New College entering a new era

Campus leaders hail more money and growth plan — with some caution

New College of Florida has seen its share of financial troubles over the years.
Formerly a private school, the college went broke and was kept alive by merging with the University of South Florida.
Even after regaining independence as a public honors college and the smallest member of Florida’s university system, New College never had the financial support from the state that was needed to fully realize its mission, college officials say.
But all those years of financial hardship appear to be coming to an end after state leaders approved the first phase of a dramatic growth plan that eventually will see the tiny Sarasota school’s student body and faculty increase by roughly 50 percent.
The decision by state leaders to increase New College’s recurring base financial appropriation by $7.5 million — or 37 percent — next year, with the expectation of more money to come, is being hailed as “transformative” and a “game changer” that ranks among the most pivotal moments in college history.
The growth plan is being met with a lot of excitement on campus — and a hint of trepidation.
College officials realize this is a big opportunity for the school and they want to get it right.