SARASOTA , FL, UNITED STATES, April 18, 2025 — New College of Florida (NCF) and South Florida State College (SFSC) have signed a new articulation agreement, officially welcoming SFSC as the latest partner in the NCF Transform Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP). The agreement, signed Monday, April 14, ensures a seamless transfer pathway for SFSC students earning an Associate in Arts (AA) degree to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree at New College. This strategic partnership opens new doors for SFSC students seeking a top-tier liberal arts education within Florida’s public higher education system.

“We are excited to partner with New College and afford our students an efficient pathway to pursue a bachelor’s degree of their choice,” said Fred Hawkins, president of South Florida State College. “This agreement represents our shared commitment to student success and expanding access to world-class education across the state.”

“New College is ranked among the most transfer-friendly institutions in the country, and we’re proud to extend that reputation with this partnership,” said Richard Corcoran, president of New College of Florida. “SFSC students now have a direct line to Florida’s public honors college—and the opportunity to thrive in a dynamic, intellectually rigorous environment.”

To qualify for NCF Transform, SFSC students must complete their AA within eight semesters and hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of transfer. Students can pursue bachelor’s degrees in a variety of academic concentrations including Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Liberal Arts, Marine Biology, and Psychology.

Through NCF Transform, students receive personalized joint advising and customized academic planning to help them complete their degrees within two years of transfer. Participants in the program are also eligible for generous scholarship opportunities—including annual awards of up to $10,000, renewable for two years—for high-achieving students.

The partnership underscores New College’s commitment to academic excellence and broadening access to Florida’s most distinctive liberal arts experience.

For more information about the Associate in Arts degree at SFSC, visit southflorida.edu or email [email protected].

Learn more about NCF Transform at ncf.edu/transfer.


ABOUT NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA
Founded in 1960, New College of Florida is a top-ranked public liberal arts college and serves as Florida’s Honors College. Recognized for its academic excellence, rigorous inquiry, and commitment to free expression, New College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, graduate programs in Applied Data Science and Marine Mammal Science, and a growing NAIA athletics program.

ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE
South Florida State College (SFSC) is a comprehensive, open-access, higher education institution dedicated to providing a student-centered environment focused on learning and personal enrichment through quality programs and services. At its campuses in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties and through its online presence, the College offers certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees that lead to the continued success of its graduates and a variety of opportunities for the educational, cultural, and economic advancement of the service district. SFSC is one of the 28 institutions of the Florida College System.

SARASOTA, FL, UNITED STATES, April 8, 2025 — On Saturday, April 5, the New College of Florida campus came alive with the sound of ideas in motion. As host of the 2025 Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI) State Championship, New College welcomed more than 800 students, educators, and families for a powerful day of discourse, debate, and civic engagement.

The event was more than a debate championship—it was a gathering of critical thinkers engaged in civil dialogue and the exchange of ideas, reflecting the New College spirit of leadership. Students from across Florida gathered to discuss ideas, challenge assumptions, and strengthen the skills that will prepare them to govern America and change the world.

“To hear these young minds grapple with real-world issues, and to see the depth of thought and respect they bring to the table—that’s exactly the spirit we stand for at New College,” said President Richard Corcoran. “This is a campus built for meaningful conversation and fearless inquiry, and hosting the FCDI Championship was a true honor.”

Throughout the day, students debated some of the most pressing public policy questions of our time—on privacy, governance, education, and free speech—with clarity, poise, and passion. These young scholars brought not just facts, but perspective—and did so with the respect and humility that define true leadership.

“The Florida Civics and Debate Initiative is an incredible opportunity for students to participate in civil discourse and learn about civic engagement,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “I am proud of every student that participated in this year’s championship and I want to thank New College of Florida for hosting this event.”

New College reaffirmed its role as Florida’s Public Honors College and as a national model for academic rigor, free expression, and community-centered education. The day concluded with an exciting Bayfront awards ceremony—a powerful reminder of what happens when brilliant young minds come together in the spirit of civil discourse and friendly competition.

“Many of the students who came to campus this weekend will go on to lead in law, business, education, public service, science, the arts, and beyond,” said President Corcoran. “To host them here, in a space where bold thinking is not just allowed but encouraged, is a privilege—and a glimpse into the future.”

