Why New College needs to remain independent | Opinion
It has been more than two weeks since Rep. Randy Fine introduced a bill in the Florida House of Representatives that would fold New College under Florida State University. The bill has been amended to switch out FSU for the University of Florida. The stated rationale was the cost to the state of a New College education, which is higher than most other universities in the State University System.
New College is a small, residential, liberal arts institution, the only one of its kind in the state system. That difference alone makes it a more expensive model. It also makes us a powerful draw for the best and brightest students in Florida, innovative students who, without a New College option, would likely leave the state, creating a talent drain we can ill afford.
Despite the resounding chorus of opposition from New College alumni, students, parents and other supporters – and a similar outcry from supporters of Florida Polytechnic University, also targeted by the legislation – the measure appears headed to passage in the Florida House. It would next head to the Florida Senate, where a longtime friend of New College, Sen. Bill Galvano, serves as president.
Sen. Galvano says he remains a supporter of New College but worries what will happen after he leaves office later this year. The best thing he can do to secure New College’s future, and his own legacy in support of the school, will be to stop this misguided legislation and ensure that New College remains an independent institution where leaders flourish.
A study of the top CEOs and C-suite executives indicates that nearly all are products of a liberal arts education. In Florida, Board of Governors Chair Syd Kitson and Rep. Fine are both beneficiaries of this type of education, among many others.
New College graduates go on to do great things. Here in Sarasota, we have entrepreneurs like Norm Worthington of Star to Star, Charlie Lenger of Tropex and Mark Famiglio, who founded the Sarasota Film Festival. Local alumni contribute throughout our community in meaningful ways. Around the state, we have Jose Diaz-Balart, the lead anchor at Telemundo, and his brother Lincoln, who served with distinction in both the Florida Legislature and the U.S. Congress. A national view will include college presidents (Margee Ensign at Dickinson College and Esther Barrazone at Chatham University), a chair of the New York Federal Reserve (William Dudley) and William Thurston, who won the Field Medal, the highest award in mathematics. The full list is long and distinguished.
New College exists to prepare intellectually curious students for lives of great achievement. We have been doing this for nearly 60 years. Our model is unique and yields incredible results. Absorbing us into a much larger university, even an excellent one like UF, will dilute our impact. That would be a terrible shame for the state of Florida and the students who might have had the opportunity to experience what a transformational experience an independent New College can be for them.
President Galvano’s legacy can be to save New College as an important, independent educational resource and an economic engine for our community – or to trade it away. I know I speak for many, many local voices when I urge him to make it the former.
Felice Schulaner is the Chair of the New College Board of Trustees and a proud alumna.