President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, was among the top leaders in Central Florida interviewed for Invest: Greater Orlando, an annual business report on the region produced by Capital Analytics Associates. CAA is an integrated media platform that produces in-depth business intelligence through its annual print and digital economic reviews, high-impact conferences and events and top-level interviews via its video platform, Invest: Insights.

Roellke highlighted key initiatives at Stetson, including major capital projects, policies on generative AI and the university’s role as an economic driver in Central Florida. Also, he emphasized the university’s commitment to experiential, contemporary and integrative learning as a response to the evolving landscape of higher education. “At Stetson, we don’t aim to compete on content — information is now readily available. Instead, we compete on experience,” Roellke said.

Q: What changes and milestones have had the most impact at Stetson University, and in what ways?

We’ve had another record-breaking fundraising year at Stetson, and we’re undertaking several significant capital improvements on campus. One major project is a new 305-bed residence hall, which opens in January. This will benefit both prospective and current students.

Additionally, thanks to a historic preservation grant from the state and generous private donations, we’re rebuilding Hulley Tower to its original height of 116 feet. It will house a 52-bell carillon — one of the finest instruments of its kind in the world — restoring the tradition of beautiful music on campus. This is not only a tribute to our past and a step toward the future, but it also holds regional significance. The tower was not hurricane-ready after storm damage in the early 2000s, but it will be now. Many community members missed the bell music, and this restoration brings it back as both a preservation effort and a symbol of resilience and renewal.

Higher education is also facing a declining demographic of college-aged students. At Stetson, we’re working hard to meet this challenge by ensuring our education remains both affordable and accessible, not only to regional students but to those across the globe. International student enrollment has faced obstacles recently, but we’re committed to making Stetson a welcoming and thriving environment for all students

Read the rest of the interview here.