As a liberal arts institution committed to cultivating leaders who are intellectually curious, ethically grounded, and socially engaged, New College continues to serve as a home for students who challenge the status quo and move the earth.

About New College of Florida
Founded in 1960, New College of Florida is a top-ranked public liberal arts college and serves as Florida’s Honors College. Recognized for its academic excellence, rigorous inquiry, and commitment to free expression, New College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, graduate programs in Applied Data Science and Marine Mammal Science, and a growing NAIA athletics program.

About the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative
The Florida Civics and Debate Initiative is dedicated to expanding access to civics and debate education, empowering students with the tools of critical thinking, civil discourse, and civic responsibility across the state of Florida.

SARASOTA, FL, UNITED STATES, March 20, 2025 — New College of Florida today hosted its fifth event in its 2025 Socratic Stage Dialogue Series, “Borders, National Sovereignty, Rule of Law: What’s Next for U.S. Immigration Policy?” It featured Governor Ron DeSantis, Border Czar Tom Homan, and former Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf. The event took place in the Mildred Sainer Pavilion on New College’s campus in Sarasota.

On the heels of the worst border crisis in U.S. history, enforcement of immigration law and securing U.S. borders is at the forefront of today’s public policy debate. During today’s event, New College President Richard Corcoran moderated a discussion between the distinguished guest speakers that touched on the importance of border security and holding those who break our laws accountable and assessed where immigration policy has gone wrong and what can be done to put things right.

“New College has once again hosted a successful Socratic Stage event promoting civil discourse on one of today’s most pressing and controversial topics,” said President Corcoran. “We are committed to being a place where open dialogue is encouraged and important conversations are had, even when they are challenging. Through these open, honest and respectful discussions, New College is fostering intellectual inquiry and debate and encouraging free speech.”

The Socratic Stage at New College is a premier national forum dedicated to intellectual debate, free speech, and civil discourse. With the Socratic Stage, New College seeks to advance civil discourse and engagement by facilitating events that foster open discussion and debate on relevant public policy issues. Such debates or group forums provide opportunity for a wide range of viewpoints and perspectives to be presented. The events are open to the public and include speakers from within and without the state university community that hold broadly divergent and opposing perspectives.

For future events, more details and video access, visit NCF.edu/SocraticStage.


About New College of Florida

Founded in 1960, New College of Florida is a top-ranked public liberal arts college and serves as Florida’s Honors College. Recognized for its academic excellence, rigorous inquiry, and commitment to free expression, New College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, graduate programs in Applied Data Science and Marine Mammal Science, and a growing NAIA athletics program.

Russell Brand, Tom Homan, Alan Dershowitz, Dr. Judith Butler & more take New College’s stage to discuss today’s most complex and pressing issues.

SARASOTA, FL, UNITED STATES, February 14, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — New College of Florida, ranked the No. 1 Public Liberal Arts College by Washington Monthly (2024), proudly presents the 2025 Socratic Stage Dialogue Series, a premier national forum dedicated to intellectual debate, free speech, and civil discourse.

The Spring 2025 speaker series will feature an extraordinary lineup of influential scholars, authors, policy experts, and thought leaders addressing topics from media and medicine to law, immigration, and the future of higher education. Key speakers include Russell Brand, Tom Homan, Alan Dershowitz, Dr. Judith Butler, Dr. Scott W. Atlas, Chad Wolf, Steven Donziger, Dr. Stanley Fish, Mollie Hemingway and other highly anticipated speakers who will tackle the most pressing issues of our time.

“At a time when open dialogue is under threat, the Socratic Stage at New College is where real conversations happen,” said New College President Richard Corcoran. “We believe that the only way to move society forward is through open, honest, and often challenging discussions. New College is committed to fostering intellectual courage, fearless inquiry, and civil discourse and bringing the most interesting and important conversations to the mainstage.”

2025 Socratic Stage Series

New College will host eight major events in Spring 2025, held on campus at Sainer Auditorium, unless otherwise noted. Select discussions will be livestreamed on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter), and ticketing will be available at NCF.edu/SocraticStage.

