New College of Florida, the liberal arts college seized by Governor Ron DeSantis and transformed into a conservative model, is set to triple its size after state Republicans engineered a hostile takeover of a rival university's campus. The 900-student New College will acquire the 32-acre, 2,000-student Sarasota-Manatee campus of the University of South Florida (USF) next month, a deal described by leading Florida Democrat Fentrice Driskell as 'a grift.'
Details of the Transfer
The transfer includes a new six-story residential hall and a $44 million student center, significantly expanding New College's footprint. The deal proceeds despite near-universal opposition from USF students, faculty, education leaders, and the local business community, who warn that popular programs like nursing, tourism, and hospitality will end after a four-year 'teach-out' period.
Impact on Students and Community
Lucie Lapovsky, a higher education consultant and signatory to a letter condemning the proposal, stated: 'It makes no sense whatsoever in terms of access to higher education for students, in terms of what the area was producing and offering.' USF President Moez Limayem acknowledged the loss creates 'significant uncertainty and anxiety' but promised enrolled students can finish their degrees without disruption.
Political Maneuvering
Critics accuse Republicans of bypassing normal legislative protocols. A proposal passed the Florida House earlier this year but stalled in the Senate, only to be resurrected by a conference committee and inserted into the final state budget. Driskell said the governor 'expanded and tested the limits of executive power' and called New College a 'vanity project.'
Financial Concerns
An efficiency study published in November showed New College costs almost $500,000 per degree, far exceeding other Florida universities. New College President Richard Corcoran, a DeSantis ally with no higher education experience, receives a $1.2 million salary package—four times his predecessor's. Driskell noted the college fails the governor's own efficiency exercise.
Future of the Campus
Lapovsky hopes a change in political direction after DeSantis leaves office in January could reverse the acquisition. Corcoran stated New College is 'prepared to steward this transition with care and intentionality' and looks forward to 'a positive long-term decision for the region.'
