A few short years ago, New College of Florida stood at a precarious crossroads. Known nationally for its Oxford-style tutorials, its senior thesis requirement, and its legacy as a home for independent thinkers, the College had nonetheless endured years of underinvestment and declining enrollment. The questions were stark: Could New College survive? Could it still deliver the kind of fearless education that shapes leaders?

The answer is now clear: New College has not only survived — it has been reborn.

Today, the College is thriving. Enrollment is rising for the third consecutive year, with record-breaking incoming classes and stronger retention. The campus hums with activity — new facilities, new programs, and a growing athletics program that has united students, families, and alumni while strengthening ties with the Sarasota community.

Our academic foundation — the “secret sauce” that has always defined New College — remains firmly intact. The senior thesis continues as a rite of passage. The contract system still challenges students to think independently, and narrative evaluations prepare them to lead in complex environments. Those traditions, rooted in depth and accountability, have not only endured; they’ve been elevated.

At the same time, New College is expanding its reach in ways that reflect both innovation and relevance. The nation’s only master’s degree in Marine Mammal Science, a top-ten ranked Data Science program, and more than 70 distinguished new faculty members in just two years have positioned the College as one of Florida’s fastest-growing centers for serious study and research.

Financially, the transformation is equally strong. More than $10 million has been invested in campus improvements, another $10 million added to the endowment, and two of the largest gifts in the College’s history have been secured. These are not abstract numbers — they are votes of confidence from donors, alumni, and partners who see what is happening here and believe in the direction we’re taking.

Across Florida, we’re witnessing the integration of education and economic growth. Cities like Palm Beach, Miami, and Jacksonville are investing in innovation ecosystems that connect higher education, research, and workforce development. Sarasota now stands at that same inflection point. With its creative community, environmental assets, and growing regional economy, this city has the opportunity to lead — and New College is the catalyst at its center.

That alignment between academic rigor and economic relevance is becoming visible across our campus and throughout the region. Students are interning with local firms, nonprofits, and government agencies. Faculty are collaborating with entrepreneurs, scientists, and policymakers on issues that matter to Florida’s future — from coastal resilience to health innovation and sustainable development.

This is transformation you can see, measure, and participate in.

And the energy is only growing. As we head into the fall and holiday season, the College is leaning into its momentum. From the annual Fall Clambake to record-setting fundraising drives, the campus is alive with events that celebrate both tradition and transformation. This year’s Socratic Stage series — featuring alumni Rick Doblin on the frontier of psychedelic research, alongside provocative dialogues on culture, history, and policy — embodies the intellectual curiosity and fearlessness that have always defined New College.

These aren’t just celebrations; they’re proof points of progress. Every student we admit, every program we launch, and every building we restore represents a step toward a stronger Florida — one that invests in ideas, leadership, and innovation.

For years, the question was whether New College could survive. Today, the question is how far we can go — and who will join us in getting there.

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, an alumna, and a lifelong Floridian, I can say without hesitation: New College’s transformation is real, measurable, and deeply meaningful. The core values that made this institution extraordinary remain, and the commitment to excellence has never been stronger. Faculty and trustees are aligned. Students are rising to the challenge. The community is showing up.

New College is not simply rebuilding; it is redefining what a small public college can mean for this region and state. This is the moment to take part in something that matters — something that will continue to define Florida’s future.

Debra Jenks is Chair of the Board of Trustees at New College of Florida.