Ocasio
• Image 2: Lana Kolchinsky, Image courtesy of Stetson University

Stetson University Announces New Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 Courses

DELAND, Florida, Sept. 22, 2021 – Working in a rapidly-evolving world requires companies to have a system in place to adapt and meet clients’ and staff’s ever-changing needs and develop alternative ways to conduct business. 

• Image 1: Bud Hanson, Image courtesy of Stetson University School of Business Administration
• Image 2: Dr. John Tichenor, Image courtesy of Stetson University School of Business Administration
• Image 3: Dr. Chaz Underriner, Image courtesy of Stetson University
• Image 4: Dr. Rajni Shankar-Brown, Image courtesy of Rajni Shankar-Brown, PhD
• Image 5: Krista Franco, Image courtesy of Stetson University
• Image 6: Susan Elliott-Rink, Image courtesy of Susan Elliott-Rink

Stetson University Ranked No. 5 by U.S. News & World Report

DELAND, Florida, Sept. 14, 2021 – Stetson University ranks No. 5 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 list of Best Regional Universities (South). The annual series has included Stetson on four additional lists in the same category: Best Undergraduate Teaching, No. 11 (tie); Best for Veterans, No. 12; Best Value Schools, No. 13; and Best Social Mobility, No. 24. There are 137 universities in this category, and the overall ranking of No. 11 is a tie with Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. 

Stetson University's Gillespie Museum and Hand Art Center Celebrate 16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day

DELAND, Florida, Sept. 9, 2021 – Visitors can discover art and science for free at the Gillespie Museum and Homer and Dolly Hand Art Center during Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day on Saturday, Sept. 18. 

• Image 1: Gillespie Museum's Meteorite, The Gillespie Museum's meteorite, which will be on display during Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day on Saturday, Sept. 18, is a 56-pound nickel and iron specimen, which was purchased through a Sotheby’s auction in 1987.
  • Image courtesy: Image courtesy of the Gillespie Museum
• Image 2: Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day 2018, Stetson University students participated in Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day in September 2018. Pictured from left to right: Paloma Avila, Kayla Macphee, Mac Thomson, Sarah Mullins, William Gillett and Annette Morton.
  • Image courtesy: Image courtesy of the Gillespie Museum
• Image 3: Dr. Karen Cole, Karen Cole, PhD, director of the Gillespie Museum, discusses the "Florida Formations: Shifting Seas and Sediments" exhibit during Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day in September 2019.
  • Photo credit: Stetson University/Ciara Ocasio
• Image 4: Oscar Bluemner, Stendal, 1892, Oscar Bluemner's "Stendal, 1892" drawing was created with pencil on paper and is on display during the “Oscar Bluemner: My Finest Design” exhibit at the Hand Art Center.
  • Image courtesy: Image courtesy of the Hand Art Center
• Image 5: Deadland 803, 2018, The black-and-white photo of "Deadland 803, 2018" by photographer Matt Roberts, MFA, associate professor of digital arts at Stetson University, is one of the images on display during the “(un)Peopled: A Sense of Place” exhibit at the Hand Art Center.
  • Photo credit: Photo by Matt Roberts, MFA
• Image 6: Part of It, 2016: The black-and-white photo "Part of It, 2016" by photographer Cristina Brandi is one of the images on display during the “(un)Peopled: A Sense of Place” exhibit at the Hand Art Center.
  • Photo credit: Photo by Cristina Brandi
• Image 7: House Plants, 2013, The "House Plants, 2013" photo by photographer Justin Nolan, features various indoor potted plants on display in a warehouse store.
  • Photo credit: Photo by Justin Nolan
• Image 8: On the Lakes of Central Florida, 2018, The "On the Lakes of Central Florida, 2018" photo by Melodi Roberts, features a canoeist surrounded by gigantic cypress trees.
  • Photo credit: Photo by Melodi Roberts
• Image 9: James Pearson Headshot, Stetson University/Ciara Ocasio
• Image 10: James Pearson, Stetson University/Ciara Ocasio
• Image 11: Matt Roberts, Image courtesy of Stetson University

Stetson University Theatre Arts Presents New Plays by Local Playwrights

DELAND, Florida, Sept. 8, 2021 – Stetson University Theatre Arts begins its 116th season with “Let’s Hear It!: A Reader’s Theatre Staging of New Plays,” directed by Ken McCoy, PhD, professor of theatre arts at Stetson. The staged readings run Sept. 23-26 at Stetson’s Second Stage Theatre in the Museum of Art – DeLand. 

