Stetson University was founded in 1883 and was first known as DeLand Academy, after the principal founder of the town, Henry Addison DeLand. In 1889, the name was changed to John B. Stetson University to honor the well-known hat manufacturer who made generous donations to Stetson. John B. Stetson was a benefactor to the university and served alongside Henry A. DeLand as a founding trustee.