Photo by Wyatt Kostygan: Rick Piccolo

The beautiful city of Sarasota is blessed with many gems, and one of its most precious is undoubtedly New College of Florida. 

Recently, I was confirmed as the President of New College. As I reflected on the journey this past seven months, I felt deep appreciation for the local community, people and organizations that have supported me and New College over these incredibly rewarding and sometimes challenging several months. One of the most important people has been New College's closest neighbor and friend, Rick Piccolo, President of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. 

From the first week I assumed the interim presidency at New College, Rick phoned me directly, extending not only his support and guidance, but offering his unique knowledge to the history of the land surrounding the campus and our shared land. Rick not only identified some of the known and potential future challenges for New College, but he and the team at SMAA have been extraordinary partners in helping to create solutions for our campus expansion and growth.

The opportunity to secure forever New College's physical campus across the street has injected fresh optimism into the school as our student body continues to grow. In partnership with SMAA, New College will be able to improve on-campus housing for students, offer even more diversity in our sports programming, and, while doing so, both forge and foster deeper relationships with our local community and businesses.

President Piccolo's appreciation of New College's value and potential is evident in his commitment to ensuring SMAA's support in our long-term growth. In fact, the conversations between SMAA and New College have been so exceedingly positive and supportive that it's essential to dispel any notion of anything other than collaboration and enthusiasm for our alliance and shared future. 

"President Corcoran is the first President to engage in a substantive dialogue and seek a solution that will address the future land needs of both the college and the airport, and provide fair market returns to the airport for any portion of land that New College secures (as required by Federal Aviation Administration regulations),” said Piccolo. “Without question, New College is one of the most special assets of this city, and the college and its entire student and administrative body, have our unwavering support in their growth.”

We’re fortunate SMAA recognizes New College as an invaluable asset to our region: A gem that enriches the community by providing an exceptional liberal arts education to curious minds from around the world. We look forward to collaborating on upcoming announcements with SMAA that will significantly benefit New College, our growing vision, and this remarkable city and community of Sarasota, that I am proud to be a part of. 

Richard Corcoran is president of New College of Florida.

Photo by Wyatt Kostygan: Rick Piccolo