University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee: Programs, Potential Takeover, and Community Impact
The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) stands as a regional campus of the University of South Florida, playing a significant role in the educational and economic landscape of the Sarasota-Manatee region. Established in 1975, USFSM has evolved from a regional campus to an independently accredited institution offering baccalaureate and master's degrees since June 2011. The campus experienced a major expansion with the opening of the Campus Student Center and Atala Residence Hall on August 19, 2024, transforming it into a residential campus. However, recent events have cast a shadow over the institution's future, sparking debate and concern among students, faculty, alumni, and community leaders.
A Campus Overview
USF Sarasota-Manatee, whose motto is "Truth and Wisdom," is located near the Sarasota-Manatee county line. The campus officially opened on August 28, 2006. The construction occurred on the eastern portion of Dunham-Crosley-Horton property (Seagate), a historic home that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The sixteen bay front acres had been brought into public ownership in 1991 by the state for the use of Manatee County as a historical site, with the remainder purposed for research use by the environmental studies department of New College. The upland pine forest on the eastern portion of this property was allocated for the development of a new campus for the university. The opening of the Campus Student Center and Atala Residence Hall on August 19, 2024, marked a significant milestone, making USFSM a residential campus. The building includes a ballroom, bookstore, dining hall, and offices for student organizations on the first two floors, with student residences on the top four floors.
Currently, the campus serves as the home campus for 1,310 students. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered by various USF colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the Muma College of Business, the College of Education, the Judy Genshaft Honors College, the College of Nursing, and the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. Moreover, USF Sarasota-Manatee is home to the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and The Baldwin Group School of Risk Management and Insurance.
Proposed Transfer to New College and Community Response
The Florida House of Representatives passed HB 5601, a bill that proposes transferring USFSM’s 32-acre campus, including 11 buildings and $53 million in dorm debt, to New College of Florida. The measure passed overwhelmingly in a 76-28 vote and now heads to the Senate, where final approval would come as part of the state budget. This proposal has ignited widespread concern and opposition from various stakeholders, leading to a protest at the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus attended by approximately 300 students, alumni, professors, business owners, and concerned residents.
The House budget bill stipulates that USF students enrolled at the Sarasota-Manatee campus before July 1, 2026, would remain associated with the Tampa-based school, provided they graduate within four years of their initial enrollment.
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Concerns and Arguments Against the Transfer
Several concerns have been raised regarding the potential transfer of the USFSM campus to New College:
- Impact on Existing Students and Programs: A primary concern is the potential disruption to the education of current USFSM students and the future of its academic programs. The missions of both institutions are dramatically different, and major questions have yet to be answered like how this would impact existing students and what happens to the pipeline of talent moving forward.
- Accreditation Issues: Business leaders and faculty have expressed concerns about accreditation if programs are transferred. The accounting college’s accreditation, for instance, may not automatically transfer, requiring New College to apply for accreditation for any new programs it assumes, a process that could take two to four years.
- Workforce Pipeline: Alumni and business leaders emphasize the critical role USFSM plays in the region’s workforce pipeline. Garrett Shinn, an accounting partner at Carr, Riggs & Ingram, noted that about 20% of his firm’s workforce comes from USFSM, and it has been challenging to recruit graduates from USF’s Tampa campus to relocate to Sarasota.
- Lack of Community Engagement: District 71 Rep. William Robinson expressed disappointment that there has been no community engagement regarding the merger idea. He stated that he has seen no public statement of support for this merger from both institutions.
Arguments for the Transfer
Jamie Miller, vice president of communications and chief marketing officer for NCF, stated that integrating the campuses would not disrupt partnerships with local businesses or regional economic ties. He also assured that students currently enrolled in the USF School of Hospitality and Sport Management would still graduate with the same degree.
Miller argued that the transfer would allow USF to concentrate its resources on its major campuses in Tampa and St. Petersburg, while giving New College the opportunity to strengthen its institutional footprint in Sarasota and align its academic programs with the needs and opportunities of the community.
Legislative Landscape and Key Players
The bill’s next stop is the Florida Senate Appropriations Committee on March 2. Gov. Ron DeSantis placed the transfer in his budget proposal and said he wants to hand over the campus by July 1.
Local representatives who voted in favor include: District 70 Rep. Michael Owen, District 73 Rep. Fiona McFarland, District 72 Rep. William Conerly and District 75 Rep. Danny Nix. District 71 Rep. William Robinson and District 74 Rep. James Buchanan were the only representatives who voted no.
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USF Sarasota-Manatee's Role in the Community
USF Sarasota-Manatee has become an integral part of the local community, contributing significantly to the region's educational and economic vitality.
- Dual Enrollment Programs: The campus serves nearly 2,000 dual enrollment high school students, providing them with an opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school.
- Faculty and Staff: With approximately 150 faculty members, USFSM provides a diverse range of academic programs and research opportunities.
- Economic Impact: The university contributes to the local economy by preparing students for careers in various fields and providing a skilled workforce for local businesses.
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