Sheer fun at NSB campus barber program

Haley Walker
In Motion Staff Writer

Ever-evolving Daytona State College has yet again branched out in the realm of education.

Barbering Student Aleathia Dickey tends to the locks of a customer recently. Barbering Student Aleathia Dickey tends to the locks of a customer recently. Photos by: Haley Walker/ In Motion — Barbering Student Aleathia Dickey tends to the locks of a customer recently.
Barbering Student Aleathia Dickey tends to the locks of a customer recently.
Photos by: Haley Walker/ In Motion

In February, DSC’s New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater Regional Campus celebrated the opening of the first Barber Certificate Program with a ceremonial red-ribbon cutting. The event, which began at 10 a.m. Feb. 12, drew a crowd of attendees, including Daytona State faculty and students, as well as members of the Chamber of Commerce.

The opening presentation featured a photo and video collaboration documenting current students practicing, learning and mastering new barbering skills and techniques. April Winkel, one of the three Barber Instructors on the New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater campus presented the multi-media production. Following Winkel was the campus director, Clarence McCloud, along with a speech from Jonathan Worsham of the Barbering Program. Worsham was given the title of “Outstanding Student” for the Barbering Program on the New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater Campus. His speech provoked a feeling of admiration from his audience that was felt throughout the room.

Once speeches concluded, those who desired to witness the ribbon cutting were asked to move to the door of the barbering classroom, which is located in Building 2. As spectators filed in, the excitement was evident. “Snip,” went the scissors and applause filled the hallway diverging from the classroom. In that moment, Daytona State College officially welcomed the Barbering Certificate Program on their campus.

As the crowd dispersed, barbering students attending class could be seen practicing techniques on mannequins. Aleathia Dickey, a barbering student was one of many in the classroom. When she completes her certificate program, Dickey said she has big plans.

“First off, I am going to find a shop to work in. I am working towards probably starting my own business one day,” said Dickey, who is three weeks into the program.

Cutting the ribbon are Dr. Thomas Lobasso, center, and Mary Bruno.

Also present at the ribbon cutting was barbering instructor Robert Martinez, who has been an instructor at Daytona State since the Barbering program opened in New Smyrna in August 2013. “It is my passion to help people to learn and grow,” said Martinez.

The Barbering Certificate Program, offered exclusively at the New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater Campus, is a one-year program. So far, the program has 40 students enrolled. It takes 1,200 contact hours to earn the Vocational Credit Certificate, which can be completed in 12 to 16 months.

“Because of our campus’ proximity to the ocean and waterways I would like for the New Smyrna Beach/ Edgewater Campus to offer an A.S. in Environmental Science Technology and A.A. Degrees in Marine Science, Marine Biology and Ocean Engineering,” Director McCloud said of possible future additions to the curriculum.