Photo courtesy The Ringling

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ budget proposal included a surprise for what university manages The Ringling. The Governor’s “Focus on Fiscal Responsibility” calls for the museum campus to become part of New College of Florida.

Right now, the entire campus, including the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Ca’ d’Zan and the Ringling Museum of Circus, belongs to Florida State University. But New College leadership appears ready to take on the responsibility of the institutions that now about the state university’s southern border.

“Governor DeSantis has demonstrated amazing leadership in making Florida’s State University System the nation’s premier public higher education system,” Corcoran said.

“To continue this great work means ensuring each university reaches its greatest heights. Florida State University is advancing its scientific research and closing in on membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities. New College is building America’s best liberal arts college, and the addition of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art strengthens that mission, offering an unparalleled cultural and academic resource that benefits students, local residents, and visitors alike. This proposal will move the needle for both institutions to attain greater heights.”

Of course, any move would need the support of the Florida Legislature, which has been at odds with DeSantis recently over immigration enforcement. But state Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, said the idea of shifting The Ringling to a Sarasota-based school’s oversight is worth exploring. The talks also come amid rumors the Legislature could move the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee to New College as well.

“The Ringling is a crown jewel for anybody,” Gruters said. “Does it make sense for all three of those campuses to be united into one? I think it I something that should be looked at.”

Corcoran declined to speculate on FSU’s most conspicuous involvement at the school, the Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. That currently operates at the Asolo Repertory Theater on The Ringling’s campus.

Photo courtesy The Ringling