Latest news with #RichardCorcoran
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Maxwell: Politics at Florida universities is really about the grift
You probably know that Florida's GOP politicians have taken a wrecking ball to the state's university system. And the narrative is that they're on a noble crusade to exorcise evil, 'woke' ideology from college campuses. But if you believe that's the only goal here, you've been duped. This isn't about politicians going after liberal doctrines nearly as much as it's about them going after tax dollars. They've turned the university system into a political spoils system where politicians with no higher-ed experience can score lucrative higher-ed jobs for themselves. It's been going on for a while now, but the grift was fully exposed this past week. That's when it was revealed that one of the political has-beens fuming about diversity — as a supposed reason to deny the University of Florida presidency to a qualified applicant — had secretly made a play to try to get the $3 million-a-year job for himself. See, you have to separate the theater from the grift. The theater was a bunch of privileged guys griping about the concept of diversity and inclusion. The grift was one of those same guys making a secretive play for the very job he was griping about. More about that in a moment, but first, let's remember where this all started — at New College of Florida with Richard Corcoran. Two years ago, the former House Speaker craved a fat, higher-ed paycheck. The problem was that Corcoran had as much higher-ed experience as my dead cat, Furball. So to distract from his lack of qualifications, Corcoran fumed — about DEI, CRT and other scary-sounding acronyms. It was red meat for the trolls. And Corcoran laughed all the way to the bank. He got a $1 million deal to run a tiny college with 698 students. Elementary school principals oversee more pupils. $1.5 million to lead a college with 698 students? | Commentary Then Corcoran and Co. invited other political has-beens to feed at the New College trough. They gave a former Senate president a $500-an-hour legal contract, the governor's former spokesman a $15,000-a-month PR contract and the wife of the former Republican Party of Florida chairman $175,000 to run the school's foundation. With the chow bell rung, the politicians came running. Former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska scored a $10 million deal for a short-lived and disastrous tenure at UF where the student newspaper discovered he'd quickly blown through $17 million in public money, including $38,000 he spent on a sushi bar. Lieutenant Gov. Jeanette Nunez snagged the top spot at Florida International University. A cable-company lobbyist friendly with the administration is in line to lead FAMU. At one college, they had to actually remove the requirement that the president have an advanced degree so that they could give the job to Fred Hawkins, a GOP legislator who lacked one. But then this past week, the scheme was fully exposed in cringe-worthy fashion. Wanna get rich, fleece taxpayers? Run a Florida university. | Commentary The scene was the Board of Governors meeting in Orlando where appointees of Gov. Ron DeSantis were once again fuming about the alleged evils of diversity and inclusion. Their reason this time was to try to deny the UF presidency to former University of Michigan President Santa J. Ono. Somehow, a qualified candidate had actually advanced through the secretive application process — and that would not be tolerated. So the political appointees accused Ono of all kinds of terrible things like embracing equality and believing in science. Former House Speaker Paul Renner led the anti-woke war. But then one board member who'd apparently heard enough posturing went off-script. Eric Silagy, the former CEO of Florida Power and Light, asked if any of his fellow board members — the ones savaging Ono for being too woke — had applied for the very job Ono was seeking. Yes, responded board chairman Mori Hosseini. 'Paul Renner.' It turned out the very guy claiming Florida needed an anti-woke warrior in this $3 million-a-year position had been salivating over the post. Renner became visibly enraged when exposed. He indignantly responded that he'd only inquired about the job because other people suggested he do so and that he'd since decided not to accept the high-paying job even if it was offered to him. Sure, Mr. Speaker. Your nobility is noted. Most of the time, qualified candidates like Ono don't even get a shot. But occasionally, well-intentioned leaders at individual schools try to give them one — as trustees at Florida Atlantic University did two years ago when they nominated Vice Admiral Sean Buck, the superintendent of the United States Naval Academy, to be FAU's president. But Buck didn't stand a chance in this environment. DeSantis allies savaged the respected admiral's reputation so that yet another GOP legislator, Randy Fine, could have a shot at the job. DeSantis would later admit in a moment of surprising candor that he only supported Fine because other GOP legislators disliked Fine and wanted him gone. 'They wanted to get him out of the Legislature,' DeSantis said. 'So they asked me to put him up for Florida Atlantic president, and I did.' That's how these folks treat these positions. DeSantis says he tried to install Randy Fine at FAU because state lawmakers wanted to get rid of him Fine and DeSantis later had a falling out, and Fine didn't get the gig. But the rules of the game were clear: Qualified applicants need not apply. An irony is that former politicians actually can become impressive university leaders. Florida State University President John Thrasher, a former GOP house speaker, was one of them. I respected him. So did many others. But Thrasher, who sadly passed away last week, was a different kind of man than the Florida politicians of today. He was a statesman — not someone willing to savage others' reputation simply to enrich himself. smaxwell@ John Thrasher left partisan politics behind to create a lasting legacy at FSU | Commentary
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New College of Florida 2025 graduation marks achievement and endurance
