History of the College

Daytona State College continues its commitment to progress and support of the communities it serves in Volusia and Flagler counties. The 2008-2009 academic year brings major change to the institution in terms of expansion of facilities and program offerings. 

In 1957, the Florida Legislature authorized Daytona Beach Junior College as the state’s first comprehensive community college. The College was divided into three divisions: college credit, adult education and the Mary Karl Vocational School. Although one president administered to all divisions, they essentially functioned as separate entities under the Volusia County School System.

Volusia County Community College, also a separate entity under the school system, merged with DBJC in 1965. The 1968 Legislature combined the divisions into a single administrative unit under a District Board of Trustees independent of the county school system. In 1971, the official name of the College was changed from Daytona Beach Junior College to Daytona Beach Community College.

Over the years, the College has evolved from a small campus into an academically superior multi-campus institution providing educational and cultural programs for the citizens of Volusia and Flagler counties. In 2006, the college was authorized to begin offering its first bachelor's degree - the Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management. Beginning Spring Semester 2009, the college also will begin offering seven specialized bachelor's degrees in Education.  In June 2008, institution joined eight other colleges selected to be part of Florida’s first state college pilot project. The new Florida College System will ultimately open the door for the state’s 28 community colleges to expand their missions and offer affordable workforce-centered baccalaureate degrees

To assure graduates that their diplomas and transcripts reflect their achievement of obtaining a four-year degree, the District Board of Trustees and the state of Florida have approved the college's request for yet another name change - Daytona State College.

The College has fostered a tradition of excellence in academics and service to a growing community. The Daytona State now serves more than 33,000 students annually.

A leader in the area’s workforce and economic development initiatives, the College is continually developing new technological means to deliver educational services to the community. Leading the list is the Advanced Technology College (ATC), an innovative educational partnership among the College, Flagler County Schools, Volusia County Schools and the business communities of Volusia and Flagler counties. The ATC offers opportunities for high school students and adult community college students to pursue technology-based fields.

The College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate of arts, associate of applied science, associate of science and bachelor of applied science degrees and is approved by the state of Florida. Numerous professional and academic organizations confer special accreditation to various College programs. The College also is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges and an approved institution for higher education for veterans and war orphans.

rev. 3-03-08

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