Gov. Ron DeSantis and the GOP-controlled Florida Legislature pumped $25 million into operational enhancements and student scholarships at New College of Florida.
On Friday, he commended Interim President Richard Corcoran and the new Board of Trustees for the college “experiencing record enrollment with an increase of over 300 students this year, marking the highest enrollment of new students in school history, and over 800 students this year.”
“The New College Board of Trustees is succeeding in its mission to eliminate indoctrination and re-focus higher education on its classical mission,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.
Doing the Math
The governor’s staff needs to work on its math. According to the college’s website, New College had 689 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the fall of 2022.
If the college had an increase of over 300 students – let’s say 301 students, its enrollment would be 990 students – don’t you think the governor would have bragged “over 900” or “nearly 1,000” students this year?
- New College’s enrollment was trending up before DeSantis gutted the board and had the college president replaced. In a press release dated Aug. 24, 2022, the New College said its enrollment then was a new record, up 30%. Its incoming class was the largest since 2016.
Costly Makeover
If DeSantis’ math is correct, the state spent $25 million to attract 301 more students – $83,056 per new student.
Corcoran’s base salary is $699,000, $394,000 more than his predecessor Dr. Patricia Okker – $1,309 per new student.
- But the college did save $200K by eliminating its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion positions.
