Stetson University Board of Trustees Approves Chair-Elect and Renovations

White cupola atop Elizabeth Hall
Portrait at podium
Steven Alexander, Chair-Elect

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 University’s 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 Stetson’s long-term future.  While these types of donations are not an immediate cash infusion, they create tremendous impact and ensure  longevity for Stetson.  

Portrait of Krista Bofill
Krista Bofill, MEd

“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 University’s 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.

Portrait
President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD

“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 Stetson’s 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

exterior of Chaudoin Hall
Chaudoin Hall

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 University’s strategic priorities. 

-Stetson University