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President's Message

Welcome to Daytona State College – You Belong Here.

President Tom LoBasso

At Daytona State College, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams through education, and we're here to help you every step of the way. Our mission is to remove barriers, inspire confidence and create personal connections that convince our students they not only belong in college – they belong here.

Whether you're considering Daytona State as a student, a parent, or looking to advance your career, you'll find what you need with us. We offer outstanding degree and certificate programs that provide the education, training and skills needed for today’s workforce and tomorrow’s careers.

Our state-of-the-art programs, dedicated faculty and small class sizes ensure students receive the attention and support they need to succeed. We're proud to be consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report, ranking among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for 13 years running. Daytona State is also ranked as one of the best colleges for military veterans – recognition that reflects our commitment to support active duty members of the armed forces, their families, and those who have served our country.

We continually expand and update our programs to meet workforce demands and support our local communities. Recent additions include a Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science, an Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and enhanced nursing and healthcare offerings with new scholarships and state-of-the-art facilities. Our specialized programs in CNC Machining and Hospitality Beverage Science open doors to growing industries, and Daytona State is home to Florida’s first and only chapter of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME), connecting students in our Associate of Science in Engineering Technology program with job opportunities in the community. And we have just launched a state-of-the-art Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Training Center on our DeLand Campus.

Each year, nearly 23,000 students choose Daytona State—not just for our academics, but for a vibrant college experience that includes:

  • Championship athletic teams competing at the NJCAA Division I level, including our new Women's Flag Football and Esports teams
  • An award-winning student newspaper and literary magazine
  • An active Student Government Association
  • More than 50 student clubs and organizations

You'll also find world-class cultural and recreational opportunities right on campus, from the internationally recognized Southeast Museum of Photography to our fitness and aquatic center. Our News-Journal Center hosts theater, music and dance productions throughout the year. And if you haven’t seen our new Residence Hall, I invite you to explore its modern amenities and the benefits of living on campus—just steps from classes, academic support and campus activities.

Wherever you are in life, we're here to support your journey. I applaud you for taking this important step toward your goals, and I hope to see you on campus soon.

Sincerely,

Thomas LoBasso, Ed.D.
President