Dr. Morrison is an I/O psychologist who primarily studies employee well-being, organizational
leadership, remote work, and feedback culture. She also has professional consulting experience
in the areas of training design, onboarding, succession planning, and employee assessment.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT?
New College is an honors college, so you should expect high academic standards—but also a high level of support. You’ll have close mentorship from faculty and the flexibility to shape your own academic path, making it a great place if you’re curious, motivated, and want to take ownership of your education.
WHAT MAKES NEW COLLEGE OF
FLORIDA SO UNIQUE?
New College of Florida stands out for its small class sizes, narrative evaluations instead of traditional grades, and strong emphasis on independent research. Combined with its location on Sarasota Bay, it creates a close-knit, academically rigorous, and uniquely student-driven learning environment.
What made you decide to teach at New College of Florida?
As an alum of New College, I had a formative experience in the psychology program and with its faculty. When the opportunity arose to return as a professor, it felt like a natural fit. I especially value the chance to know my students personally and support their academic, career, and personal development.
You’ve been admitted… congratulations! Now what?
Join us for a session to discuss your next steps. Take this time to ask all of the burning questions that you’ve been meaning to ask. Get to know faculty, students, staff and key on campus support resources ahead of orientation. Have questions? Staff from departments including Financial Aid and Residential Life will be available to meet!
Politico published an excellent spotlight on the successful growth of classical education across Florida and how it can serve as a model for the nation.
Excerpts of the article, including New College’s role in providing classical education at the university level, appear below.
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Classical schooling in Florida has support from significant names such as Erika Donalds, the wife of GOP Rep. Byron Donalds, who leads a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding classical education. And, in another shift orchestrated by DeSantis, Florida overhauled the state’s only publicly funded liberal arts university — New College of Florida — to implement a classical curriculum under the charge of former state education commissioner and state House Speaker Richard Corcoran; Corcoran’s wife also founded a classical, liberal arts charter school.
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Florida, at the same time, became the first state to require its colleges and universities to accept the Classic Learning Test for admissions, putting it on par with the SAT or ACT. More than 120,000 Florida students have taken the CLT college entrance exam in the year since the policy was enacted. Students also can take the CLT to qualify for Florida’s massively popular Bright Futures scholarship.
When asked for comment on this story, DeSantis’ office directed POLITICO to Corcoran. The university leader said in a statement that “the growth of classical schools in Florida and our unrivaled support for parents that elect to home school needs to be represented in our higher education admissions process.”
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Read the full article at Politico.com.
Welcome to ‘The Mighty Banyans on the Bay: Faculty Podcast’ hosted by New College of Florida’s Dr. Douglas Estes and Dr. Bruce Gilley and Dr. Alicia Mercado-Harvey as they talk to various NCF Faculty. On this episode, listen to our guest, Dr. Samantha Levell, as she discusses her latest write up in the Biological Journal about “Can females differentially allocate resources to offspring sired by different males?”
To learn more Dr. Levell’s class you can send an email to: [email protected]
To read about Dr. Levell’s article visit: https://academic.oup.com/biolinnean/a…
You can also send in your questions via email to:
[email protected] (Bruce Gilley)
[email protected] (Douglas Estes)
[email protected] (Alicia Mercado-Harvey)
LINKS:
WEBSITE: https://www.ncf.edu/
X: https://x.com/NewCollegeofFL
INSTAGRAM: 
/ newcollegeoffl
Dive into Your Future with the Masters in Marine Mammal Science (MIMMS) program on Sarasota Bay!
About MIMMS
Florida is rich in marine mammals and the scientists who study them. As a MIMMS student, you will be part of an interdisciplinary program that collaborates with prestigious partners around marine mammal science. New College, housed on Sarasota Bay, home to the longest studied society of bottlenose dolphins in the world, brings together Florida’s marine mammal scientists to support student work and marine mammal welfare in our state. This program offers faculty expertise in marine mammal science through Professors Gordon Bauer (Emeritus), Peter Cook, Heidi Harley, and Athena Rycyk, as well as many partners.
Our formal partnerships include the Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, led by the “Jane Goodall” of dolphin research, Dr. Randy Wells, whose team has focused on the study of these animals for more than 50 years across six generations of dolphins, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, providing access to both in- and ex-situ dolphins and manatees as well as the scientists who track Florida’s rehabilitated manatees after release. Through these and other collaborations, such as the Aquatic Animal Health Program in the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine and government agencies, our students are supported by additional mentors, animal access, longitudinal databases, and unique facilities.