A Conversation on Gender: Culture and Academia | Dr. Judith Butler & Dr. Stanley Fish | February 18

A Conversation on the Value of Liberal Arts Education Today | Dr. Joshua T. Katz, Tom Steiner & Dr. David Rancourt | February 25

Defeat, Hope, and the Creation of the Hebrew Bible | Dr. Jacob L. Wright | March 6

The Politics of Medicine: Who Controls the Future of Medical Education? | Dr. Scott W. Atlas & Dr. Stanley Goldfarb | March 8

Borders, National Sovereignty, Rule of Law: What’s Next for U.S. Immigration Policy? | Tom Homan & Chad Wolf | March 20

Thinking without Permission: A Conversation with Russell Brand on Free Speech, Censorship, and Cultural Power | Russell Brand & Mark Famiglio, Chairman, Sarasota Film Festival | Date and Location to be announced!

Truth, Bias, and Power: How the Transformation of America’s Media is Reshaping Society | Dr. Scott W. Atlas, Ben Domenech & Mollie Hemingway | May 6

Justice or Politics? The Weaponization of Law in Modern America | Alan Dershowitz & Steven Donziger | May 22

Also announced this week, Alan Dershowitz, one of the most prominent legal minds of our time, will serve as New College’s 2025 Commencement Speaker, underscoring the institution’s commitment to free inquiry and civil debate.

For more details, ticketing, and livestream access, visit NCF.edu/SocraticStage.

For more details on the 2025 Commencement Ceremony, event logistics, and media access, visit: NCF.edu/Commencement.

About New College of Florida

Founded in 1960, New College of Florida is a top-ranked public liberal arts college and serves as Florida’s Honors College. Recognized for its academic excellence, rigorous inquiry, and commitment to free expression, New College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, graduate programs in Applied Data Science and Marine Mammal Science, and a growing NAIA athletics program.

Famed Legal Scholar to Address Graduates on Free Speech and the Rule of Law

SARASOTA, Fla. – New College of Florida is proud to announce that Alan Dershowitz, one of the nation’s most influential legal scholars and defenders of civil liberties, will deliver the 2025 Commencement Address at Florida’s Honors College in Sarasota.

Dershowitz, a constitutional lawyer, Harvard Law professor emeritus, and best-selling author, has played a pivotal role in some of the most significant legal debates of our time. His career spans more than 50 years on the Harvard Law faculty, the authorship of over 40 books on law, free speech, and constitutional rights, and decades of advocating for justice, due process, and the First Amendment.

“New College is a place for bold ideas and fearless debate,” said New College President Richard Corcoran. “We are thrilled to welcome Alan Dershowitz to Sarasota for our 2025 Commencement.”

The New College 2025 Commencement Ceremony will be a landmark event for Sarasota, taking place on May 23, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the scenic Bayfront Lawn of the Historic Ringling Mansion College Hall.

As one of Sarasota’s premier intellectual and cultural events, the New College Commencement draws students, faculty, families, and thought leaders from across Florida and beyond. The ceremony celebrates academic excellence while reinforcing New College’s commitment to free inquiry, rigorous scholarship, and the pursuit of truth.

Dershowitz’s speech marks a defining moment in a year dedicated to exploring free speech and the future of American democracy. As a nationally recognized advocate for civil liberties and legal scholarship, his address will challenge graduates to engage with complex ideas and participate in shaping the nation’s future.

With a growing reputation as a hub for academic and civil discourse, policy debate, and leadership development, New College continues to attract top-tier speakers and scholars, reinforcing its place among the most distinguished liberal arts institutions in the country.

In addition to delivering the 2025 Commencement Address, Dershowitz will also participate in the 2025 Socratic Stage Dialogue Series, a nationally recognized platform for free speech and civil discourse at New College. As part of the series, he will speak on May 22 in a highly anticipated discussion titled: “Justice or Politics? The Weaponization of Law in Modern America.” 

For more information on the Socratic Stage Series, upcoming speakers, and livestream access, visit NCF.edu/SocraticStage. 

For more details on the 2025 Commencement Ceremony, event logistics, and media access, visit: NCF.edu/Commencement. 

About New College of Florida

Founded in 1960, New College of Florida is a top-ranked public liberal arts college and serves as Florida’s Honors College. Recognized for its academic excellence, rigorous inquiry, and commitment to free expression, New College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, graduate programs in Applied Data Science and Marine Mammal Science, and a growing NAIA athletics program.

