Daytona Beach Community College President Dr. Kent Sharples likes to ask audiences a question when he is on the rubber chicken circuit. "How many among us graduated from DBCC, have taken courses at DBCC, or have an immediate family member who has?" Most of the time, an impressive number of hands shoot up, making Sharples' point for him - DBCC serves a large market including people from all walks of life.

In its 46-year history, DBCC has educated hundreds of thousands of students. The variety and intensity of courses offered could fill a book. In fact, it does. The course catalogue offers a dizzying array of courses ranging from photography and digital imaging to nursing and medical technology. Courses are offered morning, noon and night ‹ on campus and off ‹ giving students ample opportunity to pursue the knowledge they seek.

More than just an institution of higher education, Daytona Beach Community College is woven into the fabric of the community with multiple campuses, various outreach programs, involvement in civic and government affairs and more. During a recent speaking engagement, Dr. Sharples focused on economic development.

But before discussing the college's interest in economic development, Dr. Sharples briefed the audience on happenings at DBCC. The briefing included the following updates.

DBCC recently was re-accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, a process that yielded an unprecedented six commendations for excellence in various programs. The college recently completed a $9.1-million renovation of its 120,000-square-foot School of Health, Human and Public Services, which accommodates its nursing program with its smart classrooms and computer lab.

It also houses a unique human patient simulator laboratory. The campus now offers a computer commons in the DBCC library that provides a wide range of technology tools and resources for students who otherwise may not have convenient access to the Internet and related technology.

WCEU Television, a Public Broadcasting Service station on the campus of DBCC, has gone digital, moving the facility squarely into the next generation of television quality and technology.

Distance learning at DBCC has made great strides through the college's Center for Academic Success through which teachers can learn instructional design methods to develop online courses. Already more than 90 courses are being offered and enrollment in distance learning courses has tripled.

There are plans for a 57,000-square-foot facility at the main campus to house DBCC's hospitality management and culinary arts program. It will feature actual hotel rooms, front office and concierge services, sales and marketing functions, kitchens, the college's unique Café 101 (a working restaurant) and more, all in support of training for students seeking careers in the hospitality industry.

In partnership with Volusia County Schools, Flagler County Schools and the business community, DBCC plays a key role in the Advanced Technology Center, which offers an accelerated learning experience in many disciplines of technology. ATC high school students can earn an average of 18 college credits in their first year at the ATC and 33 college credits by the time they graduate from high school.

DBCC's presence on the west side of Volusia County, deep into Central Florida's High Tech Corridor, continues to increase. Construction is under way on its $6.2-million, 42,000-square-foot Deltona center, which will open within a year and will house business and industry training programs and the college's new simulation training program. Simulation technology is the fastest growing tech sector in Central Florida with as many as 300 companies engaged in modeling and training simulation.

While all of this is indicative of a college that is an integral part of the community, DBCC has sharpened its focus on an area of particular concern. It established its Division of Economic Development, realigning various other departments to facilitate industry partnerships, workforce training and economic development partnerships. The new division encompasses the college's Center for Business and Industry, Small Business Development Center, Florida Resource Center and its Information Technology Education Center (ITEC).

This has supported some key programs including Just-In-Time Training, Teach the Teachers Program, and DACUM (acronym for developing a curriculum), a process that helps business and industry design specific curricula supporting their workforce needs.

DBCC has forged partnerships with several key economic development organizations including the Volusia County Department of Economic Development and the Florida High Tech Corridor and has modified its mission statement to include reference to its commitment to economic development.

That commitment took a significant step forward last month when DBCC Foundation President Joe Petrock announced the establishment of the John Graham Fund for Economic Development. Graham is widely known for his work as a senior executive at International Speedway Corporation and has held numerous leadership positions among civic and business organizations. He chairs the Business Development Partnership and has long been passionate about economic development. The fund will raise money for a variety of the college's economic development initiatives. It got off to a robust start that evening as Petrock announced the event itself had generated more than $150,000 for the fund.

In addition to technology-driven economic development activity, DBCC is working with officials from the cities of DeBary, Deltona and Orange City and the Chamber of Commerce of West Volusia to create a shared, mixed-use facility that can serve as a corporate training center in Southwest Volusia County. It is envisioned as a venue for meetings, conferences, expositions, community and cultural events and fills a void in this rapidly growing quadrant of Volusia County.

Volusia County Council Chair Frank Bruno was on hand for Dr. Sharples briefing and Petrock's announcement of the John Graham Fund for Economic Development. He was impressed. "I'm proud of what DBCC has done over the years," Bruno said. "It is a very progressive college and is assisting the Volusia County Council by addressing workforce issues.

Our goal is to develop a year-round economy and not just depend on special events to sustain our area. DBCC is addressing the training needs in so many ways in support of everything from year-round convention business to leading edge technology."