One day after dozens of students and alumni gathered for an off-campus 'People's Commencement' in protest of sweeping changes to New College of Florida, the school held its official 2025 graduation ceremony Friday evening. After two years of upheaval, the ceremony symbolized the academic achievement and endurance of students who were present as Governor Ron DeSantis reshaped the culture and identity of the small liberal arts college. Since the appointment of a new board of trustees and President Richard Corcoran in early 2023, the school has shifted away from its historically progressive roots toward a self-described 'classical' model of education, drawing national headlines. The ceremony was largely without conflict, except during the keynote address by Harvard law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz, who was also awarded an honorary doctorate of law. His speech praised New College as a 'revolutionary' example of higher education pushing back against political correctness and identity-based programs. 'You are such a fortunate group to be part of a revolutionary movement starting right here,' Dershowitz said. 'New College is standing tall against political correctness... and saving higher education from propaganda instead of mutual, objective teaching.' While praising curious and neutral learning, Dershowitz was interrupted when a graduating student asked 'Then why remove women's and gender studies?' The comment drew soft cheers and rumbles from one section of the crowd. Dershowitz directly addressed the student and criticized schools that have established academic departments focused on gender and identity studies, one of the many reasons New College alumni have historically gravitated to the school. Later, a single audience member raised a middle finger in response to Dershowitz's remarks about meritocracy and his critique of New College's reduced international student presence. Alumna April Flanke offered a more personal message to graduates. Flanke called the journey of the Class of 2025 'unique, heightened, individually challenging, life-changing." 'A lot of your friends, a lot of your mentors left,' she said. 'But you are here today because you stayed... You did it. You made it. And you demanded your personalized liberal arts education. That education is the beating heart of New College — and what we will stick through.' For student speaker Sarafari Svenson, the celebration was as much about survival as it was about success. 'Every graduate here carries their own story of hurt. A story of sacrifice. A story of setbacks and defeats. But more than anything, a story of success,' Svenson said. She shared her personal story of experiencing homelessness, poverty and health issues before arriving at New College, calling the journey a testament to perseverance. Graduates and student athletes Jordan Clark, 24, and Jack Scott, 23, both earned athletic scholarships and transferred into New College last year amid the ongoing changes, including the implementation of the school's first sports and athletics department. Clark, a Sarasota native and Booker High School graduate, returned to the area from an out-of-state school. He was surrounded by family Friday evening as he crossed the New College commencement stage. While being a part of the inaugural Mighty Banyans Men's Basketball Team this year, Clarke earned a degree in economics. Clark plans to live in the Sarasota area and work in investment banking. "It's been a good year. I'm from here. I was at a school in Georgia, then I transferred back because I wanted to be close to home. I loved it (here)," Clark said. "Even though it was a new program, I feel like me being from here made it all manageable." Scott, also a transfer student, was similarly surrounded by family at Friday's commencement. "I transferred in from Palm Beach Atlantic. Here we had a good fun season. We had to fight through some stuff, we didn't have our own gym this season, but we made it work," said Scott. "Sports always unite people. I think it gives us all something to root for, the student body to root for." New College of Florida awarded diplomas to 155 students at the 2025 commencement. Samantha Gholar covers social justice, wellness, and culture across Florida for the USA Today Network. She's passionate about telling stories that challenge power and elevate voices often left out of the mainstream. Outside the newsroom, you can find her on the mat teaching Pilates or planning her next wellness adventure. Got a tip or story idea? Reach out at sgholar@ This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: New College of Florida commencement Alan Dershowitz
Associated Press
18-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
South Florida State College and New College of Florida Sign Transfer Agreement
SARASOTA , FL, UNITED STATES, April 18, 2025 / / -- New College of Florida (NCF) and South Florida State College (SFSC) have signed a new articulation agreement, officially welcoming SFSC as the latest partner in the NCF Transform Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP). The agreement, signed Monday, April 14, ensures a seamless transfer pathway for SFSC students earning an Associate in Arts (AA) degree to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree at New College. This strategic partnership opens new doors for SFSC students seeking a top-tier liberal arts education within Florida's public higher education system. 'We are excited to partner with New College and afford our students an efficient pathway to pursue a bachelor's degree of their choice,' said Fred Hawkins, president of South Florida State College. 'This agreement represents our shared commitment to student success and expanding access to world-class education across the state.' 'New College is ranked among the most transfer-friendly institutions in the country, and we're proud to extend that reputation with this partnership,' said Richard Corcoran, president of New College of Florida. 'SFSC students now have a direct line to Florida's public honors college—and the opportunity to thrive in a dynamic, intellectually rigorous environment.' To qualify for NCF Transform, SFSC students must complete their AA within eight semesters and hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of transfer. Students can pursue bachelor's degrees in a variety of academic concentrations including Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Liberal Arts, Marine Biology, and Psychology. Through NCF Transform, students receive personalized joint advising and customized academic planning to help them complete their degrees within two years of transfer. Participants in the program are also eligible for generous scholarship opportunities—including annual awards of up to $10,000, renewable for two years—for high-achieving students. The partnership underscores New College's commitment to academic excellence and broadening access to Florida's most distinctive liberal arts experience. For more information about the Associate in Arts degree at SFSC, visit or email [email protected]. Learn more about NCF Transform at ABOUT NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA Founded in 1960, New College of Florida is a top-ranked public liberal arts college and serves as Florida's Honors College. Recognized for its academic excellence, rigorous inquiry, and commitment to free expression, New College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, graduate programs in Applied Data Science and Marine Mammal Science, and a growing NAIA athletics program. ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE South Florida State College (SFSC) is a comprehensive, open-access, higher education institution dedicated to providing a student-centered environment focused on learning and personal enrichment through quality programs and services. At its campuses in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties and through its online presence, the College offers certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees that lead to the continued success of its graduates and a variety of opportunities for the educational, cultural, and economic advancement of the service district. SFSC is one of the 28 institutions of the Florida College System. Alexandra Nicole Islas New College of Florida +1 941-487-4160 [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New College recruitment tactics could tarnish academic standing
I want to thank William Rosenberg for his well-written and insightful column on the current state of New College of Florida under the leadership of President Richard Corcoran. One point that I believe deserves further attention is the aggressive recruitment tactics currently being employed to attract students. New College is offering $10,000 scholarships to students and financial incentives to admission staff. Transfer students are also being enticed with a $3,500 transition stipend each year and the promise of earning a bachelor's degree in just two years. These measures raise serious concerns about the long-term academic standing and reputation of the institution. Additionally, Corcoran's push to build an athletic program from scratch appears to be another drastic shift from the college's academic focus. The sudden introduction of new sports teams and recruitment of athletes, seemingly as a means to boost enrollment further, signals a departure from NCF's core identity and values. These developments could have lasting consequences for New College's academic integrity and standing. I hope that these concerns are addressed in future coverage as I believe they are crucial to fully understanding the broader implications of the current leadership's decisions. I'd like to thank Mr. Rosenberg again for his work on his topic. Nancy Abramson, Sarasota Build more homes? Anybody with a brain can see just by looking at Interstate 75 here in Sarasota at various times of the day – with the many bumper-to-bumper traffic jams – that we do not need nearly as many new homes or apartments as are being built. We need the infrastructure built out before new homes go up. I also think planners, our county commissioners and others have grossly overestimated the need for new homes and apartments. Gregg Rappaport, Sarasota As a retired Army intelligence colonel with 30 years of experience, I am in total disbelief that the National Security Council 'accidentally' released highly classified information regarding sensitive military operations to a magazine editor with no security clearance or need-to-know access. There are many safeguards available to senior decision-makers via policies and protocols, as well as their staff officers, that apparently were ignored, intentionally or otherwise. There is no reason or excuse that I can fathom for such a significant violation of security protocols. None. Military personnel subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice would face court-martial for such an egregious breach. I hope the Department of Justice will investigate this security breach and hold the civilian leader/participants in the group chat liable for this violation of national security. Otherwise, what we are seeing is a clown show of how this administration's approach to national security is proceeding. The credibility of executive branch leadership is on the line for the world to witness. Antonio S. Lauglaug, Venice, colonel, U.S. Army, retired For years, under both Republican and Democratic administrations, it has been business as usual, with very little care as to how taxpayer money was being spent. The result: $36 trillion in debt and an annual deficit of nearly $2 trillion in 2024. Now we have a new approach: analyze how the money is being spent, cut out waste, fraud and abuse, and balance the budget so the national debt does not grow any larger. It's basically what you would do if you found yourself in the same financial mess. Based on what is stated daily on this Opinion page: President Donald Trump is destroying the country, and we can't possibly survive with these changes. But what is the alternative? Without change we will go bankrupt. For those advocating the status quo, most of whom I suspect are receiving Social Security and Medicare, I ask the following: Are you willing to reduce your benefits as an alternative means of balancing the budget, in order to prevent all of the cuts you are railing against? If not, leave it to the president, who was elected to reduce the size of government. Your children and grandchildren will thank you. Artie Reiss, Sarasota I can both understand and accept that during a war trained soldiers would do anything to win in battle. I cannot, however, accept a country's military doing whatever it can to kill women and children, and purposely destroy hospitals, schools and churches. I well remember Hamas' initial attack on Israel that set off the war, but I fear Israel in retaliation must now be accused of genocide. I feel sorry for the average Jewish and Palestinian citizens who unfortunately are completely helpless. And I wish we had a president who was able to remain neutral. Bette Lou Cookson, Sarasota Write to us: How to send a letter to the editor This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Recruitment tactics at New College could backfire | Letters
