In early 2024 as part of the newly introduced Strategic Priorities Framework, Stetson announced that its value proposition would revolve around offering a distinctive, relationship-rich learning experience — one that draws from “traditional strengths and integrates modern approaches.”

As the Fall 2025 semester approaches, that commitment continues to evolve and strengthen with the creation of a new student-focused entity that blends existing programs with promising enhancements.

It’s called the Department of Cultural, Civic and Community Engagement.

New Structure

The new department will reinforce the well-established pillars of the Cross-Cultural Center and the Center for Community Engagement, while also adding the emerging Center for Dialogue and Civic Action. That center will expand initiatives related to helping students learn how to constructively discuss challenging topics with people who are different from them.

With the reorganization, Erin Doggette, PhD, who arrived at Stetson in spring 2024, assumes the role of executive director. In addition, Alexandria Belk has been named associate director of the Cross-Cultural Center. Previously, Belk was the assistant director of Student Organization Advising & Programming within Student Development & Campus Vibrancy.

Focus on Students

The overarching goal, according to Doggette, mirrors what is outlined in the university’s Strategic Priorities Framework, specifically: investing in student spaces that foster a strong sense of community; creating a robust undergraduate first-year experience that delivers on the promise of a relationship-rich education on campus; and contributing to a culture of career preparation throughout a student’s journey.

Most notably, a reimagined Cross-Cultural Center will broaden its offerings, particularly for first-year students in Stetson’s WISE program (Welcoming Inclusive Support for Emerging students). Last year, a First Year Seminar was introduced exclusively for first-generation students. This year — similar to the Bonner Program within the Center of Community Engagement — community partnerships will enable WISE students to receive greater mentorship from industry professionals, as well as from peers, administrators, faculty and staff.

For example, if a student is studying to become a physical therapist, the opportunity to meet with a physical therapist would be made available. Such interactions with industry professionals tie neatly into the university’s Hatter Ready initiative, which was rolled out last year.

“Like how Bonner is service-oriented,” Doggette noted, “the WISE program is now going to be career-oriented, career-focused.”

Belk also will be guiding Stetson’s Multicultural Student Council, which is intended to cultivate continual learning, leadership skills and intercultural understanding. 

Team Approach

In turn, Doggette believes Belk is the ideal fit to lead that charge.

“The value Alex brings to this new structure is that she is heavily student-oriented with her having worked with Student Development and Campus Vibrancy,” Doggette said, citing Belk’s strengths in building young leaders, an initiative that took hold during the past academic year.

John Downey, PhD, vice president of Campus Life & Student Success, agrees.

“As we reorganize several areas into one team, Alex has proven she is the right person at the right time for this key position,” Downey said. “Her sense of teamwork and warm demeanor, coupled with competence and ambition, will help this team succeed as she will be joined by colleagues with similar traits.”

Overall, Doggette expects the new team approach to work wonders.

“I think pulling the teams together makes great sense for the students, and it will increase our efficiency as a group,” she said. “We all kind of do similar work with the community service, with making sure we have students receiving mentorship, providing them with opportunities to experience things that they’ve never experienced with jobs, and helping them achieve career success. Now, we will do it all as one.”

-Michael Candelaria