Falcon Central
Remembering Ginger Tripp
We are saddened to share the passing of Ginger Joan Tripp, who served the College
from 2003 to 2013 as a Faculty and Clinical Coordinator for Physical Therapy in the
School of Health Careers.
She was beloved by her students and known for her great sense of humor. She passed away on April 10 in Palm Coast at the age of 78. Ginger was born in Louisville, Ohio and dedicated much of her career to supporting and preparing students for work in the health professions. At this time, no memorial service has been announced.
Pictured here: Ginger Tripp with Geraldine Rimstidt and Dr. James Greene at her retirement party.
Tickets on sale now for the 2026 Palm Coast Songwriters Festival
Get ready for an extraordinary week of STARS, STRIPES, & STORIES (a tribute to America’s 250th Birthday) featuring live musical performances and storytelling as the 8th Annual Palm Coast Songwriters Festival takes center stage from April 22 to April 26, 2026. Featuring an ALL-STAR lineup of over 45 hit singer/songwriters with more than 200 #1 hits, this festival offers an exclusive and intimate experience like no other.
Festival Schedule that includes ALL STAR Singer/Songwriters at every show:
- Thursday, April 23: Free show at Hammock Grill by JT’s (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.), followed by ticketed KICK OFF SHOW at the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Palm Coast Amphitheater (4:30-10:15 p.m.)
- Friday, April 24: Exclusive shows at Hammock Beach Resort (11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., members & guests only) and evening ticketed performances at the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Palm Coast Amphitheater (5-10 p.m.)
- Saturday, April 25: Bloody Mary Brunch Bash at The Landing Strip Tavern ticketed show (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.), followed by evening ticketed performances at the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Palm Coast Amphitheater (5-10 p.m.)
- Sunday, April 26: Grand finale with performances at the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Palm Coast Amphitheater (1-6:30 p.m.)
Elite Songwriters and Their Hits
The 2026 Palm Coast Songwriters Festival again boasts a lineup of elite Nashville
songwriters whose work has topped the charts and been performed by some of the biggest
names in music. From timeless classics to today’s chart-topping hits, these writers
span decades of musical brilliance.
This Festival also helps raise funds for the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Foundation, Flagler County Education Foundation, Gold Star Mentors Foundation, Neighbor To Family Organization, and The Lori Fund which supports various veteran organizations.
Don’t Miss Out!
For more information including a complete schedule, artists bios, and to purchase
your tickets now for this one-of-a-kind musical experience, visit
Expanding the On-Campus Living Experience
Our capital campaign to build a second student residence hall on the Daytona Beach
Campus is underway and you are invited to help our students!
Our first residence hall has been a resounding success, opening to full capacity in Fall 2022. It is remained at full capacity since then, and we continue to receive hundreds of student housing applications each semester.
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 ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Foundation, we’re launching a $16 million capital campaign for a new facility which is designed to house approximately 256 students. Donations from the community will ensure our residence hall will be an affordable and accessible option for students.
We need your support. , or contact the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ 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.
Honoring Employee Matt Kushan
It’s our pleasure to recognize Matt Kushan for his outstanding contributions to Daytona State College.
Matt joined the College in 2022 as an Associate Professor in the School of Photography and Media Studies and, just one year later, was named Assistant Chair of Photographic Technology in the School of Digital Media Production.
His path to Daytona State has taken him from New York to Boston to Pakistan, with experience that includes international exhibitions, program leadership, curriculum redesign, admissions management, and conference organization. Through it all he has remained deeply committed to teaching, advising and creating.
What sets Matt apart is the way he connects with students. Coming from a background where college was not the default path, he understands the hesitation, uncertainty and self-doubt many students bring with them. He meets them where they are and helps them see what they’re capable of – often before they see it themselves.
Matt is also driven to improve systems and is always looking for ways to make programs stronger, more effective, and more responsive to the needs of students and industry. If something can be improved, Matt is already thinking about how to do it.
Recognizing the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence in photography, Matt recently
developed a new course, AI Photography – Image Systems and Expression, which will
launch later this year. The course will prepare students to use AI thoughtfully and
ethically in visual expression, advertising, film design, and storytelling.
Please join us in congratulating Matt on his contributions and thanking him for his
continued commitment to our students and our mission.
Honoring Employee Nathan Kotas
It is with great pleasure that we share news of Nathan Kotas receiving a Service Excellence Award this week at our Senior Executive Staff meeting.
Nathan joined Daytona State in 2020 as an Assistant Professor and became Assistant Chair of the School of Business Administration one year later.
A Daytona Beach native, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Economics before going on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida.
Growing up around a father who was an engineer, Nathan developed an early appreciation for systems, logic and precision – qualities that translated naturally to legal reasoning. He was drawn to the law for its structure, rigor and intellectual challenge – a discipline that allowed him to test himself and refine his thinking.
After two decades of legal practice, including serving as General Counsel and General Manager of Tin Roof Cantina in Atlanta (where he met his wife Diana), he was ready for a new challenge and brought his experience to Daytona State.
In the classroom, Nathan blends professional insight with a strong sense of purpose. He says his greatest reward comes from working one-on-one with students – advising, encouraging and helping them recognize their potential. He has supported students preparing for the Florida Civics Literacy Exam and has played an active role in Constitution Day, fostering thoughtful discussion, dialogue and engagement. His ability to guide meaningful conversations reflects his legal background and his belief that higher education should prepare students for informed participation in society.
Nathan has also contributed to the College through service on key committees, including Administrative Unit Review, General Education, and Falcon Ideas, in several cases serving as chair.
What stands out most about Nathan is his guiding philosophy: that the campus should be a safe place to learn, where students are challenged and supported, and where faculty lead with empathy.
Please join us in congratulating Nathan and in thanking him for his continued commitment to our students and our mission.