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U.S. News & World Report Ranks Daytona State’s Online Bachelor’s Programs Among the Best in the U.S. for 13th Straight Year
DSC is ranked the No. 1 non-university college in the U.S. and moved up in rankings for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Bachelor’s Program for Veterans
The organization ranked Daytona State 21st of all colleges and universities in the country for offering the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs – up seven places over 2024. DSC is ranked 13th in the nation for the Best Online Bachelor’s Program for Veterans – an increase of five places. DSC was also ranked 151st in the nation for Best Online Bachelor’s Business Program.
Expanding the On-Campus Living Experience
Our capital campaign to build a second student residence hall on the Daytona Beach
Campus is underway and you are invited to help our students!
The new facility, which is expected to house approximately 256 students, could open as early as Fall 2026.
Our first residence hall has been a resounding success. It opened to full capacity in Fall 2022. It is already at full capacity for the upcoming academic year. And we have received more than 1,000 student housing applications in less than one year.
When we began studying the possibility of building housing on campus in 2018, a study we commissioned showed the college could support more than 500 students. Initial plans for the second residence hall call for approximately 52,000 square feet of space and approximately 256 beds.
We know that students who live on campus are more engaged with their instructors, utilize academic support systems more frequently, and participate more in on-campus activities.
With the DSC Foundation, we’re launching a $15 million capital campaign. Donations from the community will ensure our residence hall will be an affordable and accessible option for students. We need your support. Make your gift here, or contact the Daytona State College Foundation at Foundation@DaytonaState.edu or by calling (386) 506-3195.
You can learn more at the new residence hall web page and keep tabs on the campaign’s progress.
Honoring Employee Steven Oatis
It is with great pleasure that I share news of Steven Oatis receiving a Service Excellence Award this week at our Senior Executive Staff meeting.
Steven joined us 2020 as a Groundskeeper and was promoted the next year to Grounds Lead. He was promoted in November 2023 to Trades Supervisor, the position he holds now.
During Hurricane Milton, Steven demonstrated remarkable leadership by organizing cleanup efforts across multiple campuses. He reported to work the day after the hurricane and worked tirelessly through the weekend to ensure that debris and fallen trees were cleared in time for a successful reopening. Early the following Monday morning, he led his team in clearing tree blockages and debris at the New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater Campus. Steven has continued to coordinate cleanup operations at the Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater campuses since the hurricane, including meeting with vendors and managing the daily groundskeeping tasks with dedication and clear purpose.
Steven approaches each workday with a positive 'can-do' attitude, earning the respect of his colleagues, faculty, staff, and students. He truly leads by example and takes pride in his work. His dedication, professionalism, and the positive influence he brings are invaluable to the Facilities department and the College as a whole.
Please join us in congratulating Steven for his outstanding service and commitment to our mission.
Honoring Employee Harun Thomas
A native of the Philadelphia-Delaware area, Harun first experienced Florida when his family moved here when he was in high school. He returned to the northeast to pursue a degree in math education, but found his true passion in English and Journalism, eventually earning a Ph.D. in English from the University of Florida in 2008. He and his family settled in Ormond Beach that same year, ostensibly to teach at Mainland High School. We were fortunate to have him join us the following year and he has been a valued member of the School of Communication ever since.
He enjoys connecting with each class, tailoring assignments to enhance their learning experience. One of his techniques involves using graffiti as a learning tool instead of a traditional textbook. This allows him to introduce students to communication concepts through one of the oldest forms of expression. It has not only transformed how students perceive graffiti but also broadened their understanding of communication as a whole.
His work has inspired colleagues to grow and consider new teaching methodologies. He balances his charisma and positivity with a thoughtful intensity.
Harun’s dedication and creative approach continue to leave an indelible mark on the Daytona State College community.
Please join us in recognizing Harun’s significant accomplishments as an educator.