The Transformation of New College of Florida: A Conservative Shift
In Sarasota, Florida, a significant shift is underway at New College of Florida, a small liberal arts institution known for its non-traditional approach to higher education. Professor April Flakne is at the forefront, teaching a new course on “The Odyssey,” now a requirement for all students. This change marks a broader move towards a traditional Western canon curriculum, a cornerstone of the college’s recent transformation.
Governor Ron DeSantis initiated this transformation in early 2023 with a conservative overhaul of the college, appointing a new board and president. New College has historically attracted nonconformist students and faculty, where grades were not emphasized, and students could design their own educational paths. However, under the new administration led by President Richard Corcoran, the college has embraced a more conservative educational model.
Corcoran describes the previous environment as “a little Club Med” for ideologically similar individuals. The revamped curriculum now includes classic texts such as “The Odyssey,” and the college has launched new sports teams to attract student-athletes. Additionally, the college has signed the Trump administration’s Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education, linking federal funding to compliance with federal policies.
These changes have led to a departure of around 20 faculty members and 200 students within the first six months, as reported by the college. The campus now hosts a mix of conservative-leaning newcomers and the more liberal existing community, a combination not commonly seen in liberal arts environments.
Despite the ideological shift, Corcoran insists the changes promote debate rather than impose a singular perspective. Still, some faculty members, like Flakne, remain cautious about their future at the institution amid this ideological transition.
New College’s history as a private, progressive college mirrors that of Hampshire College in Massachusetts. Founded in 1960, its mission was to liberate students and faculty from rigid curriculums. Since joining the state university system in 1975, New College has faced challenges, including declining enrollment and neglected facilities.
Corcoran’s renewal plan includes not only curriculum changes but also infrastructure improvements and student-athlete recruitment. The college has also ceased diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as gender studies programs, further aligning with conservative values.
The college’s commencement ceremonies have also reflected the shift, featuring speakers like Scott Atlas and Alan Dershowitz, both known for their controversial views. Despite criticism about extravagant spending, New College officials argue these are necessary investments to revitalize the institution.
As New College continues to grow, with enrollment numbers rising from fewer than 700 in 2022 to over 900 students this year, it aims to maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio. Tuition remains affordable, and the college attracts a diverse student body, including international athletes.
While some faculty and students voice concerns about losing the college’s unique identity, others like newly hired Professor David Mikics argue that the ideological divide is overstated. As New College evolves, it remains a place where “everybody minds their own business, does their own thing,” according to student-athlete Liv Fenstermaker.
This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