SARASOTA, Fla. — New College alumnus Joshua Ingram was named to SRQ Magazine’s latest “35 Under 35” list, a recognition of the most accomplished young professionals on Florida’s Gulf Coast. A 2024 graduate with a Master’s in Applied Data Science from New College of Florida, Ingram also previously earned a Bachelor’s in Statistics & Applied Mathematics from New College.

“The valuable academic environment at New College, characterized by narrative evaluations, independent study projects, and the senior thesis, prepared me for both a successful career and to further my education in a prestigious doctoral program,” said Ingram. “I am grateful for the support of my professors and the valuable training from the graduate program in data science, and I am excited to see how New College and its graduates will continue to build important relationships within the Sarasota community and play a vital role in strengthening it.”

“Joshua is not only an exceptional scholar, but also a passionate advocate for New College and the unique blend of the liberal arts and STEM education available here,” said New College President Richard Corcoran. “His success is emblematic of how New College prepares students for a lifetime of learning and adaptable career success, while becoming great citizens that will become leaders in our communities and for our nation.”

The primary focus of Ingram’s research is the crossover of astrophysics and statistics. He was selected as a recipient of the 2024 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, and has opened his own consulting practice, OutlierOrbit LLC.

In 2022, Ingram was selected as a recipient of the Quad Fellowship by the Institute of International Education, one of the first students in the nation to earn this distinction. Only 100 fellowships were awarded from across the United States, Australia, India, and Japan.

Ingram grew up in Bradenton and graduated with Honors from Bradenton Christian School. He is currently working toward a Ph.D. in Statistics at Carnegie Mellon University.

The entire 35 Under 35 list and interviews with the recognized individuals are available online: https://www.srqmagazine.com/articles/2110/35-Under-35

The value proposition of New College becomes strikingly evident when assessing its return on investment, as recently highlighted by The Princeton Review’s recognition of the institution among its “Best Value Colleges” for 2024. This accolade that I am particularly proud of underscores a comprehensive evaluation encompassing over 40 distinct metrics, where affordability is merely one facet among many.

New College distinguishes itself particularly in ROI compared to institutions throughout the Sunshine State. Notably, it stands out as the sole small liberal arts college listed, contrasting with large universities whose enrollments range from 45,000 to nearly 70,000. This unique positioning emphasizes New College as the best choice in Florida for those seeking a personalized liberal arts education with enduring impact.

Only one other Florida school ranked in the top 20, and all of the other five Florida entries are large universities with enrollments ranging from 45,000 to nearly 70,000. No private institutions in Florida made the cut, meaning students seeking a small liberal arts college experience with a big lifelong impact have just one choice in Florida: New College. 

Central to the New College experience are intimate class sizes, direct faculty engagement devoid of teaching assistants and a humanities-centric approach that fosters scholarly breadth across multiple disciplines. Such an education is designed to resonate throughout a lifetime, preparing students for immediate career success and sustained scholarly pursuits.

The resonance of New College’s academic rigor and faculty dedication is palpable in feedback gathered by The Princeton Review, where respondents highlight distinctive features such as narrative evaluations, mandatory undergraduate research initiatives and the honors thesis requirement. These elements collectively define the institution’s academic stature and differentiate it within the educational landscape.

Many students see the return on investment in awarding prestigious scholarships and fellowships. New College has produced 92 Fulbright Student Award recipients, the most in Florida. Our students routinely succeed in acquiring scholarship and grant funding for research projects worldwide.

We pride ourselves on preparing students for lives of great achievement, and many of our scholars continue their academic endeavors well beyond their undergraduate years. New College appears in the top 15 producers of doctorates as a percentage of its baccalaureate graduates over a 10-year period, while no other Florida college or university is in the top 100. 

The robust ROI offered at New College is not entirely separate from financial considerations. Public higher education in Florida maintains a focus on reasonable costs, especially for Florida residents. Need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships allow many of our graduates to leave with little or no student loan debt, a key factor in allowing our alumni to have multiple options between a swift start to graduate studies or embark on rewarding careers.

As New College continues to grow, marked by consecutive record-setting enrollments, it remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence. This dedication ensures that future graduates will continue to benefit from the exceptional ROI that defines the New College experience. Not only will they achieve an amazing education, but they are already on their way to becoming great citizens.