• Image 1: Dr. Ken McCoy, Image courtesy of Ken McCoy, PhD
• Image 2: Dr. Lori Snook, Image courtesy of Lori Snook, PhD
• Image 3: Gretchen Suárez-Peña, Image courtesy of Gretchen Suárez-Peña
• Image 4: Jim Moss, Image courtesy of Jim Moss
• Image 5: Mark Aloysius Kenneally and Nicole Kenneally, Image courtesy of Mark Aloysius Kenneally and Nicole Kenneally

Stetson University Celebrates the Holiday Season with Christmas Candlelight Concerts

DELAND, Florida, Sept. 2, 2021 – The joy and magic of the holiday season comes alive during Stetson University School of Music’s four Christmas Candlelight concerts at First Baptist DeLand.

• Image 1: Stetson University Concert Choir and Christmas Candlelight Concert, The Stetson University Concert Choir spreads holiday cheer during a Christmas Candlelight concert at Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall.
• Image 2: Stetson University Concert Choir, The Stetson University Concert Choir spreads holiday cheer during a Christmas Candlelight concert at Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall.
• Image 3: Christmas Candlelight Concert Image 1, Elizabeth Hall's historic Lee Chapel on Stetson University's campus is aglow during a Christmas Candlelight concert.
• Image 4: Christmas Candlelight Concert Image 2, Elizabeth Hall's historic Lee Chapel on Stetson University's campus is aglow during a Christmas Candlelight concert.
• Image 5: Beckerath Organ at Lee Chapel at Elizabeth Hall Holiday Photo, The Beckerath organ is played during a Christmas Candlelight concert at Elizabeth Hall's historic Lee Chapel on Stetson University's campus.
• Image 6: Christmas Candlelight Concert at Lee Chapel at Elizabeth Hall, Elizabeth Hall's historic Lee Chapel on Stetson University's campus is decorated for a Christmas Candlelight concert.
• Image 7: Andrew Larson, PhD
• Image 8: Boyd Jones, PhD
• Image 9: Timothy Peter, PhD
• Image courtesies: All images are courtesy of Stetson University School of Music

The Princeton Review Names Stetson University One of Best 387 Colleges in the U.S.

DELAND, Florida, Aug. 31, 2021 – Stetson University has been recognized as one of the leading undergraduate institutions in the country and region (Southeast) by The Princeton Review for the seventh year in a row. This honor is given to only about 14% of four-year colleges in the United States, and appears in the 2022 edition of The Best 387 Colleges. 

• Image: Stetson University President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, Photo Credit: Stetson University, Ciara Ocasio

Stetson University Student Receives Esteemed UPS Foundation Scholarship Award

DELAND, Florida, Aug. 30, 2021 – Stetson University student Alariell Satcher, a junior health sciences major, has received the prestigious United Parcel Service (UPS) Foundation Scholarship Award. 

• Image 1: Alariell Satcher, Image courtesy of Stetson University/Ciara Ocasio
• Image 2: Heidi Goldsworthy, Image courtesy of Stetson University

Stetson University Announces U.S. Air Force Captain as Convocation Keynote Speaker

DELAND, Florida, Aug. 16, 2021 – Stetson University’s 2021-2022 academic year will formally open at a virtual convocation on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 5-6 p.m. This year’s keynote speaker, United States Air Force Captain and Stetson alumna Ashley Rutherford, PhD, will address faculty, staff and new and returning students during the ceremony. 

• Image 1: U.S. Air Force Captain Ashley Rutherford, PhD. Image courtesy of Ashley Rutherford.
• Image 2: United States Air Force Captain Ashley Rutherford, PhD, is behind the wheel of a military vehicle during her deployment in Afghanistan. Image courtesy of Ashley Rutherford.

Stetson University Requires COVID-19 Vaccination for Employees

DELAND, Florida, Aug. 11, 2021 – Stetson University announced during The Rolks Report Live webinar this afternoon that it is requiring all full-time employees to be fully vaccinated and to register their vaccination with the university by Thursday, Sept. 30. Exemptions will be allowed for medical conditions or religious beliefs. 

• Image: Stetson University President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, Credit: Stetson University/Ciara Ocasio 

Stetson University's Hand Art Center Announces New Exhibits for Fall

DELAND, Florida, Aug. 9, 2021 – Historic building drawings from the 19th century and photos of public places during the COVID-19 pandemic will be on display at the Homer and Dolly Hand Art Center beginning Aug. 19. 

