Our Mission
New College Foundation provides essential enhancement funding to sustain the New College of Florida edge of academic excellence.
Our Raison d'Etre
An educated populace is absolutely essential for America to remain a dynamic, free society as it confronts an array of increasingly complex global challenges. The best approach to a collegiate education is reflected in the academic program and guiding principles of New College of Florida: A rigorous student-centered liberal arts learning experience revolving around independent study, research and tutorials. Faculty who serve as mentors and advisors as well as teachers. Students who are ultimately responsible for their own education. Original thinking young men and women, destined to become leaders in knowledge pioneering for the benefit of future generations. This is New College, a distinguished academic institution and the honors college of the State of Florida. (Read about our most recent honors.)
Annual Report 2007-2008
New College Foundation reported that contributions and net event income for the 2007-2008 fiscal year reached $5.3 million. Planned gifts established through charitable remainder trusts totaled $4.5 million. As a result, the Foundation was able to provide $2.7 million in direct support funding to New College of Florida for faculty positions and development, student research, scholarships, base funding and other programs. To read more about the Foundation's progress in fiscal 2007-2008 and access a PDF of the Annual Report and Honor Roll of Donors, click here.
Our History
New College Foundation is a corporate reincarnation of the original New College Board of Trustees. In 1964, the private, independent New College opened its doors as a residential, undergraduate liberal arts educational institution. Its Oxford-inspired program centered on the premise that authentic learning is characterized by intellectual initiative and extensive faculty involvement with each student in the learning process. The tremendous academic success of this fledgling school was not matched, unfortunately, by a massive infusion of essential operating funds that a new institution would require.
With economic pressures continuing to mount at a time when the University of South Florida was seeking a Sarasota campus, the trustees took a bold step. The private New College affiliated with the State University System of Florida in 1975, gaining greater resources without sacrificing its unique character. At the moment of merger, the trustees of New College changed their corporate name to New College Foundation, retaining its independence as a separate entity with a distinct governing board, staff and charter.
New College remained academically autonomous, with its own dean, faculty, admissions office, graduation requirements, and diploma. The University of South Florida provided the necessary operating stability. The Foundation assumed the responsibility of sustaining New College's enriched academic program through direct support from private sources.