As we begin this new academic year at New College of Florida, we are not just welcoming a fresh cohort of students—we are embracing a moment of growth and renewed purpose. This year, we celebrate record achievements that mark the beginning of a new era for our college, one where we continue to build on our historical legacy, while setting new benchmarks for the future.

For the second consecutive year, we are proud to have a record-breaking incoming class, a testament to our forward momentum and our commitment to a bold vision for New College’s future. With more than 360 new freshmen and undergraduate transfers joining us this year, we are one full year ahead of our projected five-year growth plan. Just a year ago, the idea of welcoming a class of over 300 students was unprecedented. Today, our undergraduate enrollment has surged past 850, reflecting the increasing draw of our college. 

We are also excited about the rising caliber of our incoming students, with this year’s class boasting SAT scores on average 20+ points higher than previous year, a rise we anticipate to grow even greater. As we regain our stature as a leader in liberal arts education, reaffirmed by Washington Monthly’s ranking of New College as the nation’s number one public liberal arts residential college, we are attracting students who are not only bright but are eager to engage in the rigorous and experiential academic environment that New College offers.

Our commitment to excellence is further exemplified by our faculty. This year, we welcome more than 40 elite scholars—the most distinguished group in our history. These new educators join our ranks from some of the most prestigious institutions in the world, including Oxford, the Ivy League, Stanford, and the University of Chicago. Their expertise spans disciplines from political science to humanities, computer science to environmental studies, enriching our academic programs and providing our students with unparalleled opportunities for intellectual growth.

For example, Dr. Bruce Gilley, one of the nation’s leading scholars on democracy and global politics, joins us as a Distinguished Presidential Scholar. Dr. David Ellis, with his extensive experience in military intelligence and conflict zones, brings real-world insights to our political science program. And with several new faculty members holding doctorates from Oxford, including Dr. Andrew Doyle and Dr. Spencer Klavan, we will continue to broaden our humanities and classical studies programs at New College.

The research acumen of the new faculty can also be presented with great enthusiasm, as we welcome Dr. Briana Aguila-Ames who has published 44 peer-reviewed research articles and obtained three U.S. patents through research for environmental sustainability applications, such as water purification and resource recovery.

Amidst our growth, there are core elements that will remain the same and define who we are. The Independent Study Projects (ISPs), the senior thesis, and our dynamic and diverse learning styles are the hallmarks of the New College academic experience that will continue to thrive. These unique aspects of our curriculum not only preserve our tradition of academic excellence but also ensure that we continue to attract and nurture high-achieving, interdisciplinary students.

As we continue on this upward path, we remain steadfast in our mission to be recognized as the nation’s top liberal arts institution—not just among public colleges, but across the entire spectrum of higher education. This ambition will continue to fuel our growth, setting even higher standards, and ensuring that our faculty, students and programs reflect the very best that academia and specifically a New College education, has to offer.

The beginning of this school year feels more than a step forward, it is a powerful leap. The energy can be felt from every corner of the college and I maintain my confidence that we are well on our way to achieving our goals and solidifying our place as the premier liberal arts college in the country.

Thank you for your continued support. 

Richard Corcoran is President of New College of Florida.