Photo courtesy New College of Florida.

Nestled along the clear blue waters of Sarasota Bay, New College of Florida stands as a beacon of creativity, innovation and academic excellence. As we gear up to launch our Master’s program in Marine Mammal Science, we're poised to make a meaningful impact locally, stimulating marine-focused economic growth and environmental stewardship in the region for decades to come.

Sarasota Bay boasts one of the most abundant and extensively studied dolphin populations globally, thanks to over five decades of observation by the esteemed Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, a longstanding marine life partner of New College. This enduring research legacy has provided invaluable insights into the behavior and ecology of dolphins, solidifying Sarasota Bay's reputation as a premier habitat for studying these majestic marine mammals. Through our unique hands-on program, students actively contribute to this research, with underwater listening posts stationed right at our boat dock, offering firsthand experience in marine mammal observation and conservation, from our bayfront classrooms.

Our dedication to marine research is supported by the state-of-the-art Rhoda and Jack Pritzker Marine Biology Research Center, equipped with cutting-edge laboratories and extensive aquatic resources. With the imminent launch of our Master’s program, students will have a seamless transition from undergraduate to postgraduate education under the guidance of our faculty, led by the globally renowned marine life expert and longtime New College faculty member, Dr. Heidi Harley.

Dr. Harley, a distinguished scholar in the field of marine mammal science, brings over two decades of knowledge and experience to our program. Her groundbreaking work in dolphin communication and cognition has earned her international recognition and awards. As the director of the Marine Mammal Science program, Dr. Harley works intimately with our students and conservation partners, mentoring the next generation of marine scientists and shaping the future for marine conservation and research.

What sets New College apart is not only its academic rigor but also its emphasis on real-world experience and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through partnerships with local estuaries, aquariums, sanctuaries and research institutions, students have the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of our oceans and marine ecosystems, while building a thriving ecosystem of new research, innovation and ocean regeneration in Sarasota Bay.

As we await final approval from the State University System Board of Governors, I am confident our Master’s program will become a cornerstone of Florida's higher education landscape, inspiring future marine mammal scientists and entrepreneurs, and offering unparalleled opportunities for conservation and professional growth.

We invite you to tour our campus and the Marine Mammal Science Center to experience New College firsthand. It's the foremost marine mammal science program in the United States — and a catalyst for change.

Richard Corcoran is president of New College of Florida.

Photo courtesy New College of Florida.