DSC main entrance to campus

Former trustee Bob Davis. Remembering Bob Davis, Former Trustee and Friend of Daytona State College

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Bob Davis, a devoted friend of Daytona State College and a tireless advocate for our region’s hospitality industry and the people who work in it.

Bob was a true fixture in Daytona Beach for more than 60 years. As CEO of the Lodging and Hospitality Association of Volusia County for more than three decades, his influence on the region’s tourism and economic vitality was unmatched. But titles only hint at the scope of Bob’s contributions. He was, above all, a connector, a champion and a deeply generous spirit.

Appointed to the Daytona State College District Board of Trustees in 2010, Bob served with distinction through 2022. "He was on the Board when I became president, and over the years became a trusted advisor and a cherished friend," said Dr. Tom LoBasso, DSC President. "Bob was a tireless ambassador for the College, promoting our programs to everyone he met and encouraging them to pursue their education here. Thanks to his personal outreach, hundreds of students enrolled, not just in hospitality and culinary programs, but across every area of study."

Early in his tenure as CEO of the Lodging and Hospitality Association, Bob launched the annual Hospitality Scholarship Golf Tournament, which raised funds to support students at Daytona State and Bethune-Cookman University. That tournament continues to open doors for aspiring hospitality professionals to this day.

Bob never missed a chance to help others. He was a lifelong advocate for frontline workers, hotel managers and tourism promoters – always putting others first and lifting them up with his energy, optimism and sense of purpose. If someone in the industry needed a job, he was the first to spread the word to local hotels and restaurants. He supported countless charitable causes, including one of his favorites, Food Brings Hope, which ensures children in the community don’t go to school hungry.

Costa Magoulas shared, “Bob was a legend – he was totally dedicated to the hospitality industry. He personally touched the lives of so many others, helping students in the Volusia County Schools, Daytona State and Bethune-Cookman University to achieve success in hospitality. I will sorely miss his daily emails and the passion he exhibited at all times. But most of all I will miss a dedicated friend.”

Bob’s passing marks the end of an era. In 2024, the College honored him by establishing the Bob Davis Culinary and Hospitality Endowed Scholarship. His legacy will live on through every student whose life is changed by that support.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at Lohman Funeral Home in Port Orange (1201 Dunlawton Avenue), followed by a processional to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Bob Davis DSC Scholarship Fund, in honor of Bob’s enduring legacy and dedication to education.


 

Expanding the On-Campus Living Experience

DSC's second residence hall renderingOur 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 $16 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. 

Fundraising campaign thermometer


Outstanding Employee Gregory Campbell

Honoring Employee Gregory Campbell

It is with great pleasure that we share news of Gregory Campbell receiving a Service Excellence Award this week at our Senior Executive Staff meeting.

Gregory first joined the College part-time and became a full-time team member in February 2012 in Assessment. In November 2013, he brought his talents to the Admissions Office where he has been a constant source of support ever since. Whether he’s staying late to help a student in need or assisting a colleague with a complex situation, Gregory is always ready to lend a hand.

As the International Student Admissions Coordinator, his dedication to our international students is nothing short of remarkable. His warm and caring nature has made a lasting impression on students from around the globe—so much that many have gifted him meaningful tokens of appreciation from their home countries, which are proudly displayed in his office.

He earned his Associate of Arts at DSC in 2004 and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Social Science in 2006 from Florida State University. Known for his kindness, reliability, and deep commitment to student success, Gregory is a valued and cherished member of the Admissions team. 

Please join us in congratulating Gregory for his outstanding service and commitment to our mission.

Outstanding Employee Rabecka Collins

Honoring Employee Rabecka Collins

It is with great pleasure that we share news of Rabecka Collins receiving a Service Excellence Award this week at our Senior Executive Staff meeting.

Rabecka joined us as a work-study student in 2005 when we were still Daytona Beach Community College. Balancing full-time work and parenting, she earned her Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies and her Masters in Career and Technical Education from the University of Central Florida.

Rabecka served as a Transitional Specialist for TRiO SSS from 2011 to 2016, then as CCAMPIS Childcare Grant Project Director through 2022. That same year, she became Director of the Falcon HOPE Center where she continues to lead with compassion, innovation and a deep commitment to student well-being.

In her current role, Rabecka oversees programs and initiatives focused on meeting students’ basic needs, including the food pantry, clothing closet, childcare assistance, transportation assistance, textbook lending library and much more.

Her recent accomplishments include establishing the family-friendly Falcon’s Nest study space that welcomes nearly 100 student-parents annually and securing a partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank to support pantry operations while reducing costs. In 2024 alone, the Falcon HOPE Center delivered over 15,000 services, directly helping students stay on track toward graduation. Under Rabecka’s leadership, the Center has grown in impact and reach – engaging more students and meeting more needs than ever before.

She co-authored the College’s Quality Enhancement Plan COMPASS, which through the Mentorship Program and our partnership with SLS 1122 classes, has provided mentorship to nearly 400 students and logged over 16,000 hours of mentorship.

Rabecka has also received well-deserved recognition beyond campus, including the 2023 Volusia/Flagler Top 40 Under 40 Award and the 2023 NISOD Excellence Award. She has dedicated her career to enhancing student support and is a proud champion of the Daytona State College mission.

Please join us in congratulating Rebecca for her outstanding service and commitment to our mission.