Having a prestigious world-class program unique to Florida and the U.S. allows us to share resources, produce more and better informed science benefitting Florida’s remarkable marine mammals, and attract students such as yourself!
MIMMS MISSION: An interdisciplinary academic center providing research and graduate/undergraduate education of the highest quality in marine mammal science through the collaboration of experts and students dedicated to scientific excellence, marine mammal conservation, and outreach.
To support our mission, please visit here to donate to fund #0594, Marine Mammal Science.
Career Opportunities in Marine Mammal Science!
Students trained in this program will have multiple options for next steps after graduation. The skills required to study marine mammals in an interdisciplinary way, the focus of this program, are broadly applicable to advances in science, technology and medicine. The MIMMS degree program provides individuals with the post-baccalaureate training needed to pursue careers in research design and data analysis, comparative psychology, conservation biology, ecology, and marine mammal husbandry and training.
MIMMS Faculty & Staff
Gordon Bauer
Professor Emeritus
Peter Cook
Associate Professor of Marine Mammal Science and Psychology
Breanna DeGroot
Senior Laboratory Technician
Heidi Harley
Peg Scripps Buzzelli Chair/Director of Marine Mammal Science
Professor of Psychology
Athena Rycyk
Associate Professor, Marine Mammal Science and Biology
Nicole Van Der Berg
Assistant Director
Meet Our…
Real-World Experience
Graduate students and their research are integrated into the Florida and Sarasota marine mammal communities, contributing data and findings concerning the state of Sarasota Bay and other Florida ecological systems and helping to determine potential management and research priorities. Ongoing monitoring and research help conserve our Bay and bring focus and funding to our area and the people and animals who make it home.
Study by the Seaside
Regularly ranked among the best places to live in the US, Sarasota is famous for its beautiful Gulf beaches, plethora of arts and cultural institutions, and year-round warm weather.
Fall 2026 Applications Now Available
Are you ready to take the next step and immerse yourself in the study of marine mammals? Start your application today!
Additional Information
Request More Info About MIMMS
Accreditation
New College of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. New College of Florida also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of New College of Florida may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Dr. David C. Ellis joined New College of Florida in August 2023 as an Associate Professor of International Relations and Comparative Politics. Prior to joining the New College faculty, Dr. Ellis served as a Resident Senior Fellow at the Joint Special Operations University (2016-2022) affiliated with U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). He applied his research on democratization and development after identity conflict to U.S. counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations at USSOCOM (2009-2013), deployed as a civilian intelligence analyst to Afghanistan in support of Village Stability Operations (2010-2011), and later served as a program manager for cyber-intelligence and socio-cultural analysis contracts (2014-2016). Dr. Ellis has also served as a consultant to companies providing battle damage assessments to civilian infrastructure in conflict zones across the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe in support of prominent international organizations (2014-present).
Dr. Ellis’s most recent research focuses on the intersection of strategic competition, complexity theory, organizational learning within the Special Operations enterprise, and integrated statecraft. His research draws upon the literatures covering complex adaptive systems, structuration (agent- structure) dynamics intrinsic to the concept of praxis, the social construction of reality in theory and practice, the philosophy of social science, and competing visions of human rights and moral systems. Additionally, his research on atrocity included exposure to the literature on totalitarianism, the individual and social psychology involved in creating totalitarian environments, and the factors promoting resistance to totalitarianism and atrocity.
At New College, Dr. Ellis looks forward to working with students interested in U.S. foreign policy, international relations, and comparative politics. His recent experience working with the U.S. military and with other interagency partners reinforced the necessity to merge these subdisciplines, and he hopes to inspire thesis research rooted in practical political challenges. His pre-doctoral studies covered peacekeeping, conflict resolution, international development, and atrocity in ethno-religious conflict. His doctoral research then focused on identity, social movements, organizational and social learning theory, and economic growth theory.
Dr. Ellis’s recent publications and book chapters include Complexity, Organizational Blinders, and the SOCOM Design Way (co-author, 2018); Iranian Proxy Groups in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen: A Principal-Agent Comparative Analysis (co-author, 2020); Big Data for Generals…and Everyone Else over 40 (editor, 2021); The Network Illusion: How a Network-Centric Special Operations Culture Impedes Strategic Effect (chapters, 2022); “Organizing US: Regime Theory for Integrated Statecraft” (chapter, 2023), “Human Smuggling and Terrorism: A Complex Adaptive Systems Approach for Special Operations Forces” (chapter, 2023) and Competing for Advantage: The Chinese Communist Party, Statecraft, and Special Operations (editor and co-author, 2024).
