At the podium, Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, struck the pose of a confident university president. Then, despite a voice that was growing increasingly hoarse, he proceeded to outline the reason for his self-assuredness.

Stetson was moving forward in a big way — even in the midst of a national higher education environment he described as “challenging” — Roellke told the crowded of mostly alumni assembled on the Stetson Green Oct. 24, the Friday of Homecoming 2025, during his Presidential State of the University Address.

“Stetson is moving forward together to plow through those challenges and to navigate a very strong future for our university,” he asserted.

Roellke pointed to Stetson’s Strategic Plan to 2030, with its central goal of elevating the university from strong regional recognition to national prominence. He used his often-recited phrase: “from Florida gem to National Treasure.”

Immediate Results

Roellke then spoke about the achievements already happening this fall, such as a top-10 regional ranking by U.S. News & World Report in areas such as Best Value, Most Innovative and Best for Undergraduate Teaching; along with inclusion in the Wall Street Journal’s Best Colleges. Also, he noted the national recognition extends to Stetson University College of Law, which once again is tabbed as No. 1 in Trial Advocacy, as well as No. 3 in Legal Writing.

“I hope you are as proud of your university as we are,” he told the alumni before praising their efforts in helping Stetson foster lifelong relationships and connections — one of the Strategic Plan’s five priorities.

“Being connected through a robust alumni network is a win-win for our alumni, as well as for Stetson students who look to the network for career advice, a foot in the door for internships, jobs and more,” he said.

For emphasis, Roellke paused before adding, “The guiding theme that anchors all of our strategy is relationship-rich education — inside and outside the classroom.”

Student Learning

That statement made for an easy segue to student learning, more specifically, “experiential, contemporary and integrative learning,” he said in reference to Hatter Ready.

His words: “Our Hatter Ready initiative is the fullest embodiment of experiential, contemporary and integrative learning on the DeLand campus. … Our entire educational strategy is profoundly student-centered, to promote the most potent forms of learning, so that there is no gap between theory and practice!”

The president cited campus-wide examples that range from student research and study abroad to internships. There are internships, he noted, in New York City on Wall Street; in Washington, D.C.; at the state capitol in Tallahassee. There are School of Music tours and a Carnegie Hall concert for students. And, as part of his lengthy list, there are undergraduate mock trial and moot court pre-law teams, along with a Roland George Investments Program that is continuing its legacy of excellence.

Also, he applauded the faculty, professors who are “extraordinarily good at recognizing students’ strengths and putting before them opportunities to achieve their very best.”

Campus Life

Along those same lines, Roellke said, student success and wellness represent a Strategic Plan priority. Pointing to Greek life, student organizations, athletics, spiritual life, the residential environment and more, he said: “Our students care deeply about the campus experience, and they are HAVING FUN!”

Among the examples noted were Greek life and civic engagement and free inquiry. Greek student participation, currently at 20%, has a goal to reach 30% participation by 2030. Meanwhile, with emphasis on “education where learning and values meet,” last spring the university launched the Free Inquiry & Expression and the Future of Democracy Series to bring timely, critical conversations to the campus.

“I am particularly proud at how our students are modeling civil dialogue,” he said, pointing out a recent joint interview for Central Florida Public Media that involved the presidents of Stetson Democrats and College Republicans. The two students talked about their strong friendship and the importance of civil, non-violent conversation and action. “These were Stetson students!” he shouted.

Roellke then proudly reflected on another show of student unity — the October signing of the Central Florida Pledge, a community-driven regional initiative to combat all forms of hate and discrimination. Last year, Roellke was among the founding signers of the pledge. At the podium, Roellke looked like he couldn’t have been prouder.

He lauded progress being made on campus facilities: Lynn Hall, a new 305-bed residence hall, will open in January. Earlier that week, the Hollis Family Music Atrium in Presser Hall, converted from an outdoor center courtyard, was dedicated. On Feb. 7, Hulley Tower will be dedicated. The Edmunds Center, with all work completed by January, will become ADA-compliant, with an elevator as well as a renovated lobby, lounge and coaches offices.

The Edmunds Center is the site of many community gatherings, as well as home to Hatter basketball and indoor volleyball, which led Roellke into Stetson Athletics.

Among his highlights was the perfect 4.0 GPA registered by more than 40 student-athletes, along with the championship seasons completed by women’s tennis and men’s soccer.

Community Strength

Nearing the conclusion of his address, the president touched on the university’s people, culture and inclusive excellence: “It’s no surprise that Stetson’s strength is its people. … We are a community defined by our values and our care and support for each other — what we call the Soul of Stetson. As a community, we place in high regard the values of intellectual exploration, being an inclusive and global community, honoring the dignity of all, and creating a transformative environment that leads to personal growth.”

Also, he spoke of comprehensive sustainability. “It ties everything together to ensure that Stetson University remains strong for another 142 years. It involves delivering value to our students and alumni, continued careful stewardship of our endowment and resources, and being nimble and innovative,” he said, adding that this past year Stetson raised more than $23 million in gifts and pledges.

Finally, in conclusion, Roellke was grateful. He thanked the Homecoming alumni for “sharing with us your time, talent and enthusiasm that make all the difference for our students” and for “celebrating with us!”

The president made it clear that there was much to celebrate.

-Michael Candelaria