The Ron and Norita Davis Center
In the fall of 2003, the Ron and Norita Davis and Family Davis Center opened to assist people in the southwestern part of Alachua County, and the surrounding Archer area to enroll in classes rather than having to journey 21 plus miles to the Northwest Gainesville Campus. The center was designed to promote advancement and enhancement of higher education and potential vocational training programs locally. The more than 10,000 square foot facility includes seven general classrooms, a computer lab, a community boardroom, faculty and staff offices, and a community/common meeting room.
The Santa Fe College Davis Center facility was made possible by a major contribution from Ron and Norita Davis, and the Davis family, who made a substantial contribution of in-kind and property totaling approximately $500,000 (20 plus acres of land) and a $600,000 cash gift for a total of $1.1 million. A community-wide leadership of individuals and organizations to provide additional funding for the establishment of the Davis Center was comprised of more than 26 community leaders. The building was designed to be the first of two buildings which, as enrollment grows, could expand to provide additional classroom space, faculty offices, sciences labs and even outdoor teaching/learning spaces.
Our doors opened offering approximately 20 college credits courses, GED preparation classes, and community education courses. To this day each of those programs still find its home at the Davis Center. Since opening, we have continually upgraded each classroom with the latest computer technology and the addition of high speed internet allows students the opportunity to research, learn, and grow even better than before. As enrollment has steadily grown the ability to earn an entire AA degree at the Davis Center became a reality in 2017. We currently offer over 40 college credit classes, morning and evening Adult Education classes, and various community education classes. We serve approximately 350 students each semester and have assisted over 500 students earn their GEDs since we opened in 2003. Students can also receive help with admission, registration, testing, advisement and financial aid applications.