History

Over the past 50 years, Daytona State 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. It began in 1957 when 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 the three divisions were administered by one president, 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.

In 2006, the college was authorized to begin offering its first bachelor's degree - the Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management. In spring 2009, the college began offering Bachelor's of Science in Education degrees. Additional baccalaureate level programs are being planned for future implementation to support the region’s economic development and workforce needs.

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

Over the years, the college has fostered a tradition of excellence in academics and service to a growing community. A leader in the area's workforce and economic development initiatives, the College is continually developing new means to deliver educational services to the community. Daytona State College now serves more than 33,000 students annually.

The College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and approved by the state of Florida to award associate of arts, associate of applied science, associate of science, bachelor of applied science, and bachelor of science in education degrees. 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.