No bill has been filed but lawmakers may act through the end of the legislative session on May 2.
Author: Miguel Octavio
Published: 11:41 PM EDT April 24, 2025
Updated: 11:41 PM EDT April 24, 2025
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Anya Pardy said attending USF Sarasota-Manatee changed her life.
Raising six kids alone while one of her sons was in the hospital, the location and resources available allowed her to finish her studies and today, work as a lawyer.
“It absolutely changed my life and it changed the life of my kids,” Pardy said.
However, Pardy questions if that could change for others if the rumors that New College of Florida could take over the campus prove true.
Pardy was among the dozens of students, staff and alumni who gathered Thursday night to oppose the potential move. A WUSF report shared plans to transfer the campus, according to emails obtained by the outlet.
Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) told the Tampa Bay Times last month that plans are being negotiated.
Those concerned worry about the impact it will have on the retainment of talent and that any changes could drive people away. In addition, they feel the campus remains a staple in the community and that New College may not have the capacity or resources to run the campus.
“They produce graduates that work in our community, stay in our community, and that’s what we want is to have kids go to school here, stay here work here,” John Horne, advisory board member of the USF School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, said.
This comes amid Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposal to have New College also take over The Ringling Museum. Hundreds gathered during a town hall Tuesday to oppose the move.
Student Ian Nyhus, a native of Manatee County, credits the location of the campus for allowing him to complete his education while also continue working. He worries changes from a potential merger may affect his studies.
“I work ten minutes away, so I literally get off work at 5:00 and drive right to school, and if it wasn’t there, I don’t know what I would do,” Nyhus said.
Critics said they’re calling for more transparency on any potential plans and for their input to be heard.
A bill proposing the transfer of the campus has yet to be filed but critics worry legislators may take action between now through the end of the legislative session on May 2.
10 Tampa Bay reached out to New College of Florida for comment and is waiting to hear back.
In a statement, a USF spokesperson shared the following:
“The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus and New College currently partner on several shared facilities and services, including a residence hall and campus security. At the September 2024 BOG meeting, Chair Brian Lamb asked USF and New College to look at how our two institutions can identify additional synergies in our partnership. Since that time USF leadership has been in discussions with New College. At all times our students, faculty and staff have remained USF’s highest priority and we will continue to provide the university community with updates regarding our partnership, if there are any.
We don’t have any additional information to share on the status of ongoing conversations with New College.”