Remembering Keith Kennedy

“He was a true professional and a great friend.”

Daytona State is deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of Keith Kennedy, Vice President of Student Development. Keith was a beloved teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend. In his four-decade connection with Daytona State, he touched countless lives and made a difference to everyone he met. He made it his personal mission to help others grow into their full potential, guiding several generations of students and members of the community. His kindness and warmth made this College a better place, and we will miss him dearly.

“We had great times together especially when we were suite mates on the second floor,” said DSC President Dr. Tom LoBasso. “He was a true professional and a great friend.” 

“Keith was a legend, a leader, and an all-around great man,” said Erin LeDuc, Director of DSC’s Center for Women & Men. “I’m grateful for the time I had to work with and learn from him, and experience his mentorship.” 

Keith described the best part of his job as being able to work with students and staff alike, helping all of them grow to their full potential. He earned several professional honors during his time at Daytona State, including the President’s Sterling Award for Professional Excellence and the State Advocate of the Year Award from the Florida School Counselor Association. 

An active member of the local community, Keith was also the recipient of numerous community service awards as well. They included the Hometown Hero Award from the City of Daytona Beach; the Outstanding Service Award from the Palm Terrace Elementary School PTA; the Outstanding Service Award from the Department of Children & Families; the Volunteer Service Award from the Boy Scouts; and the Volunteer Service Award from the Domestic Abuse Council. 

“The epitome of grit, Mr. Kennedy was an inspiration to everyone,” said Enaris Inman, Assistant Director of Registration/Records. “Both his passion for students and his push for staff and faculty to further themselves were equally evident. Having worked alongside Mr. Kennedy with the Men of Character Initiative (MOCI), I had the privilege of witnessing this passion in action. In his eyes, there were no requests too large and no barriers that could not be removed. Mr. Kennedy was a giant in student development, and his legacy at DSC and in the community will resound for years to come.”  

Keith spent more than 40 years at Daytona State, arriving in 1980 and working his way up in various roles from student employee to College administrator. After earning his A.A. from Daytona State in 1982, Keith began his career with the College as a part-time employee in Facilities before moving to Student Life in 1984. Over the years and through a series of promotions, he held a variety of professional and administrative positions with Admissions, Community Outreach, Adult Education, and Judicial Affairs & Career Services. He was named Assistant Dean for Judicial Affairs & Disability Services in 2008, and two years later was promoted to Dean of Student Development. 

Keith was named Associate Vice President for Student Development in 2013, and Vice President in 2016, a position he still held at the time of his passing. He also served as Director for MOCI from 2013-16 and was Interim Director of the Center for Women & Men from 2016-17. 

In addition to receiving his A.A. from Daytona State College, Keith earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Central Florida, and a master’s in counselor education from UCF as well. 

Scott Metzger, Academic Support Center Learning Specialist, had fond memories of Keith as a student and staff member. “When I was a student tutor for TRIO, Keith came on as counselor for our own Student Support Services. He touched a lot of lives and was a wonderful person to work with, a wonderful person, period. He will be greatly missed.”

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In order to better accommodate guests and maintain social distancing protocols, the venues for Keith Kennedy's funeral services have been changed.

• The viewing (wake) will be on Friday, October 1, 2021, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Daytona Deliverance Church, 601 George W Engram Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114. (There's a small parking lot next to the church and additional parking across the street.)
• The funeral will be on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Central Baptist Church, 152 Fairview Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114.
• Those individuals who wish to make brief reflections can do so at the viewing on Friday evening (see above).