–

Richard Corcoran is the President of New College of Florida.

This commentary was originally published in SRQ Magazine.

SARASOTA, Fla. – The Mighty Banyans’ entrance into the NAIA’s Sun Conference is finally official, with the school’s athletic programs beginning conference play in the fall of 2024.
 
New College of Florida’s journey to The Sun Conference is one to remember. Founded in Sarasota in 1960, New College of Florida has long been known as the Honors College of Florida. New College’s reputation of success has continued since its conception, with the school being honored as the No. 5 Public National Liberal Arts College by U.S. News & World Report in 2023. New College’s highly individualized education has provided its students unique opportunities and career preparation experiences, setting up aspiring leaders for success.
 
New College Athletics was officially announced in the spring of 2023, with the creation of the “Mighty Banyan” by first-year student Anna Lazzara.
 
“When I heard the news that New College was seeking a new mascot, I began to think about what New College spirit means to me,” said Lazzara. “After much thought, I realized that the New College spirit is a combination of a supportive community and a stunning natural landscape. Both of these things, I believe, are perfectly represented in the form of a mighty banyan tree.”
 
Following the announcement of the school’s mascot, the school named Mariano Jimenez Jr. the program’s first athletic director and head baseball coach.
 
New College’s growth continued rapidly in the summer months, with the college announcing its six inaugural sports teams and hiring the program’s first coaching staff.
 
“I’m very excited about the coaching talent we brought to New College in our first year. We have brought in people with vast coaching experience and knowledge who also are bought into our mission,” said Coach Jimenez. “Our coaches care deeply about our athletes, and if we put our focus on preparing those athletes for the next stage of their lives, the scoreboard will take care of itself.”
 
New College’s first season in The Sun Conference will be a memorable one, as the Mighty Banyans join one of the most talented and competitive leagues in the NAIA.
 
In 2023, Sun Conference teams combined for 18 top-5 finishes in the NAIA Championships. The Sun Conference also had four second-place finishes, and six National Championship victories throughout the year.
 
This success was also seen in the prestigious Learfield Directors Cup, where Keiser (3), St. Thomas (8), SCAD Savannah (11), and Southeastern (13) all finishing at the top of the national rankings.
 
“We look forward to the opportunity to compete in The Sun Conference and the NAIA,” said Jimenez. “This is an exciting opportunity for our students and the Sarasota/Bradenton area. We are confident that New College of Florida will grow into a valued member of both organizations.”

For more information on NCF Athletics, please visit gomightybanyans.com or follow them on social media @NCFBanyans.

SARASOTA, Fla. — The New College of Florida Board of Trustees unanimously approved an agreement to receive the donation of a nine-acre parcel from Manatee County on February 22. The land donation, which first came before the Board at its December 2023 meeting, was unanimously approved by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners on February 13.

“This land will be important for the rapid growth New College will experience over the next several years, allowing us to immediately plan for New College to meet its residential honors college mission while increasing the student population” said Richard Corcoran, President of New College. “The Manatee County Commission has been wonderful to work with and I’m grateful for their support of New College’s efforts to become America’s top liberal arts college.”

The donated land is waterfront property located on the northern portion of the Powel Crosley Estate, north of the existing New College campus. New College is currently engaged in updating its Campus Master Plan, and the latest drafts shared at a public hearing last month call for a pair of student residence halls on the property.

A copy of the full donation agreement can be viewed online at ncf.edu/bot. For more information about the New College Campus Master Plan, visit ncf.edu/masterplan.

VIDEO: Manatee County Board of County Commissioners votes to approve land donation.

VIDEO: New College Board of Trustees votes to approve land donation.

Founded in Sarasota in 1960, New College of Florida was named the No. 1 Public Liberal Arts College by Washington Monthly in 2023 and is the Honors College of Florida. New College provides students with limitless, original opportunities for success through a highly individualized education that combines academic excellence, undergraduate research opportunities, and career preparation experiences.

New College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors in arts, humanities and sciences; a master’s degree program in applied data science; exceptional STEM opportunities, including a home for world-class marine biology and marine mammal studies; and intercollegiate athletics in the NAIA.