FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STUDENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT - April 2007

Chad Bailey

Science/College Transfer

When 21-year-old Chad Bailey of Danville injured his shoulder several years ago, his dream of being a professional baseball player was shattered. However, that dream was later replaced by another one as Bailey turned his sights on becoming a certified pharmacist.

The son of John and Kim Bailey, he decided to enroll in Danville Community College to earn an Associate of Arts and Science Degree in Science. After graduation in May 2007, he plans to transfer to Virginia Tech to earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, followed by a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from Campbell University.

Bailey says his reason for choosing DCC was simple. When he finished Tunstall High School in 2004, he had a 4.0 grade point average and could probably have enrolled at the college of his choice. However, he says he chose DCC because he felt he needed more preparation before leaving home and going to a large four-year college or university. He also was encouraged by a friend who attended DCC and successfully transferred to a four-year institution.

“I encourage others to attend DCC too because you get the same quality education as you do at a four-year college for a much better price,” Bailey says. “Like me, a number of people in my high school graduating class were not ready to go on to a larger college.”

Bailey also was impressed by the available scholarships at DCC. Because of his academic achievements, he was honored with the College Board Recognition of Achievement Scholarship, the Chatham Rotary Club Scholarship, and more recently, the Fred Lloyd III Memorial Scholarship from the DCC Educational Foundation. He has also been named to the Vice President’s Honors List.

Bailey admits he was undecided about a college major when he first enrolled at DCC in fall 2004, so he took liberal arts courses. However, after working as a technician at a CVS Pharmacy, he decided to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical field. That meant changing his major to the Science/College Transfer program.

 “I feel that the Science program is preparing me for the future – with the knowledge I need to succeed,” Bailey says. “I think the most important course I have taken has been Organic Chemistry because it is the foundation for pharmacy school.”

Dr. Paul Fox, Professor of Chemistry, agrees with Bailey and says the Organic Chemistry course is of particular interest to students planning careers in science fields.

“Certainly anybody who goes into pharmacy school needs organic chemistry,” Fox says. “The class is also important for students in the biochemistry and chemical engineering fields, as they will learn about carbon compounds. Chad is one of the few students to have earned all A’s in my chemistry class.”

Fox says students who complete the Science/College Transfer program are generally accepted at four-year colleges and universities with junior status. The curriculum is designed for transfer students who plan to complete a baccalaureate degree program in any of the sciences or related pre-professional programs.

“I’ve heard that students in other colleges have larger class sizes and aren’t able to talk directly to their professors,” Bailey says. “At DCC, you actually get to talk with your professors outside of class. They are all very willing to help you if you have questions. I have really enjoyed Dr. Fox’s classes.”

            Fox is grateful that he is making a difference in students’ lives and is pleased to hear when students decide to further their goals. He says that Bailey has excelled in the program and serves as a great example for other students.

            “Chad is heading down that route to earn his bachelor’s degree and doctorate,” says Fox. “He is an excellent student, very diligent and is a role model for other students. He is certainly one of the better chemistry students I have had in the last 14 years.”

            For more information about the Science/College-Transfer program, contact Dr. Paul Fox at 434.797.8472; toll free at 800.560.4291; or click here.

For more information, contact: aburney@dcc.vccs.edu

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