Leadership & Policy Changes

• New Board Members – Six new trustees were appointed in early 2023.

• New Leadership – The college president was replaced by Richard Corcoran, a former Florida Education Commissioner with experience in state administration, but no direct academic administrative experience. His appointment reflects a broader trend in Florida’s higher education, where high-ranking political figures have been placed in top university roles.

• Most recently, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez was appointed as FIU’s interim president in Miami, another example of a politically connected leader transitioning into university leadership.

• Curriculum Changes – Gender studies programs were eliminated, and a new conservative curriculum was introduced, focusing on classical education principles.

Impact on Faculty & Students

• Faculty Resignations:

  • Over 40% of full-time faculty left within the first year, including many who resigned, retired, or were dismissed.

  Student Withdrawals:

  • Approximately 27% of students left in 2023, more than twice the usual rate.

  • Retention Rate: Dropped to an all-time low of 64.9%.

  NCF's Small Size vs. UWF's Scale

  While New College is a small institution—only 732 students in 2023—UWF has over 14,000 students. The scale is different, but governance changes could still cause similar faculty resignations and enrollment declines. At NCF, even a slight shift—such as 27% of students leaving in a single year—had a major impact. At UWF, a comparable percentage drop would be far more significant, affecting everything from faculty retention to research funding.

Financial & Institutional Effects

• Ranking Drop – NCF fell 22 spots in U.S. News & World Report’s college rankings.

• State Funding Increase – The Florida legislature provided an extra $15 million to support the transition.

• Donor Losses – TThe school faced a potential loss of $29 million in planned donations due to dissatisfaction with the new direction.

What This Could Mean for UWF

Although UWF has not faced the same immediate changes, similar trustee appointments have raised concerns. Based on NCF’s experience, possible risks for UWF include:

• Loss of Faculty & Hiring Issues: Faculty departures could affect academic stability and research output.

• Fewer Students & Enrollment Decline: Changes in curriculum or student policies could impact UWF’s ability to attract and retain students.

• Lower Reputation & Rankings: Governance changes could harm UWF’s national standing and perception.

• Financial Instability: Loss of donor trust and funding adjustments could require major budget changes.

• Academic Program Changes: Shifts in leadership could alter UWF’s curriculum and academic focus.

• Potential Political Appointment: Given recent trends in Florida’s higher education, UWF may also see a politically connected leader—rather than an academic expert—appointed as its next president. If that happens, it could shift the university’s priorities, faculty hiring, and academic programs in unexpected ways.

Economic & Donor Impact

UWF plays a crucial role in Northwest Florida’s economy, contributing over $1.1 billion per year. Governance changes could affect:

• Workforce Development: UWF graduates fuel industries like healthcare, education, and tech.

• Business & Research Partnerships: The university drives local innovation and economic growth.

• Spending in the Community: UWF students and staff support local businesses and housing.

• State & Federal Grants: University changes could impact research funding and investment.

• Historic Preservation & Tourism: The UWF Historic Trust manages historic sites and museums that support Pensacola’s cultural economy. Funding cuts or leadership shifts could impact these programs.

• Donor Confidence: UWF relies on alumni and corporate donations to support scholarships, research, and campus development. If donors feel UWF’s direction is uncertain, they may withdraw support, affecting long-term stability.

Conclusion

The situation at New College of Florida shows how leadership changes can reshape a university. While UWF is a strong institution, it is critical to stay informed about governance decisions and their possible effects. Proactively addressing potential risks and advocating for academic freedom and financial stability will help ensure UWF continues to thrive.