Stetson Launches New Hatter Ready Program, Preparing Students for Lifelong Success
Following a successful one-year pilot program, Stetson University is announcing the launch of a new Hatter Ready program that provides immersive learning opportunities for every student and prepares them for successful careers.
Across the DeLand campus, about 80 faculty members added dozens of experiential learning opportunities for students in the 2024-2025 academic year. The new offerings built upon the university’s rich history of providing hands-on learning outside the classroom.
Through these transformative experiences, students can conduct cancer research with expert faculty, take study abroad trips around the world, perform in international concert tours, manage a $6 million investment fund, and more.
“Stetson is deeply committed to providing students a chance to apply what they’re learning in the classroom to real-world settings,” said Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, Stetson President and Professor of American Studies and Education. “We know bridging the gap between theory and practice prepares students to be career-ready, which is essential in today’s competitive job market.”
Hatter Ready allows students to acquire practical skills, such as critical thinking, collaboration and creative learning, that are highly valued by potential employers and graduate schools.
“Hatter Ready is a result of our relationship-richness and our commitment to our students,” said Elizabeth Skomp, PhD, Stetson Provost, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Professor of World Languages and Cultures.
“We understand what is required for that close faculty-student interaction. Through the reallocation of time associated with Hatter Ready, we’re creating conditions for faculty and students to work together closely and effectively on an even broader scale than we’ve been able to do in the past.”
Read more about the Hatter Ready program in the Spring 2025 issue of Stetson University Magazine and learn about the success of Stetson alumni who have participated in immersive, hands-on learning in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
–Stetson Today
