The Presidential Fellows Program, which began as a pilot initiative in fall 2022, will expand significantly for the Fall 2026 semester — growing from the current 25 incoming students per cohort to as many as 50 students.

In late October, Stetson’s Board of Trustees adopted a resolution reinforcing its fiduciary responsibility for the university’s financial health, ensuring that investments directly enhance student success and career readiness. The resolution identified key directives and initiatives to be implemented. Among them was the approval of a $15 million investment ($3 million annually over five years) to accelerate progress on strategic priorities by strengthening recruitment, retention and graduation of academically qualified students.  

Expansion of the Presidential Fellows Program, among other priorities, is a direct benefit of that commitment to academic excellence. 

Notably, the resolution was adopted at a time of great challenges faced by all of higher education, including declining enrollment and constrained funding.  

As a result, more students will receive what the Presidential Fellows Program provides — the opportunity to develop leadership skills through hands-on, experiential learning by virtue of small class sizes, personal success coaching and exclusive access to university events. The program is structured as a comprehensive leadership development experience over four years, with each year targeting activities and learning opportunities designed to build on the previous year’s experiences. In addition, Presidential Fellows will continue to receive substantial financial support, such as a renewable scholarship of up to $50,000 and a $3,000 experiential learning stipend. (See Presidential Fellows Program highlights.)  

Stetson President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, who teaches a First Year Seminar class for Presidential Fellows, believes this is a critical investment in the university’s future.  “Having worked intensively with our first cohorts of presidential fellows, I am absolutely certain that these outstanding students represent Stetson’s future. These students are deeply engaged in the Stetson experience and are superb ambassadors for our community.  I have no doubt that these students will a lifelong relationship with our university.

Davion Belk ’16 MBA ’20, Chief of Staff, will co-teach that course (“Higher Education in America”) next fall. Since the program began, Belk has helped to nurture growth as the program adviser. 

‘Plenty of Benefits’

“There are plenty of benefits to the program, one of which is the exposure that students get to people like the president and members of leadership here at the university,” he said. “Many students who go through that first course say, ‘I never thought about this or I never knew.’ Then the program builds from there. I also believe it’s extremely powerful to be around other students who are high achieving. Being in that type of environment with those type of driven people is positive and extremely beneficial. The overall leadership and experiences that they get is just something that’s not offered at many places.” 

The program attracts exceptionally talented students, representing the top 1% of Stetson applicants. To be considered for the program, students are required to first apply for the J. Ollie Edmunds Distinguished Scholarship, a prestigious scholarship offered at Stetson that covers all the selected students’ expenses during their four years in college. Students who aren’t selected for the Edmunds scholarship are eligible to become Presidential Fellows. 

One such high-achieving student is Emily Haynes, who graduated in December and is pursuing a master’s degree in Business Administration. She arrived in 2023 after earning her associate’s degree at Bartram Trail High School in nearby St. Johns County. She became the program’s student adviser, and this semester was named the program’s graduate student coordinator. 

“As a student, I first realized how big the university really is and how much goes on — the thought process behind everything this university has,” said Haynes, also a member of Stetson Women’s Rowing. “And I’ve made connections that I never would’ve ever thought possible. I see some people around campus, and they know me by name!” 

Jeffery Gates, LP.D, senior vice president of Enrollment and Marketing, sees the program’s growth as a big win for both students and the university. 

“The expansion of the Presidential Fellows Program will give more students the opportunity to get an inside look at the mechanics of running a college/university,” Gates commented. “Students in the program also give back by taking what they’ve learned and becoming ambassadors for the university. They volunteer at events, meet Board of Trustees members, suggest to former classmates to seriously consider Stetson, and give insight to President Roellke on their lived experience inside and outside of the classroom. There are immersive experiences from day one!” 

-Michael Candelaria