Florida’s higher-education system is reshaping campus control and scale after New College of Florida’s board of trustees agreed to acquire the Sarasota-Manatee campus of the University of South Florida. The takeover expands New College beyond its current footprint, including added residential and student-center capacity. The move follows a hostile takeover narrative raised by state critics, who characterize the change as part of Ron DeSantis’ broader “anti-woke” higher-ed agenda. Supporters and officials frame it as governance-driven modernization for a smaller, mission-focused institution. For affected students, faculty, and staff, the deal creates new integration questions—especially around academic continuity, student services, and how the board’s operating model will change resources and oversight at the combined campuses.