• Image 1: Oscar Bluemner, Stendal, 1892, Oscar Bluemner's "Stendal, 1892" drawing was created with pencil on paper and is on display during the “Oscar Bluemner: My Finest Design” exhibit at the Hand Art Center. Image courtesy of the Hand Art Center.
• Image 2: Deadland 803, 2018, The black-and-white photo of "Deadland 803, 2018" by photographer Matt Roberts, MFA, associate professor of digital arts at Stetson University, is one of the images on display during the “(un)Peopled: A Sense of Place” exhibit at the Hand Art Center. Photo by Matt Roberts, MFA.
• Image 3: Matt Roberts. Image courtesy of Stetson University.
• Image 4: James Pearson Headshot. Stetson University/Ciara Ocasio.
• Image 5: James Pearson. Stetson University/Ciara Ocasio

Stetson University Professor Receives Ambassador of the Year Award

DELAND, Florida, Aug. 5, 2021 – Lou Paris, MBA, director of the Prince Entrepreneurship Leaders Program, has received the Volusia County Business Incubator Powered by the UCF Business Incubation Program’s Ambassador of the Year Award. 

• Image: Lou Paris, Image courtesy of the Stetson University School of Business Administration

Two Stetson University Students Receive Free Tuition through Vaccination Incentive

DELAND, Florida, Aug. 4, 2021 – Vaccinated Stetson University students Marcus Boyd and Joshua Sanchez will be receiving free tuition for a year, thanks to the Safer Stetson Awards. 

• Image 1: Dr. Ray Nault, Image courtesy of Ray Nault, EdD
• Image 2: Joshua Sanchez, Image courtesy of Joshua Sanchez

Stetson University Announces New Executive Officer of Diversity, Inclusion and Collaboration

DELAND, Florida, July 26, 2021 -- Stetson University has selected Carmen Johnson, JD, as its new executive officer for Diversity, Inclusion and Collaboration. In that position, Johnson will lead the development and implementation of proactive diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in collaboration with the university’s existing support systems and in support of the university’s strategic plan to create a learning and working environment where all have an opportunity to succeed. 

• Image: Carmen Johnson, JD, Stetson University executive director for Diversity, Inclusion and Collaboration
  • Credit: Stetson University College of Law

Stetson University Selects Krista Bofill as New Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement

DELAND, Florida, July 6, 2021 – Stetson University President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, announced today the appointment of Krista Bofill, MeD, as vice president for Development and Alumni Engagement. Her appointment begins on Aug. 1.

• Image 1: Krista Bofill, MEd, is Stetson’s new vice president, Development and Alumni Engagement. Image courtesy of Converse University 
• Image 2: Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, president, Stetson University. Photo credit: Stetson University/Ciara Ocasio

Stetson University Announces Senior Leadership Transitions

DELAND, Florida, June 16, 2021 – Stetson University President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, announced today the planned departure of Lua Hancock, EdD, Vice President for Campus Life and Student Success (CLaSS), effective Wednesday, July 7, following her decision to step down from her position after more than a decade at Stetson. 

• Image: Lua Hancock, EdD, vice president, Campus Life and Student Success will leave July 7.

Stetson University Graduate Student Receives Rod Campbell Award

DELAND, Florida, June 15, 2021 – Stetson University School of Business Administration graduate student, Cedric Burkhardt, is the first recipient of the inaugural Rod Campbell Award. The recognition includes a paid summer apprenticeship in the motorsport industry. 

• Image 1: Cedric Burkhardt, winner of the inaugural Rod Campbell Award
• Image 2: John Riggs, DBA, Professor of Practice in Marketing and Director of the Centurion Sales Excellence Program at Stetson University

Media Alert: Brown Hall Groundreaking on June 11

DELAND, Florida, June 11, 2021 – Media are invited to join Stetson University for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Cici & Hyatt Brown Hall for Health & Innovation on Friday, June 11, 3 p.m., in front of the Sage Hall Science Center. 

• Rendering Image 1: The Cici & Hyatt Brown Hall for Health & Innovation will connect to Sage Hall Science Center through glass-enclosed walkways.
• Rendering Image 2: The Cici & Hyatt Brown Hall for Health & Innovation is named for longtime trustees and supporters Hyatt and Cici Brown who donated $18 million to the project in 2018.
• Rendering Image 3: The Cici & Hyatt Brown Hall for Health & Innovation will be a 120,000-square-foot science complex for students studying the health sciences, environmental sciences and other fields.

