Stetson University is a private university with four colleges and schools located across the I-4 corridor in Central Florida, United States, with the primary undergraduate campus located in DeLand. The university was founded in 1883 by Henry Addison DeLand, a New York philanthropist, as DeLand Academy. In 1887, the Florida Legislature enacted the Charter of DeLand University as an independent institution of higher learning. Stetson University was founded as the DeLand Academy in 1883 by Henry Addison DeLand, a New York philanthropist, as a co-educational institution of higher learning. In 1887, the Florida Legislature enacted the Charter of DeLand University as an independent institution of higher learning. Stetson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university has a number of notable alumni and attendees, including U.S. Supreme Court Justices, prominent business executives, and professional athletes.