Key facts
- New College of Florida, under Governor Ron DeSantis's control, will acquire the University of South Florida's Sarasota-Manatee campus.
- The acquisition will significantly expand New College, a model for conservative higher education.
- The transfer faces opposition from USF students, faculty, and local business leaders who fear program disruption.
- USF programs will continue for four years before closing on the Sarasota-Manatee campus.
- Critics label the move a 'grift' and a 'vanity project' by the governor, citing high costs and questionable efficiency at New College.
Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis has orchestrated the expansion of New College of Florida, a liberal arts institution he has reshaped with a conservative agenda, by acquiring the Sarasota-Manatee campus of the University of South Florida (USF). The state Republicans engineered the takeover, which will see New College, currently with 900 students, absorb the 32-acre, 2,000-student facility next month. This move significantly increases New College's footprint and resources.
The transfer has drawn widespread criticism from USF students, faculty, and local business leaders. They argue that the acquisition will dismantle popular and vital programs, such as nursing and hospitality, which serve a different student demographic and meet regional economic needs. Lucie Lapovsky, a higher education consultant, described the plan as nonsensical in terms of student access and regional offerings.
USF President Moez Limayem acknowledged the disruption, stating that affected programs would undergo a four-year 'teach-out' period before closure, ensuring enrolled students could complete their degrees without interruption. However, student leaders expressed concern over the loss of an affordable educational option in the community.
Florida Democrats, led by House Democratic caucus leader Fentrice Driskell, accused Republicans of bypassing standard legislative processes to approve the deal, which was resurrected and inserted into the state budget. Driskell characterized the proposal as a 'grift' and a 'vanity project,' highlighting concerns about the substantial funding allocated to New College and its perceived inefficiency, with a degree costing nearly half a million dollars to produce.
Critics also point to the appointment of Richard Corcoran, a DeSantis ally with no prior higher education experience, as New College president with a $1.2 million salary package. The college has undergone a significant ideological shift, purging diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and purging library books, actions supported by trustee Christopher Rufo. DeSantis, who is termed out of office in January, has been accused of expanding executive power and acting as a 'bully.'
Despite the criticisms, Corcoran has maintained that New College is apolitical and focused on academic excellence. He stated the college is prepared to manage the transition carefully, aiming to build a distinctive public liberal arts institution. Opponents hope that a change in state leadership could potentially reverse the acquisition.