The Florida Board of Governors has approved New College of Florida’s ambitious strategic plan to boost student enrollment and implement further changes. However, concerns persist regarding the plan’s hefty price tag.
The approval unlocks $15 million in state funding and sets the stage for New College to request over $200 million in the next five years. This has raised eyebrows among some board members, like Eric Silagy, who questioned the high per-student spending and plans to significantly increase student-athlete enrollment.
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Despite these concerns, the majority of the board, including Chairman Brian Lamb, expressed support for the plan, emphasizing New College’s focus on student achievement and its potential to become a premier liberal arts college.
New College’s President, Richard Corcoran, defended the plan, highlighting the mandate for “massive changes” at the institution and projecting a lower per-student cost based on updated enrollment figures.
The strategic plan involves expanding New College’s athletic programs, upgrading facilities, and increasing enrollment to 1,200 students by 2028, which will necessitate significant faculty hiring.
While the plan has received approval, it remains to be seen how New College will balance its ambitious goals with the financial realities of its expansion.
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