EVOLVE Business and Professional Magazine February 2019

Everything we do is with the thought of building a career path for our students ... is a successful businessman in the recording and entertainment industry. His dedication to the arts and education can be seen at Bethune-Cookman University and at Daytona State College, where he is noted as a mentor and supporter of the students in the arts programs. “Our company and our foundation believe very strongly in the concept of private sector/public sector partnerships,” said Curb. “Ultimately, I would love to see shared opportunities between Daytona State and Bethune-Cookman involving programs and facilities. Our goal is to mentor students through our Curb College at Daytona and our Curb Institute at Bethune Cookman,” he said. Dr. Hiram C. Powell, Dean of the McClenney School of Performing Arts and Communication at Bethune-Cookman University says it’s the combination of curriculum, motivation by the students, and businesses leaders who are willing to create opportunities for growth that helps make students successful. Adding members of the community, like Matt Chestnut, formerly with Team Volusia and now with Space Florida, to Bethune-Cookman University advisory board helps create an Stetson University alum, Wesley Whatley songwriter, Mr. Whatley is currently vice president and creative producer of music and talent for Macy’s Branded Entertainment, working on events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Jill Simpkins, Bernie Simpkins, Mike Curb and Gale Lemerand at Daytona State College Chorale, Bethune-Cookman University awareness of the area’s talent pool among business professionals within Volusia County and beyond. These relationships have led to internship opportunities for students near and far. Locally, students have interned at the Atlantic Center for the Arts, Channel 9 News, and the Daytona Beach Symphony Society. Students have also participated in an international opera internship in Gratz, Austria. All three institutions have success stories to share. Bethune- Cookman University proudly claims music education graduates Gregory Drane and Dr. Tyron Cooper. Mr. Drane was appointed director of the Penn State Marching Blue Band in 2015. Dr. Cooper, a three-time Emmy award winner , was appointed director of Indiana University’s Archives of African American Music and Culture in 2017. Daytona State College 2007 graduate Brian Kelley is part of the successful country music duo, Florida Georgia Line. And Stetson University’s list of distinguished alum includes Wesley Whatley, a 2002 graduate and an Emmy winning | 34 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL MAGAZINE “Everything we do is with the thought of building a career path for our students,” said Powell. “It’s huge because we can create the talent, take it to a certain level and these business connections are what allow that talent to go somewhere. As great as art is, the ones that really thrive are the ones that make those connections with business.” Danielle Anderson, a resident of Palm Coast, Florida has worked in the public relations and media industry for a decade. Writing for high profile publications across the state, Danielle started her career as a news reporter for Flagler Broadcasting, where she discovered her passion for telling the stories of communities in Florida. Her love of community extends to her non-profit work as the Executive Director for the Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway and serving as the current President of the Flagler County Republican Club.

EVOLVE Business and Professional Magazine February 2019 | Page 34