NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)August 18, 2026Hillsborough County
Governor DeSantis visits New College of Florida to promote higher education overhaul
Photo: WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)
Governor Ron DeSantis visited New College of Florida on primary election day to defend his administration's efforts to reshape the institution into a conservative-leaning school. The event featured state officials and federal representatives who highlighted the college as a national model for conservative higher education reform.
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)Why It Matters
The state has nearly doubled public funding for New College over the last five years and transferred a $53 million debt from the University of South Florida to the institution as part of a broader effort to transform its academic and cultural direction.
Key Facts
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Who's Mentioned
PersonRon DeSantis“Defended his administration's higher education agenda and the overhaul of New Co”PersonChristopher Rufo“Prominent commentator who helped make the school a symbol of conservative educat”PersonDavid Barker“Participated in the panel discussion praising Florida's higher education model.”PersonDonald Trump“Aligned with Florida's efforts to remake higher education.”OrganizationNew College of Florida“The focus of the state's conservative higher education reform efforts.”PersonRichard Corcoran“Appointed under the new leadership to reshape the institution.”OrganizationFlorida Polytechnic University“Used as a cost-comparison benchmark for degree production.”OrganizationUniversity of South Florida“Transferred its Sarasota-Manatee campus and $53 million in debt to New College.”