History of Stetson University in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 16, 2026

Stetson University, located in DeLand, Florida, is the state's oldest private college, founded in 1883. Originally DeLand Academy, it was renamed in honor of John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer and benefactor. The main campus occupies 175 acres in DeLand, with additional campuses in Gulfport and Tampa. The university comprises the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business Administration, the School of Music, and the College of Law. Stetson provides a range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional academic programs.

1900: Stetson University College of Law Founded

In 1900, the Stetson University College of Law was founded in DeLand.

1901: Football Program Start

In 1901, Stetson University's football program began, continuing until 1956.

1904: Lincoln Hulley Becomes President

In 1904, Lincoln Hulley began his tenure as president of Stetson University, serving until 1934.

1906: Carnegie Corporation Donation

In 1906, Stetson University received $40,000 from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Elizabeth S. Stetson matched the contribution to allow for the Sampson Library to be built.

1908: Sampson Library Opens

In 1908, the Sampson Library opened, named after university trustee C.T. Sampson.

1931: College of Law Joins Association of American Law Schools

Since 1931, the Stetson University College of Law has been a member of the Association of American Law Schools.

1934: Lincoln Hulley Ends Presidency

In 1934, Lincoln Hulley's presidency of Stetson University concluded, having served since 1904.

1935: Football Team Earns 100th Victory

In 1935, Stetson University's football team earned its 100th victory.

1938: School of Music Accreditation

Since 1938, the School of Music has been an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

1954: Law School Relocated to Gulfport

In 1954, Stetson University College of Law was relocated from DeLand to Gulfport, Florida.

1956: Football Program End

In 1956, Stetson University's football program ended, after beginning in 1901.

1961: Beckerath Organ Installed

In 1961, the Lee Chapel installed the Beckerath Organ, a 2,548-pipe instrument that arrived in 56 crates from Hamburg, Germany.

1964: duPont-Ball Library Opens

In 1964, the duPont-Ball Library became the new main library building on campus.

1968: Library Begins Receiving State Publications

Since 1968, Stetson University's library has been receiving publications from the State of Florida.

1970: Model United States Senate Program Established

Since 1970, Stetson University has hosted a college-level Model United States Senate program every year in March.

1970: Baseball Program Success

Since 1970, Stetson University's baseball program has earned seven ASUN Conference championships and 16 trips to the NCAA Regionals.

1987: H. Douglas Lee Becomes President

In 1987, H. Douglas Lee began his service as the eighth president of Stetson University, a role he held until 2009. Lee Chapel is currently named after him.

1995: Stetson Ends Affiliation with Florida Baptist Convention

In 1995, Stetson University ended its affiliation with the Florida Baptist Convention, ceasing to be considered a "Baptist school".

2003: Lynn Business Center Constructed

In 2003, Stetson University constructed the Lynn Business Center, which earned LEED certification and became the first green building on Stetson's campus and in the state of Florida.

2005: Women's Basketball A-Sun Conference Championship

In 2005, Stetson University's women's basketball team won the A-Sun Conference Championship.

2009: H. Douglas Lee Ends Presidency

In 2009, H. Douglas Lee concluded his tenure as Stetson's eighth president, a position he had held since 1987.

2010: Football Program Feasibility Study

In 2010, university officials gathered information and evaluated the feasibility of starting a Division I-AA (now Football Championship Subdivision) non-scholarship football program.

March 2011: Return of Hatters Football Announced

In March 2011, Stetson University president Wendy B. Libby announced the return of Hatters Football and the addition of women's lacrosse.

July 2011: Roger A. Hughes Named Head Football Coach

In July 2011, Stetson University named Roger A. Hughes as head football coach.

2012: Sand Volleyball Inaugural Season

In 2012, Stetson University's sand volleyball team had its inaugural season after the sport was officially approved for conference play.

2013: Women's Basketball NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 2013, Stetson University's women's basketball team made its third NCAA tournament appearance. The team won the A-Sun Conference Championship in 2005, 2011, and 2013.