Fundraising Strategic Priorities
"From the Advocacy Institute to Brown Hall, there are numerous initiatives that are moving Stetson forward. We invite our alumni and friends to engage with Stetson and learn more about how they can participate in securing the university’s future. Whether it’s supporting student scholarships, career preparation, internships, endowed faculty positions, research and creativity activity…all gifts have a transcendent impact on our students and the excellent education our faculty and staff deliver."
President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD
Access & Reputation
Endowed Scholarships & Fellowships
Scholarship funds enable Stetson University to recruit and retain the best and brightest students for Stetson. Scholarships allow students from wide-ranging cultures, life stages and socioeconomic backgrounds to benefit from the transformative influence of a Stetson education.
Donor funding for fellowships provides graduate and upper-level undergraduate students with research, work or study opportunities that are of value to the university as well as to student learning.
Center for Public Opinion Research
Stetson brings together faculty expertise and experience in social research to launch a new Center for Public Opinion Research. Information is a public good central to a well-functioning, engaged and educated democratic society, and our non-partisan approach will engage students in public polling activity that will allow Stetson to gather and disseminate public perception polls on a national level. Plans for expansion include a Center for Deliberative Politics and a Center for Comparative Study of Democracies, all designed to increase information literacy and civic engagement and reduce polarization through moderated discussions.
"These projects move Stetson into a new and exciting era that elevates our regional and national reputation through a university-wide focus on the student experience and a commitment to student retention, graduation and success."
Executive Vice President Krista Bofill
Endowed Chairs & Professorships
Endowed, named chairs and professorships allow Stetson to attract and retain outstanding faculty who in turn provide students with a stellar education. They pursue research and creative work that also enhances the reputation of the university. Endowments provide much-needed salary and programmatic support in perpetuity.
Faculty Research & Development
Donor funding allows Stetson to attract and retain outstanding faculty, ensuring diversity of background and thought while contributing to dynamic and strategic growth in our academic programs. Endowed funds enable faculty to pursue in-depth research, support student and faculty travel, and allow for curriculum development in new areas.
International Study
Studying abroad stretches students’ views of the world and provides experience in navigating unique situations – creating more culturally competent graduates who are highly sought after by employers and graduate schools and make better citizens. Donor funding will support more scholarships, bridging distance technology, and greater internationalization of our campus programs and curricula.
Student Success Program
Programs like those offered through our Career Success office accelerate students’ learning and develop their skills and professional networks. Attaining credentials, completing internships and engaging in job preparation activities like mock interviews provide invaluable experiences that give students a competitive advantage in securing job and graduate school placements.
School of Music
Support the renovation of the Courtyard, the lockers or the international chamber music festival. You can also support the instrument renewal program by giving to the School of Music.
School of Business Administration
Entrepreneurial endeavors have flourished across the Stetson campus, and donor funding is needed to develop partnerships with incubators further, add new courses and two professors, and enhance opportunities for an increased number of entrepreneurial Prince Student Leaders. Funding is also needed for advanced offerings for the Centurion Sales Excellence Program to support students in professional sales through challenging curricula, practical applications, and competitions.
College of Arts & Sciences
Support improvements of creative arts spaces; high-impact practices such as an experiential learning endowment and enhanced pre-health advising; the Center for Optimal Health across the Lifespan (COHL); cybersecurity program; science equipment maintenance; and the Dean’s Fund for Research and Creativity.
College of Law
Investments in signature environmental law, elder law and veterans law programs at the College of Law further enhance the student experience and the law school’s reputation among prospective students, faculty and employers. Additional programmatic support is needed for the new Advocacy Institute.
"Stetson has a dynamic story to tell as it brings our Hatter community together around relationship-rich education focused intentionally and holistically on the needs and aspirations of 21st century students. We invite our alumni and friends to be part of this forward momentum!"
Associate Vice President of Development Amy Gipson
Edmunds Center
Built in 1974, the Edmunds Center has been a cornerstone of community and sportsmanship, hosting 28,000 annual visitors for key university events. To meet ADA standards and create a modern, inclusive experience, critical updates are needed. As Stetson’s No. 1 fundraising priority, this $15.5 million renovation will advance student-centered success, attract top athletes, and ensure the Edmunds Center remains a hub for the community. With $3.4 million left to raise, Phase 2 is set for completion by January 2026.
EDMUNDS CENTER RENOVATIONS Give Now
Hulley Tower
A small group of Stetson alumni have come together to issue a $1 million challenge to fellow alumni and friends to raise the final $1 million in the Stand Up Hulley project. With this challenge, fundraising is now at $5.5 million toward a $6.7 million goal.
The grassroots, alumni-led effort to historically reconstruct Hulley Tower at Stetson University got a boost in the past week with the announcement that the campaign—which was at $2.5 million in fundraising prior to Homecoming in late October—had received gifts that now place the campaign at $5.5 million with the issuing of this $1 million challenge. Alumni are pushing to have fundraising complete by February 2025.
Student Life
Investments in student life create a healthy, enriched dynamic that supports student learning outside the classroom and increases students’ sense of belonging on campus. Funding allows for enhancements in interfaith activities and student government; Greek life; leadership development programs; health and wellness initiatives; and environmental sustainability practices that engage our community toward personal growth and social responsibility.
Athletics
Our athletics programs generate national attention, increased enrollment and alumni engagement while contributing to greater student spirit, satisfaction and retention. Investments in our programs and facilities will specifically support tennis, beach volleyball and football in this campaign.