There is nobody who epitomizes Central Alabama Community College more than Dave Jennings. Just ask any instructor, staff member, or fellow coach. There is also nobody who has done more for the sport of golf in the state of Alabama. When you meet Dave, he makes you feel as if you have known him your whole life. He has an infectious laugh and bright smile that is unmistakable, but don't confuse his light heartedness for weakness. Jennings is as fierce a competitor as anyone, and his 21-year career is the proof.

His love for CACC golf started back in 1976 when he played for, then Alexander City Junior College, which later became Central Alabama Community College in 1989. He would transfer to Troy State University and continue his collegiate career. After Troy, Jennings spent the next 20 plus years as the teaching pro or head pro at various golf and country clubs throughout the state of Georgia. Meanwhile, during those years, CACC compiled 5 national championships and established itself as the premier junior college golf program in the United States.

He would get a call in 2001 from President of CACC, Dr. Jim Cornell, who was looking to hire a new coach to lead the CACC golf program. CACC was coming off another national championship from the previous year and John Sadie, who was the coach, had just been hired at Huntingdon College. Jennings interviewed and was hired to take over the program. His career had come full circle and he was given the opportunity so many athletes dream about, and that was to coach the team they once played for years prior.

Jennings would spend the next 21 years elevating the program to new heights, seeing his teams qualify for 20 NJCAA Championships and winning the 2013 and 2019 National Championships. During that span, CACC also won 11 NJCAA Region Championships and 7 District IV Championships, and 16 NJCAA Team Academic All-Americans. Individually, CACC produced 25 NJCAA All-Americans, 20 PING All-Americans, 35 PING All Region recipients under Jennings. With all of those team and individual accolades, winning the 2017 NJCAA Team Academic National Championship was one of the most special moments in Jennings career.

Personally, Jennings was named National Coach of the Year in 2013 and 2019, 12-time ACCC Coach of the Year and 9-time Southeastern District Coach of the Year. He would be inducted into the NJCAA Golf Hall of Fame in 2010, the GCAA Hall of Fame in 2013, and the Alabama Community College Conference Hall of Fame in 2019.

Even though his priority was to make sure CACC was the best team in the nation, he always found time to promote the sport and help other colleges with their programs, serving as vice president and president of the NJCAA Men's D-1 Golf Coaches Association in which he hosted the 2008, 2009, and 2010 NJCAA National Championships. 

Internationally he would coach Team USA at the World University Golf Championship in Spain in 2010 and again in 2018 at the Toyota Junior World Cup in Japan. Throughout his journeys, Jennings has mentored and coached hundreds of young men.  He truly was the perfect ambassador for CACC and junior college golf on the national and international stages.

"I can't say enough about Dave and what he has meant to our college," Jeff Lynn, president of CACC stated.

"He has accomplished so many things as a coach, and brought so much notoriety to our college through those accomplishments, which I am extremely proud, but I am most proud of how he mentored and taught so many young men to be champions in the classroom and in life. Dave always made sure our golf team was known for being a premiere, classy program on and off the course."

 As with most coaches who love their sport, Jennings has no intention of walking away from the game of golf. He has created a company called Jennings' Golfhelp. His company will be assisting high school age golfers, in a clinic format, with player development, as well as educating them on how best to become attractive to college golf coaches. Jennings will also be working with a variety of colleges who need assistance with player development on their college and university teams.