SARASOTA, Fla. — New College of Florida’s (NCF) Board of Trustees today selected Richard Corcoran as the college’s next president, voting to enter into contract negotiations that will be considered at the next Board of Trustees meeting later this month. Corcoran’s selection comes after a six-month presidential search and selection process.
“We want to extend our gratitude to the presidential search committee, who conducted a robust nationwide search to bring us candidates that would capably guide New College into the future,” said Board of Trustees Chair Debra A. Jenks. “With the selection of President Corcoran, New College is poised to continue on its path of becoming the best liberal arts institution in the nation. Thank you to all those who participated in this process.”
Jenks designated Vice Chair Ron Christaldi to negotiate an employment contract with Corcoran. Once an employment contract is agreed upon, the full Board of Trustees will meet to review and vote on the contract. Once approved, the contract will go before the State University System of Florida Board of Governors at its November 9 meeting for consideration and a vote on approval.
During four terms in the Florida Legislature, Corcoran was a staunch advocate for improving all levels of education. His eight years in elected office culminated with the speakership in the Florida House of Representatives in his final term. Subsequently, appointed as Florida’s Education Commissioner in 2018, he deftly navigated the reopening of Florida’s schools in the fall of 2020. Corcoran has been a member of the Florida Bar for 24 years and served six years in the U.S. Naval Reserve while in college.
Corcoran was one of three finalists submitted by the presidential search committee to the NCF Board of Trustees for consideration. The 15-member search committee, comprising a distinguished group representing the SUS BOG, NCF Board of Trustees, student body, faculty, NCF Foundation, alumni and other stakeholders and supporters of NCF, started its work on April 7. The committee received and reviewed 63 applications and conducted eight interviews. The committee was tasked with identifying candidates who could guide New College beyond its recent history of enrollment and economic challenges while restoring its reputation for providing a nationally recognized liberal arts undergraduate education.