Stetson University Honored as a Beacon of Civility in Higher Education

DELAND, FL – February 16, 2026 – Stetson University has been named the 2026 “Education Leader of the Year” by the Central Florida Pledge, a distinction that recognizes the institution’s deep-rooted and proactive commitment to fostering a campus culture built on dignity, respect, and inclusive dialogue. The award highlights a strategic effort by the university to not only educate minds but also to cultivate ethical and engaged citizens in an increasingly polarized society.

The honor was presented at the Central Florida Pledge’s annual luncheon in Orlando on February 12, where Stetson was celebrated for its institutional promise to uphold values of compassion and equity. The Pledge, a regional movement that has united over 6,000 individuals and organizations, was established to counter rising division by promoting kindness and mutual respect, especially amidst political or religious disagreements.

Stetson’s President, Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, was the first university president in the region to sign the pledge, a move that signaled a powerful institutional alignment with the initiative's core principles. This early leadership set the stage for a campus-wide embrace of the pledge's values.

“We are honored to receive this award,” said Roellke upon accepting the honor. “Stetson’s mission is rooted in human dignity, intellectual exploration, and a steadfast belief in the potential of every learner. This recognition affirms the daily work of our faculty, staff and students who bring these values to life.”

A Blueprint for Respectful Dialogue

The Central Florida Pledge emerged from a grassroots desire to make the region “America’s most welcoming community” in response to growing fear and harassment targeting various communities. Signatories commit to leading by example, refraining from inflammatory actions, and actively supporting those who are attacked. For an educational institution, this means translating abstract ideals into concrete policies and campus experiences.

Stetson's leadership didn't stop with a signature. President Roellke also added the university's endorsement to “The Pledge Business Network,” aligning Stetson with regional business and community leaders dedicated to embedding these principles into their organizational cultures. This move was amplified when over 100 students from Stetson’s fraternities and sororities joined the president in signing the pledge, demonstrating a powerful groundswell of student buy-in.

Marc McMurrin, President & CEO of the Ginsburg Family Foundation, which helped initiate the Pledge, praised Stetson's comprehensive approach. He cited the university’s “deep engagement with the region, its support of thousands of students each year and its institutional commitment to treating students with fairness and humanity, regardless of background, race, religion or creed.”

This award positions Stetson as a model for how higher education institutions can actively lead in fostering civil discourse, providing a replicable blueprint that emphasizes leadership commitment, community partnership, and student engagement.

Weaving Inclusion into the Campus Fabric

The “Education Leader of the Year” award is not merely for a symbolic gesture, but for the tangible programs that bring the pledge's values to life for students daily. Stetson’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a long-standing strategic priority, validated by its 2023 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

Under the guidance of an Executive Officer for Diversity, Inclusion, and Collaboration, the university has institutionalized its efforts. The Office of Institutional Inclusive Excellence oversees campus-wide initiatives, from anti-discrimination efforts to fostering a welcoming climate. Programs like “Inclusivity 101” and “Safe Zone 101” training provide faculty, staff, and students with a shared language and practical tools to support a diverse community, including LGBTQ+ individuals.

This commitment is visible in the university’s physical and social infrastructure. The recently expanded Cross-Cultural Center serves as a hub for educating the campus on social identity and supporting underrepresented students. Student-led initiatives also play a crucial role. Stetson hosted a gathering of 400 high school and college students for the “Phoenix Generation,” a movement linked to the Pledge that provides anti-hate training and empowers young people to champion kindness and respect on their own campuses.

These initiatives demonstrate that for Stetson, the principles of the Central Florida Pledge are not just a plaque on the wall but are woven into the very fabric of the student experience, shaping a learning environment where all students feel they belong.

Beyond the Campus Gates: A Commitment to Community

Stetson’s influence as an ethical leader extends far beyond its DeLand campus. The university holds the prestigious Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a testament to its deep and sustained partnerships with the surrounding community.

The Center for Community Engagement connects students’ academic work with real-world community needs through service-learning courses, internships, and research projects. This approach ensures that a Stetson education includes practical experience in civic action and social responsibility. Programs like the Changemakers Academy and Stetson Votes further empower students to become active participants in public life.

By championing the Central Florida Pledge, Stetson reinforces its role as a community anchor, using its institutional weight to foster regional unity. The university’s actions demonstrate a belief that the health of the institution is inextricably linked to the health of the community it serves. This symbiotic relationship creates a ripple effect, where the values promoted on campus contribute to a more civil public discourse throughout Central Florida.

Sustaining the Momentum for a More Civil Future

Stetson University is already looking ahead, with clear strategies to ensure its commitment to these values remains a core part of its identity for years to come. The university's strategic framework for 2023-2030, titled “FORWARD TOGETHER,” firmly embeds “People, Culture & Inclusive Excellence” and “Student-Centered Success & Wellness” as foundational themes.

This long-term vision is backed by leadership stability, with President Roellke’s contract extended through 2030, ensuring consistency in the university's direction. Ongoing projects managed by the Office of Institutional Inclusive Excellence, including campus climate surveys and civil discourse initiatives, demonstrate a commitment to continuous self-assessment and improvement.

As institutions across the country grapple with issues of free expression and deep-seated division, Stetson’s award-winning approach offers a compelling case study in how to move forward. By combining top-down leadership, grassroots student involvement, and deep community partnership, Stetson University is not just reacting to the challenges of the present moment but is actively building a more inclusive and respectful future.