Unpacking how comfort is created on the Stetson’s campus with Mrs. Rina Tovar Arroyo, Dr. Timothy Peter and Tori Watson.
Rina Tovar Arroyo
Who is Mrs. Rina Tovar Arroyo?
Rina Tovar Arroyo, Chief of Staff and Senior Development Officer, is at the heart of Stetson University. Arroyo has been cultivating a sense of warmth on campus for two decades, working as “an emotional support network for faculty, staff, alumni, and students who just need an ear to talk through challenges and come out on the other side with hope and a vision for resolution and change.”
What is your comfort spot on campus?
Arroyo’s comfort spot is the jolly statue of the university’s benefactor, John B. Stetson. “The other day, I went and just sat with him,” she said. “I looked around and contemplated things about Stetson.”
What is comfort?
“Comfort is a choice,”Arroyo asserts. “We all have challenges in our lives where we must make the decision to either live in discomfort or learn to create a world where we have comfort.” Arroyo also mentioned that “oftentimes, comfort comes from believing in something greater than ourselves. Whether that’s a purpose, world religion, or spirituality, that’s what brings us faith, and faith brings comfort because we believe things are going to be okay… that’s good.”
What is something you brought to Stetson that brings you comfort?
Arroyo has surrounded herself with the comfort of “Stetson angels” by arraying memorabilia of inspiring Stetson souls about her office, like “Chaplain Frank, former President Dr. Lee – whom Lee Chapel was named after, Professor Greg Sapp – one of my best friends, Kim Van Gundy – who passed away last year, Registrar Jamie Vanderlip. I have surrounded myself with the best in my life and the best at Stetson,” Arroyo said. “They are reminders of why I do the work I do, because these people right here are the soul of Stetson. These Stetson angels are still with us. Oh, and of course,” she said, giggling, “my President Roelke bobblehead.”
What advice would you give to a student who is not comfortable on campus yet?
“Try, with all their might, to lean into the joy of possibilities and away from the fear of loneliness.” Arroyo encourages students. “It’s hard when you are feeling discomfort and fear of rejection, loneliness and the next step, but if you take that step, imagine what could happen if you ask that person to go to lunch with you? What if they become your best friend for life? We are all humans who love this place, doing the best we can together, right?”
Dr. Timothy Peter
Who is Dr. Timothy Peter?
Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Timothy Peter has taught at Stetson University for over 13 years. When asked what his favorite part about teaching at Stetson is, Peter jovially replied, “Oh, that’s easy. It’s the students. It’s the warmth and kindness I see in them, their passion and inquisitive nature, their interest in learning and, frankly, their openness to learning.”
What is your comfort spot on campus?
Peter’s comfort spot is the upstairs balcony of Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall. From this peaceful vantage point, he “can really experience and celebrate student achievement from up there, which again, comes back to comfort and support. I’m always inspired and, in some ways, transformed every time I hear students perform in Lee Chapel,” mused Peter. “That’s really humbling.”
What is something you brought to Stetson that brings you comfort?
Peter brought the comfort of cozy, lamps-all-aglow lighting to his office on campus. “I am drawn to warm office lighting that brings peace and comfort, instead of big, overhead, fluorescent lights.” Not only that, but Peter also contributes a welcoming kind of comfort to campus by leaving his office door open as often as possible. “Sometimes people nag, ‘oh, you shouldn’t leave your door open so much,’ but I do. All the time,” smiled Peter.
How do you create comfort?
To create comfort, “first, we must look inward and reflect upon ourselves; then, we must reach out to others to support us; and, finally, we must act upon that, so we know how to grow through discomfort rather than just absorb or bury it. I think I, as do a lot of my peers, value honesty and openness,” prescribed Peter. “If I am having a challenging time and someone asks, ‘how are you doing?’ I might say, ‘here’s what’s going on’ versus bluffing ‘oh, everything’s fine.’” Peter’s philosophy is profound: comfort is created in the lens of honesty.
What is comforting about Stetson?
To Peter, the recognition that Stetson University is a mission-driven university “and that we really do have a higher calling” is comforting. “That will be different for each person, but Stetson is an environment in which we are all exploring that higher calling so we can find comfort in it and use it to make an impact that lasts, even after we leave Stetson. That is actually the theme of our Concert Choir this year – impact.”
Tori Watson
Who is Tori Watson?
Tori Watson, Class of 2026 dual English and Sociology major with a minor in Business Law, is passionate about creating comfort on the Stetson University Campus through justice, advocacy, and faith. During her studies at Stetson, Watson has served as the President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), a Student Ambassador, and a Resident Assistant, to name a few.
What is your comfort spot on campus?
Watson’s comfort spot is “the Chaudoin porch. Sometimes I go out there and sit outside with a book or my Bible – and I’m not really an outdoorsy type of person,” she said, “but I’ve learned to enjoy the beauty of creation on that porch.”
What is your comfort food on campus?
“If I am ever looking to grab something to eat, I will get the spicy breakfast burrito from the coffee shop – double toasted with an iced chai tea,” Watson said.
What is comforting about Stetson?
Watson is comforted that “Stetson “values personal development. Professors know that you’re a student, but they also know that you are a person going through life outside the scope of school.” It is “more than just my education,” said Watson, beaming.
What is something you brought to Stetson that brings you comfort?
Watson brought her faith to Stetson, which she testifies has been her “cornerstone” in creating comfort on campus for both her and her peers. “I am utterly in love with Jesus Christ,” said Watson. “It speaks to my involvement in FCA, where I have served as the Outreach Director, Vice President, and now the President. My faith has carried me through school.” Watson shared that her faith has taught her that her purpose at Stetson is “not just to get her degree and leave. It is to see lives changed for the Lord.”