New College of Florida Takeover

This is the ongoing timeline chronicling the series of events that began with the hostile takeover of the New College of Florida Board of Trustees on January 6, 2023. This timeline is managed and updated by the Novo Collegian Alliance, the independent and unaffiliated organization representing New College alumni and allies. NOTE: This timeline is a neutral platform for sharing the events and important reporting coverage of the takeover and post-takeover. Opinions expressed in various publications or social media posts belong to their respective owners and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Novo College Alliance.

2021-01-07 00:00:00

President Okker Assumes Leadership of NCF

Dr. Patricia Okker officially assumes the role of New College president. She expressed optimism for the college's future and eagerness to lead the institution. https://www.ncf.edu/news/president-okker-assumes-leadership-of-ncf/

2021-02-03 00:00:00

NCF Presidential Search Committee Selects 12 Finalists

The Presidential Search Committee selected 12 applicants from a national pool of over 130 candidates to interview for the presidency. Committee Chair Mary Ruiz noted the depth of scholarship and professional accomplishment in the pool. Finalists will be...

2021-03-16 00:00:00

NCF Presidential Search Narrowed to Five Finalists

The search committee narrowed the presidential search to five candidates: Patricia Okker, Michael Sosulski, Jane Fernandes, Rhonda Phillips, and Alan Shao. Board of Trustees Chair Mary Ruiz discussed the selection process following three days of...

2021-03-31 00:00:00

Dinner with Presidential Candidate Sparks Outrage

A Catalyst article reports on student concerns regarding an indoor dinner with a presidential candidate where attendees removed their masks....

2021-04-21 00:00:00

Dr. Patricia Okker Selected as New College President

The Board of Trustees selected Dr. Patricia Okker as president-elect following a national search. Okker, previously Dean of the College of Arts and Science at the University of Missouri, will succeed President Donal O’Shea on July 1, 2021....

2021-06-04 00:00:00

Catalyst Recap of NCF Presidential Candidates

The Catalyst provides a recap of the presidential search, focusing on candidate Alan Shao following his on-campus interviews and interactions with students....

2022-09-14 00:00:00

Jacobin Article: Wall Street Is Funding Chris Rufo’s Culture War

An article in Jacobin examines the financial backing of Chris Rufo, detailing links to Wall Street donors supporting his efforts against critical race theory and gender ideology....

2023-01-02 00:00:00

Rufo Tweet: Proposal for Department of Equality

Trustee Christopher Rufo tweeted about hopes to create a "Department of Equality, Merit, and Colorblindness" at the college. https://twitter.com/realchrisrufo/status/1620579635649200128

2023-01-05 00:00:00

Head Librarian Helene Gold Fired

New College terminated the contract of Dean of Academic Engagement and Head Librarian Helene Gold weeks before the end of the semester. She was the second LGBTQ+ faculty member dismissed....

2023-01-06 00:00:00

Athletic Enrollment Targets: 57 Men and 5 Women

During the Board of Trustees meeting, enrollment targets for athletics were listed as 57 men and 5 women, raising questions about sufficiency for new teams. https://ncffreedom.org/f/4-things-were-tracking-from-the-june-1st-bot-meeting

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