In early 2024 as part of its 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 begins, 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.

With the reorganization, Erin Doggette, PhD, who arrived at Stetson in spring 2024, assumes the role of executive director.

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.

As program director for the Bonner Program and Community Engagement, Taylor Hibel, EdD, will continue to lead the Center for Community Engagement, a role she has held since June 2024. She has been with the center since 2020.

Since December 2024, Rev. Caitlin White Swann has been associate director of the Center for Dialogue and Civic Action.

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.

For example, a reimagined Cross-Cultural Center will broaden its offerings, particularly for first-year students in Stetson’s WISE program. 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 — enhanced community partnerships will enable WISE students to receive greater mentorship from industry professionals, as well as from peers, administrators, faculty and staff. Such meetings with industry professionals tie neatly into the university’s Hatter Ready initiative, which was rolled out last year.

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

“I’m excited to be part of this new chapter,” Belk commented. “This merger just makes sense — because when we engage students culturally, civically and in community, we’re not just educating them; we’re empowering them to become engaged global citizens.”

The Center for Community Engagement is a longtime staple at Stetson that has been locally, regionally and nationally recognized for its excellence. The center creates opportunities for student learning through community impact — utilizing internships, research, and projects that align students’ academic and career goals with the goals of community partners. Hibel believes the new structure will bring “opportunities for joint initiatives, creative cross-center projects, and a unified approach to advancing belonging, justice and meaningful engagement on and off campus.”

Working with Hibel is Ann-Marie Willacker, assistant director of Community Impact, who connects students with nonprofit organizations to create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences through partnerships and mentoring.

The Center for Dialogue and Civic Action will expand initiatives related to helping students learn how to constructively discuss challenging topics with people who are different from them. Swann will coordinate and facilitate programs, develop and administer social action trainings and programming, and oversee several elements of departmental outreach to current and prospective students. Past programming has included “Things We Don’t Talk About at Dinner,” among others.

“This change helps our goal of driving dialogue and civil discussions at a time our country really needs it,” said Swann, adding a big thank-you to the Ginsburg Family Foundation for its support. The Ginsburg family and its foundation, established by real estate developer and entrepreneur Alan H. Ginsburg, have close ties to Stetson. Grandson Joseph Ginsburg ’21 is a graduate, as were Joseph’s late parents, Jeffrey and Diane Ginsburg.

Team Approach

John Downey, PhD, vice president of Campus Life & Student Success, believes the reorganization brings heightened efficiency and effectiveness.

“I am thrilled that we have strong leaders in each of the three centers and strong leadership at the executive director level. Change is never easy, but if you have good people working hard and focused on the student experience, I am confident great results will follow,” Downey said.

Doggette agrees the new team approach will 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