Release courtesy of Daytona State College

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Daytona State College will mark the close of a remarkable chapter when Will Dunne, Dean of Health, Wellness and Intercollegiate Athletics, retires on June 30 after more than 30 years of service to the College and its students.

Will joined Daytona State in 1988 and became Athletic Director in 1992. For more than three decades he has helped shape a program defined not only by wins, but by academic achievement and a deep commitment to student development.

Under his leadership, Falcon teams have competed at the highest levels of the NJCAA while consistently earning recognition for academic performance.

Daytona State racked up 12 women's golf national championships and two women's soccer national championships during his tenure. Just as important, student-athletes earned FCSAA and NJCAA academic honors.

Athletics was never separate from the College's academic mission for Will – it was an extension of it. Throughout his career, he emphasized a simple idea: athletics should open doors.

He worked closely with coaches, faculty and advisors to ensure student-athletes were supported from enrollment through graduation and beyond.

Success was measured not only in championships, but in degrees earned, transfers completed and lives changed.

That approach led to strong retention rates, successful transfers to four-year institutions, and alumni who continue to credit their time at Daytona State as a turning point in their lives.

Will also played a central role in the growth of Daytona State's athletic facilities – helping create spaces that support performance and student life.

Among the milestones:

• The opening of the L. Gale Lemerand Athletic Center in 1997, followed by a major renovation in 2026 that added new locker rooms, an updated athletic training facility, a high-tech video/media room and an expanded fitness center with modern equipment.
• Completion of the Halifax Health Softball Complex in 1997.
• Development of the Baseball Complex and Fieldhouse in 1998.
• Opening of the Soccer and Flag Football Stadium in 2017, which has already hosted multiple NJCAA national championship events.
• Development of the Multipurpose Fields and Golf Hall of Champions scheduled for completion in summer 2026.
• Started new programs: women's and men's soccer; women's and men's cross country; women's flag football; and Esports (with four national titles in NJCAAE).

Together these projects reflect Will's long-held belief that student-athletes should have access to first-class resources and opportunities.

In 2011, he was inducted into the Florida College System Activities Association Hall of Fame, recognizing his leadership and contributions to intercollegiate athletics.

When Will retires, he leaves behind more than championships and facilities. He leaves a program built on consistency, care and a clear sense of purpose.

In April of 2026, Daytona State announced the naming of its new gym floor to Will Dunne Court, where Men's and Women's Basketball and Women's Volleyball compete.

Daytona State College extends its sincere gratitude to Will for his leadership, his steady presence, and his impact on generations of student-athletes. His influence will continue to be felt across the College for years to come.