Proposal to Transfer Control of USF Sarasota Campus to New College Shelved Amid Local Pushback
According to sources familiar with the proposal, plans to place the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) campus under the control of New College of Florida have been shelved for the current legislative session. A separate effort to transfer oversight of The Ringling Museum of Art from Florida State University to New College also will not move forward at this time.
The proposals, backed by Governor Ron DeSantis, aimed to consolidate oversight of the neighboring institutions currently managed by different entities. New College, USFSM, and The Ringling Museum are located within close proximity in Manatee County and Sarasota, but each has operated independently with distinct missions and governance.
Opposition to the consolidation plan emerged swiftly, with many in the local community voicing concerns that it could undermine the achievements and autonomy of both USFSM and The Ringling. Critics cited unease with the political shift at New College, which has seen significant administrative and ideological changes following new appointments by the governor and the hiring of former Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran as president.
Despite increased state funding directed toward New College in recent years, local leaders stressed the importance of preserving USFSM and The Ringling's individual identities and proven track records. With the proposal now off the table, all three institutions will continue operating independently under their current structures.
Legislators say future discussions may explore opportunities for collaboration or shared services that could benefit the broader academic community in the Sarasota-Manatee region.