Stetson University Offers Free Tuition Award to Students to Promote Vaccination Ahead of Fall Semester

DELAND, Florida, June 4, 2021 – Stetson University is taking steps to ensure a healthy and safe campus environment for the fall semester by encouraging COVID-19 vaccination. One key incentive now being offered to students is the chance to win free tuition for a year. 

• Image: Raymond Nault, PhD, vice president, Enrollment Management

3 Stetson University Students Win Fullbright Scholarships

DELAND, Florida, June 1, 2021-- How’s this for an impressive Fulbright U.S. Student Program streak at Stetson? In the past two Fulbright award cycles three Hatters applied for the prestigious scholarships — and all three won. 

• Image 1: Estefany Arenas
• Image 2: Malina Moraels
• Image 3: Fred Lee

Stetson University Board of Trustees Approves 2021-2022 Budget

DELAND, Florida, May 24, 2021 – At its May meeting the Stetson University Board of Trustees approved a 2021-2022 budget to support the university’s move back to a fully on-campus, in-person learning experience for Fall 2021. The budget of $142.5 million includes increased use of housing and residence hall space for at least two students per room and increases the capacity of food services to provide ample dining and meal services to a larger residential living population.

• Image: Maureen Breakiron-Evans, Chair, Stetson University Board of Trustees

Summer Construction Sets Stage for New Cici & Hyatt Brown Hall for Health & Innovation 

DELAND, Florida, May 10, 2021 – This summer, Stetson University will break ground on the new Cici & Hyatt Brown Hall for Health & Innovation. The end result will be a 120,000-square-foot science complex for students studying the health sciences, environmental sciences and other fields. The building is named for longtime trustees and supporters Hyatt and Cici Brown who donated $18 million to the project in 2018. 

• Rendering Image 1: The Cici & Hyatt Brown Hall for Health & Innovation will connect to Sage Hall Science Center through glass-enclosed walkways.
• Rendering Image 2: The Cici & Hyatt Brown Hall for Health & Innovation is named for longtime trustees and supporters Hyatt and Cici Brown who donated $18 million to the project in 2018.
• Rendering Image 3: The Cici & Hyatt Brown Hall for Health & Innovation will be a 120,000-square-foot science complex for students studying the health sciences, environmental sciences and other fields.

Stetson University Hatters Head Baseball Coach Selected to Fly with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels

DELAND, Florida, May 6, 2021 – Stetson University Hatters Head Baseball Coach Steve Trimper has been selected by the United States Navy Blue Angels as a key influencer who positively impacts the community. Trimper will be flying with the Navy’s flight demonstration squadron on Wednesday, May 12. 

• Steve Trimper Blue Angels Image 1: Stetson University Hatters Head Baseball Coach Steve Trimper was selected as a key influencer in the community and had an opportunity to fly with the United States Navy Blue Angels on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Image courtesy: Steve Trimper
• Steve Trimper Blue Angels Image 2 by MC: United States Navy Blue Angels' #7/Narrator Lieutenant Julius Bratton presented Stetson University Hatters Head Baseball Coach Steve Trimper with a framed lithograph after his key-influencer flight on Wednesday, May 12. Photo credit: Stetson University/Michael Candelaria

Stetson University Entrepreneurship Students Win $20,000 at Pitch Competitions 

DELAND, Florida, May 6, 2021 – Stetson University School of Business Administration senior Nesha Mutuku of Atlantic Beach won first place and $10,000 during the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s virtual Launch Your Venture pitch competition. 

• Image 1: Lou Paris, MBA, Assistant Professor of Practice, Management; Assistant Director of the Prince Entrepreneurship Program
• Image 2: Nesha Mutuku
• Image 3: Kendall Buck shows off her latest invention, Herbie Rake.
• Video: Herbtastic video with Kendall Buck

Stetson University Commencement Returns to Spec Martin Memorial Stadium, May 7-9 

DELAND, Florida, May 5, 2021 – Stetson University expects to graduate 682 students at its 135th Commencement ceremonies this weekend at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium, 260 E. Euclid, DeLand. 

Stetson University Master of Accountancy Online Program Ranks in Top 50 Nationally

DELAND, Florida, April 28, 2021 – Stetson University has been recognized nationally for having one of the top online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) programs by Intelligent.com. The School of Business Administration program placed 47 out of 52 institutions, and is one of five leading universities in Florida. 

