Articulation agreement with Bethune-Cookman University supporting Criminal Justice students

Daytona State College and BethuneCookman University recently signed an agreement providing admissions, transfer credit and scholarship support for DSC students pursuing an advanced degree in Criminal Justice at B-CU.

The agreement provides support for Daytona State students who have earned an Associate of Arts degree or an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice who intend to transfer to Bethune-Cookman University to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.

“Our partnership with BethuneCookman University greatly streamlines the process for students looking to continue their education in Criminal Justice,” said Daytona State College President Tom LoBasso. “Pursuing a baccalaureate degree significantly increases career opportunities and better prepares students who are dedicating themselves to public service.”

“Daytona State has an incredible reputation for preparing its students to continue their education and enter the workforce,” said Dr. Lawrence M. Drake, Interim President of Bethune-Cookman University. “We share a mission to serve our communities and look forward to helping students achieve their goals.”

Dr. Elam served several institutions during his 41 years in higher education and was, at the time of his death, President of Halifax Community College in Weldon, NC.

Once fully funded, the scholarship will support part- or full-time students pursuing their associate degree or certificate who maintain a 2.5 GPA and who demonstrate giving back to their community by performing at least 10 hours of community service.

Students involved in this program who enroll full-time and graduate in good standing within three years may also be eligible for a scholarship or graduate assistantship into B-CU’s Online Master’s degree program in Organizational Leadership, Criminal Justice Administration, or Exceptional Student Education.

DSC launches Commercial Driver’s License Training Program at its Advanced Technology College

Daytona State College leaders held a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 28 to celebrate the launch of a Commercial Driver’s License training program in partnership with FleetForce Truck Driving School.

The program leverages $1.3 million allocated to DSC by Gov. DeSantis and the state Legislature to address the nation’s supply chain issues and ongoing need for certified commercial freight haulers. The trucking industry projects a need for 1.1 million more drivers over the next decade to meet consumer demand.

“Our mission is to meet the needs of the citizens and business leaders of Volusia and Flagler counties,” said DSC President Dr. Tom LoBasso. “This program gives students an opportunity to quickly learn new skills in a highdemand field and helps address the challenges to our transportation and supply chain issues.”

The four-week, 160-hour program consists of one week of classroom time and three weeks of time in a truck. DSC plans to start a new class every week and expects to train 200 drivers annually. The state funding covers 77% of tuition for each student for the first year of the program. Daytona State is working with local employers to create scholarship opportunities for students to have the balance of their tuition covered by employers in return for an employment commitment for a specified amount of time.

Recognizing District Board of Trustees Vice Chair Betty Holness

DSC District Board of Trustees Vice Chair Betty Holness was recognized by President Tom LoBasso and the Board for her years of service and dedication to the College and Florida’s educational system. She joined the Board in 2011, and during her time she advocated to keep college tuition affordable and to preserve the integrity of the state’s 2+2 system.

Betty displayed the highest standards of professionalism and collegiality while interacting with college personnel and the community she represents, and served with distinction as Vice Chair since August 2019.

Through her work on the District Board of Trustees and her involvement with the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), she has championed access to education for everyone in

Volusia and Flagler counties, Florida, and at the national level.

Under her leadership, DSC expanded opportunities for students with worldclass facilities such as the Soccer Stadium, the Classroom Building at Flagler/Palm Coast Campus, the L. Gale Lemerand Student Center, and the Student Residence Hall. She also worked to expand and guarantee access to bachelor’s degrees in Engineering Technology, Nursing, Information Technology, Accounting and Cardiopulmonary Science.

A Resolution of Appreciation was read into the official minutes of the May 11, 2023, District Board of Trustees meeting. Betty will forever be a lifelong friend of Daytona State College and the Florida College System.