The article below presents excerpts from a guest commentary authored by New College President Richard Corcoran that was originally published in the Wall Street Journal on May 27, 2024. The full commentary is available at WSJ.com (pay wall).
It might be customary to have a prominent entrepreneur speak at the commencement of a renowned institution like Princeton or Harvard, but it was a notable honor to have Joe Ricketts, founder of TD Ameritrade, step on stage at New College of Florida. Some students, unfortunately disagreed, interrupting his speech with scattered boos and chants. Nonetheless, civil discourse and free speech will prevail at New College.
…
That students intermittently disrupted the proceedings was a disheartening reflection of the prevailing intolerance for diverse viewpoints in today’s society. But that illiberal attitude hasn’t and won’t rule New College.
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The school made meticulous preparations to protect students’ right to enjoy a normal commencement and the speakers’ to address the crowd freely. Commencement organizers made contingency plans for the possibility of protests, deploying law enforcement and surveillance to ensure that disruptions wouldn’t overshadow the event’s significance.
…
Mr. Ricketts remained composed as he delivered his address, though a momentary pause betrayed his concern.
“They don’t care,” he confided to me in a brief side discussion, the microphone inadvertently capturing his words, later revealed in video footage of the event. “I hate it, but they really don’t care what I have to say.”
In the aftermath, supporters of the student protesters expressed concerns about potential repercussions for their behavior. I reaffirmed New College’s unwavering commitment to fairness and due process.
…
In the final exchange inadvertently captured on the mic, Mr. Ricketts and I acknowledged the broader significance of our actions. It wasn’t merely about New College but about upholding the principles of free speech and civil discourse in an increasingly polarized society.
“We will win, Joe,” I declared.
Mr. Ricketts echoed the sentiment, “You will win.”
In a world often fraught with discord, I believe New College’s unwavering stance can be a beacon of hope—a testament to the inseparability of freedom of expression and the pursuit of truth.
–
Related Links:
Joe Ricketts’ Commencement Address (Text)
Additional Details on Student Disciplinary Referrals
The New College Challenge
Test Change — Yipp More than a year in the making, the New College Challenge is a bold design endeavor created to excite and engage the college and community in envisioning a more vibrant campus and campus life for New College. New College partnered with six world-class design schools from top universities to reimagine a future campus that cultivates students into trailblazing problem-solvers and leaders.
Designs Now On Exhibit
The discoveries and ideas of the partner university design teams are now part of a public exhibition at Architecture Sarasota (265 S. Orange Avenue) – a partner throughout the Challenge.
Exhibition Hours:
- Summer Hours (beginning May 21, 2023): Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm (except federal holidays)
- Fall Hours (beginning September 11, 2023): Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (except federal holidays)
The Challenge Process
The New College Challenge is a testament to the university’s commitment to continuous improvement and its dedication to providing its students with a top-notch education experience.
One key aspect of the New College Challenge is the incorporation of external perspectives and examining the university’s operations and initiatives through outside lenses of its partner institutions.
All six universities presented their compelling designs to the New College campus and surrounding community May 12, 2023
The following day, May 13, 2023, the New College Challenge Exhibition opened at Architecture Sarasota where leaders from the partner universities participated in a panel discussion led by Challenge Co-Chair Dr. David Brain.
How Did We Get Here?
The New College Challenge grew from an idea in late November 2021 to a series of plans, programs and research. New College formed a team of faculty, staff and students to lead the initiative, seated a high level advisory committee and engaged the college and local community and a host of experts in the process. New College taught a class of its own that began in Fall 2022 which supported the work of the partnering academic teams.
Challenge Launch Week
A week of events launched the New College Challenge, beginning with a community Kickoff Brunch on the Bayfront on Oct. 25, 2022, New Topics lecture with Harvard professor Chris Reed, and the Designing for Resilience Symposium.
Watch the Symposium Livestream | Learn more about Launch Week Events
Spring Classes and University Partner Visits
Our academic partner institutions began teaching their design studio classes on New College in January, 2023. In early February, five of six nationally renowned design leaders brought their students to campus as part of their Spring architecture studio courses to inform their coursework. As part of their visit, the academic teams jump-started their creativity with a one-day design exercise – known as a charrette – that focused on improving the New College campus.
