Lawmakers abandon plan for New College to take over USF’s Sarasota campus and The Ringling museum

A proposal to put New College in Florida in charge of the University of South Florida Sarasota campus appears to be dead.

Sources tell Florida Politics the proposal will not be considered this Session, nor will a proposal by Gov. Ron DeSantis to put The Ringling Museum of Art facilities under the auspices of the Sarasota school.

The Ringling currently is run by Florida State University in Tallahassee, while USF Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) houses students and programs overseen by the Tampa-based USF. Both campuses neighbor New College’s Sarasota campus.

Since DeSantis appointed Trustees who undertook a conservative makeover of New College — including hiring former Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran as President — the Legislature has directed more state funding to the school. But plans to shift management of nearby community treasures were met with local resistance.

Much of that comes from supporters of New College who dislike the new direction of the school. Many don’t want to compromise the existing successes of USFSM or The Ringling.

“I’ve made it clear that it’s not something the community supports,” said Rep. Fiona McFarland, a Sarasota Republican.

Sen. Joe Gruters, a Sarasota Republican, said the institutions will all continue to thrive regardless.

“New College will continue its rapid expansion and is well-positioned to thrive under the leadership of President Corcoran,” Gruters said.

Of note, Gruters is an alumnus himself for the USFSM.

“USF Sarasota-Manatee holds a special place for me personally — it’s where I completed my fifth year of accounting in preparation for the CPA exam,” he said.

“The campus has long played an important role in our community, and it will continue to serve the needs of the region with the same strong academic programs. Long term, I believe it’s worth bringing the community, the schools, and all stakeholders together to explore whether some form of unification could create greater efficiencies and an even stronger academic environment for everyone involved.”