Stetson University Board of Trustees Approves Chair-Elect and Renovations

By Dana Cone.
Updated Oct 28, 2022

DELAND, Fla. (PRWEB) October 28, 2022 - Following its Oct. 20-21 meeting, the Stetson University Board of Trustees is announcing today the unanimous vote for Steven Alexander 85 Finance as Chair-Elect as of Jan.1, 2023. Alexander will assume leadership of the Board effective July 1, 2023, and he is currently vice chair of the Board and chair of the Athletics Committee.

Our ability to fully develop Stetson Universitys Strategic Priorities 2022-2030 and its vision of a relationship-rich, transformational education and commitment to student retention, graduation and success is critical to our future, said Alexander. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to bring board insight and resources to realizing these student-centered goals and set the foundation for our planning, partnerships and fundraising into the next decade.

In fiscal 2022, Stetson University raised more than $52 million, setting a new annual record, and is on pace for another strong year in fiscal 2023. A large portion of those contributions were gifts of endowment and bequests which secure Stetsons long-term future. While these types of donations are not an immediate cash infusion, they create tremendous impact and ensure longevity for Stetson.

I am looking forward to working with Chair-Elect Alexander, the Board and President Roellke on development of philanthropic initiatives for Stetson based on the Strategic Priorities 2022-2030, said Krista Bofill, executive vice president and vice president of Development and Alumni Engagement.

Strategic Priorities 2022-2030 The Board of Trustees also participated in two sessions reviewing the Universitys Strategic Priorities 2022-2030, enhancing first-year experiences for Stetson students. The priorities, titled, From Florida Gem to National Treasure, include five core themes designed to move the university forward in three strategic areas: academics, student life and residential living, and enrollment and retention effectiveness.

Our focus is to prioritize the first-year student experience, and that means rebalancing our curriculum, from first-year seminars to graduation, and rethinking and recalibrating our enrollment, marketing and public communications targets, said President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD. Coming out of the pandemic, we have an opportunity to elevate Stetsons reputation and celebrate our story a story of a relationship-rich education where our people are the centerpiece of Hatter Nation.

Between 2020 and 2022, President Roellke held several meetings, including a university-wide virtual Town Hall, to discuss the priorities and listen to input and feedback from all areas of the Stetson community.

Facilities and Funding The Board approved a resolution that adds $3.5 million to renovate student accommodations in Chaudoin Hall in addition to previously approved funding to update HVAC systems and safety sprinklers. They also approved $10.5 million to continue the Advocacy Institute project at the College of Law, and the cost of a professional audit of undergraduate residential facilities in DeLand as part of the Universitys strategic priorities.

About Stetson University Founded in 1883, Stetson University is the oldest private university in Central Florida. Stetson focuses on intense learning experiences in a supportive community that allows students to develop their voice in a connected, inclusive environment. Stetson University ranks No. 4 on U.S. News & World Reports 2023 list of Best Regional Universities (South) and has been recognized as one of The Princeton Reviews 388 Best Colleges, 2023 edition.