• Image 1: Neal Mero, PhD, Dean of the School of Business Administration
• Image 2: Maria Rickling, PhD, Associate Professor of Accounting, Chair of M.E. Rinker, Sr. Institute of Tax and Accountancy

Stetson University's Gillespie Museum Explores Gigantic Glowing Granite During Virtual Armchair Geology Science Café

DELAND, Florida, April 14, 2021 – The Llano Uplift is a geological wonder that features gobs of glowing granite from the Precambrian era, which predates the oldest dinosaurs. Ethan Fagan, the geology senior at The University of Texas at San Antonio, will be discussing "Granites in the Llano Uplift of Central Texas" during a live-streamed event on Thursday, April 22, 5-6 p.m.

• Ethan Fagan: Ethan Fagan, geology senior at The University of Texas at San Antonio, poses at the Llano Uplift in Llano, Texas.
• Ethan Fagan Collecting a Granite Sample at Llano Uplift: Ethan Fagan collects a granite sample at the Llano Uplift in Llano, Texas.
• Image courtesy: All images are courtesy of Ethan Fagan

Stetson University Theatre Arts Remembers Life Before COVID-19 in Virtual 'The Way Things Were'

DELAND, Florida, April 1, 2021 – Stetson University Theatre Arts ends its 115th season with a free, online performance entitled "The Way Things Were: A Virtual Theatrical Retrospective with First-Hand Accounts of Stetson University, DeLand and our Corner of Florida."

• Image 1: "The Way Things Were" cast pose in front of the "Pioneers at the Parceland," a public mural by artist Perego in historic downtown DeLand. This virtual theatre production by Stetson University Theatre Arts begins streaming on Thursday, April 15, 2021. Pictured from left to right: Delicia Bent, Hugh Kiser, Julexis Gonzalez, Jackson Gray, Liza Tananbaum and Caleb Roberts. Photo by Ken McCoy.
• Image 2: A backstage perspective of Stetson Theatre Arts senior Aliya Cruise as she performs in front of the camera in Stetson University Theatre Arts' virtual theatre production of "The Way Things Were," which begins streaming on Thursday, April 15, 2021. Photo by Ken McCoy.

Stetson University's Gillespie Museum Examines Rock Shapes and Shifts During Virtual Armchair Geology Science Café

DELAND, Florida, March 31, 2021 – Over time, rock formations move or shift to other locations on Earth. Plate tectonics theory examines the movement of Earth’s lithosphere, the outermost layer of gigantic plates of solid rock that glide over the asthenosphere, which is ductile and part of the Earth’s mantle.

• Image 1: Cheryl Waters-Tormey, PhD. Image courtesy of Cheryl Waters-Tormey, PhD

Stetson University Launches Online Sustainability Series

DELAND, Florida, March 30, 2021 – Sustainability in the workplace reduces waste and protects the planet for future generations. Eco-friendly initiatives have become essential company practices that benefit businesses by lowering energy consumption and costs and boosting brand awareness.

• Image 1: Bud Hanson, Stetson University
• Image 2: Lisa Colabello, Image courtesy of Lisa Colabello

3-Year Effort by Stetson University Professor Results in 35% Discount in Flood Insurance for Residents of Monroe County, Florida

DELAND, Florida, March 29, 2021 – For nearly three years, the Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience (IWER) at Stetson University assisted Monroe County in the Florida Keys with its watershed management plan.

• Image 1: Jason Evans, PhD, Stetson University. Photo by Ciara Ocasio, Stetson University
• Image 2: Jason Evans and Charles Abbatantuono, Jason Evans, PhD, executive director of the Stetson University Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience, and Stetson alumnus Charles Abbatantuono, are using an Online Positioning User Service (OPUS) elevation unit to collect and inventory GPS data on a stormwater in fall in Key Largo, Florida. Photo by Clearview Geographics, Alex Zelenski
• Image 3: Pictured (l to r) are Stetson students Emily Dolatowski ’18, Riley Bibaud ‘19 and Charles Abbatantuono ‘19. Photo by Jason Evans, Stetson University
• Image 4: Streets in Twin Lakes Subdivision in Key Largo, Florida, experienced flooding in 2019 after a storm. Photo by Monroe County, Rhonda Haag
• Image 5: Streets in Twin Lakes Subdivision in Key Largo, Florida, experienced flooding in 2019 after a storm. Photo by Monroe County, Rhonda Haag

Stetson University's RGIP Teams Place 1st and 3rd in CFA Institute Research Challenge

DELAND, Florida, March 22, 2021 – Two Stetson University student teams took first and third place during the virtual CFA (Chartered Financial Analysis) Institute Research Challenge. The Roland and George Investments Program's (RGIP) Stetson A and B teams used their analytical, valuation, report-writing and presentation skills to evaluate the online pet-product
company Chewy.com.