The design teams were given one of three categories to focus on: Bayfront Activation; Collaboration, Creativity and Community Core; Reimagining Pei. On Saturday, February 4th, the teams presented their early designs in an interactive exercise with the campus and community, which boasted strategies and mechanisms to address various environmental factors that affect us all region-wide.
These 8 design presentations below– developed in collaboration by students from Kean University, New College, Syracuse University, University of Florida, University of Miami and the University of South Florida – are just an example of the campus innovation being developed for New College by the Challenge academic teams.
As a continuation of this phase of the New College Challenge, students from Yale University visited the campus March 13th-15th, and presented their mid-term work to New College faculty, staff, and students.
All the university partner teams completed their designs at the end of their Spring Semester and the team leaders returned to New College May 12-13, 2023 for final presentations (above).
What’s Next?
New College will use the designs to inform a new campus plan to match an enhanced curriculum. The public exhibition of the designs will be on display at Architecture Sarasota throughout 2023.
Student Leadership
The Planning for Campus Resilience Challenge academic course at New College invited students to play a central role in shaping the future of their campus, explore practical responses to rising sea levels in coastal communities, and develop leadership skills for collaborative problem solving in diverse communities.
From its inception New College students have been integral leaders involved in the Challenge.
The Challenge Model
The New College Challenge is modeled after two endeavors in the Northeast: “Envision Resilience: Nantucket Challenge” and “Envision Resilience: Narragansett Bay”. Learn more at envisionresilience.org
Donate to Support the Challenge
We often hear that it takes money to make money. It’s true. The Challenge is an expensive endeavor, but it is a collaborative undertaking that is designed to elevate our campus and community, both regionally and nationally. Yes, it’s an ambitious undertaking for our small school, but together we can have an impact that reaches well beyond our area. This Challenge is a collective investment in our future–can you help us seize this moment?
Challenge Advisory Council
Bill Dudley
Former President & CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Company
New College Alumnus
Ann Darby
Former Vice President, JP Morgan Chase
Bob Essner
Former Chairman & CEO, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
Norm Worthington
Former Founder & CEO, Star2Star
Company
Chairman, Sangoma Technologies Corp
Location
New College Alumnus
Janet Doyle
Former President & CEO, Kramer Junction Company
Contact Us
The New College Challenge
Email Address
Thank you to our Challenge Sponsors
Jake Short, ‘87
Kathleen Binnicker Swann Foundation
Plan your #NewCollegeWedding or event! College Hall can be blended seamlessly into the outdoors and is available to rent on weekends based on availability.
Our beautiful bayfront, with its natural foliage and historic mansions facing Sarasota Bay, is a popular location for weddings and celebrations. The elegant, early 20th-century College Hall is the former home of circus magnate Charles Ringling and his wife Edith. It offers a gracious living room with curving wrought-iron staircase and expansive fire place, enclosed portico overlooking the bay, and wood-paneled music room with high, fresco-timbered ceilings, burnished wood floor and grand piano.
Located at 351 College Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243. College Hall can be blended seamlessly into the outdoors and is available to rent on weekends based on availability. Spaces can accommodate up to 130 guests. For pricing and other inquiries please email us or call 941-487-4185.
Photo (above): Love and Style Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY – We welcome photography at Historic Ringling Mansion | College Hall on the beautiful Sarasota Bayfront or at various locations on campus with the following guidelines:
7-day advance notice, approval will be communicated with the requestor. $250 fee for a 2-hour session.
Please provide your name, the best phone number to contact you at, and your top 2 choices of dates and times you wish for your photography session. Upon payment and approval, you will be provided with a permit that will need to be shown to any campus personnel when requested.
Mail: [email protected] with requests
Contact Us to Learn More!
New College Venue Rentals
Email Address
Working Hours
M – F
9 – 5
ReNEWing Community: Presidential Inauguration Week was from February 19 to February 26, 2022. The formal inauguration of President Patricia Okker was held on Wednesday, February 23.
Blue Skye Pipe and Drum lead the procession of faculty, staff and students from the Academic Center to College Hall.
New College of Florida President Patricia Okker with State University System of Florida Chancellor Marshall Criser III
Spectators attending the inauguration ceremony, held in front of College Hall on the New College Bayfront.
Board of Trustees Chair Mary Ruiz and former Chair Felice Schulaner present President Okker with the Presidential Medallion.
President Patricia Okker delivers her inaugural address.
President Patricia Okker with members of the New College Student Alliance
Attendees enjoy refreshments and a lemonade toast during a reception on the Bayfront.