SARASOTA, FLORIDA — As New College of Florida works to rebrand itself after Governor DeSantis appointed six conservative members to its board of trustees, the school is now using $15 million from the Florida Legislature to offer scholarships to new and transferring students.
In February, a joint legislative panel approved directing $15 million to New College for scholarships, recruiting faculty members and other expenses. State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues said the school’s trustees would have discretion over how the money is used.
“HILLSDALE OF THE SOUTH”
In January, Governor DeSantis appointed six conservative board members to New College in hopes of transforming the college using the same classical education model employed by Hillsdale College. At the time, DeSantis’ Chief of Staff James Uthmeier told National Review “It is our hope that New College of Florida will become Florida’s classical college, more along the lines of a Hillsdale of the South.”
The New College website specifies that scholarships are available to each qualified first-time-in-college or transfer student who enrolls. The $10,000 scholarships are available in addition to other scholarships or financial aid provided to students.
Part of Florida’s network of 12 public universities, New College is also hoping to recruit transfer students from other state colleges. The “NCF Transform” program will provide additional scholarships for transfer students who meet certain criteria.
“New College’s transfer path offers excellent educational opportunities to students with a two-year degree wishing to obtain a four-year degree, and we are proud to offer this option as a guarantee to students from nine different colleges,” said New College Interim President Richard Corcoran.