• Image 1: Matthew Hurst, PhD Stetson University/School of Business Administration
• Image 2: Ivy Nguyen Stetson University/School of Business Administration

World-Renowned Classical Guitarists Perform Virtually at Stetson University's Great Guitarists Extravaganza

DELAND, Florida, Feb. 25, 2021 – The classical guitar’s soft, smooth sounds have stood the test of time for four centuries. The acoustic, wooden guitar has nylon strings and a thin soundboard designed to project its warm sound in large, yet intimate concert halls, and continues to attract guitarists and audiences who are carrying the torch for generations to come.

• Image 1: Stephen Robinson, DM. Image courtesy of Stetson University School of Music
• Image 2: Irina Aleksandrova. Photo by Jose Pita Juarez
• Image 3: Dr. Ben Gateno. Photo by Jose Pita Juarez
• Image 4: Newman & Oltman Guitar Duo. Photo by Lisa-Marie Mazzucco

Articles Explore Race and Education in Stetson University's NBHIER Journal

DELAND, Florida, Feb. 16, 2021 – The Supreme Court of the United States outlawed segregation in public schools in the landmark ruling Brown v. Board of Education more than 65 years ago. But according to the Voices of Reform: Educational Research to Inform and Reform journal, racial segregation still exists in American public schools and is causing severe learning outcomes for students of color.

• Image 1: Lou L. Sabina, PhD. Image courtesy of Lou L. Sabina, PhD

Stetson University's Community Education Project Receives $359,000 Grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

DELAND, Florida, Feb. 15, 2021 – Stetson University’s Community Education Project (CEP), a multidisciplinary college-in-prison program, is expanding its humanities course offerings at the Tomoka Correctional Institution (TCI) in Daytona Beach thanks to a $359,000, two-year grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

• Image 1: Pamela Cappas-Toro, PhD. Stetson University
• Image 2: Sarah Cramer, PhD. Image courtesy of Sarah Cramer, PhD
• Image 3: Steven Smallpage, PhD. Stetson University

Fiber Art on Display at Stetson University's Gillespie Museum

DELAND, Florida, Jan. 25, 2021 – Kayla Powers' "Naturally Dyed Textiles" exhibit will include six individual art pieces that feature various textile techniques and a range of natural color, Feb. 1-26, at the Rinker Environmental Learning Center's environmental gallery, 230 E. Michigan Ave., DeLand, 32723. The building is adjacent to the Gillespie Museum on Stetson University’s campus.

• Image 1:  Natural Dye Color Board: The natural dye color board features flowers, leaves and other plant parts and the color pigments each one produces. Image Courtesy of Kayla Powers
• Image 2: Local Color Photo: Kayla Powers designed an outdoor installation titled "Local Color," which was a year-long study of natural dye plants found in Detroit, Michigan. Photo by Noah Elliott Morrison
• Image 3: Kayla Powers. Photo by Jacob Lewkow

Science Meets Art at Stetson University's Gillespie Museum and Hand Art Center

DELAND, Florida, Jan. 21, 2021 – This past year, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed how vulnerable the world is to unexpected crises. The same can be said about the environment, which is fragile and impacted by overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

• Image 1: Alan Sonfist in his Art Studio Photo. Image Courtesy of Jacob Savitt
• Image 2: Earth Monument to South Florida: The "Earth Monument to South Florida," is one in a series of stone sculptures collectively known as "Corings: 1971-2012," based on the geology of urban landscapes by land-art pioneer Alan Sonfist. Image courtesy: Image courtesy of Alan Sonfist
• Image 3: Earth Paintings: The "Earth Paintings" series features soil, mineral content and organic glue, which holds the earth onto the canvas. Image courtesy: Image courtesy of the Hand Art Center

Stetson University School of Business Administration Named One of Best Business Schools by Princeton Review

DELAND, Florida, Jan. 6, 2021 – Stetson University has been named one of the most outstanding business schools in the country by The Princeton Review, which recently released its list of 2021 Best Business Schools. Stetson moved its MBA program to an online-only program in 2019.

• Image: Neal Mero, PhD, dean, Stetson University School of Business Administration