ICYMI: Buchanan Emphasizes Importance of Independence Between USF Sarasota-Manatee and New College in Sarasota Herald-Tribune Op-Ed

"Our Community Is Strongest When These Institutions Thrive-and Maintaining Their Status as Separate Entities Is Best for Their Future."

Op-Ed Details Investments in New College and USF Sarasota-Manatee

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan penned an op-ed in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune highlighting the importance of supporting both USF Sarasota-Manatee and New College of Florida as separate, thriving institutions that serve Sarasota and Manatee counties in distinct and meaningful ways.

In the op-ed, Buchanan emphasizes that the region benefits when both universities are allowed to grow independently while fulfilling their unique missions, building up the local workforce, expanding opportunity and strengthening Florida's 16^th District's reputation as a center of learning and opportunity.

"We do not need to choose between these institutions," writes Buchanan in the op-ed. "We can and will champion both to ensure they grow successfully, remain strong on their own and serve the needs of our community."

Read the full op-ed here or below:

New College, USF Sarasota-Manatee are stronger apart

Vern Buchanan

Sarasota and Manatee counties are fortunate to be home to two exceptional public institutions of higher education, USF Sarasota-Manatee and New College of Florida. At a time when national conversations about education often feel divided and politicized, here at home we should focus on what truly matters: ensuring our local institutions have the support they need to succeed. Our community is strongest when these institutions thrive-and maintaining their status as separate entities is best for their future.

USF Sarasota-Manatee plays a critical role in our region. As part of the University of South Florida system, it provides accessible and career focused education to thousands of local students. Many are first generation college students, working adults, veterans and parents building careers while raising families. Its programs in nursing, business, education, accounting, healthcare, hospitality and other high-demand fields directly support our local workforce and economy. When a new nurse graduates, when a small business hires a USF-trained accountant, when a teacher steps into a local classroom, USF Sarasota-Manatee's impact is felt right here in our community. These programs supply the professionals our local hospitals, schools, small businesses and growing industries depend on every day.

New College serves a different but equally important mission. As Florida's public liberal arts honors college, it offers a rigorous academic environment that attracts high-achieving students from across the state, nation and world. Its renewed commitment to academic excellence and intellectual curiosity strengthens Sarasota's reputation as a global center for learning and culture. The presence of talented students and faculty enriches our community.

This is not an either-or conversation. We do not have to diminish one institution to support the other. Both campuses contribute in meaningful and distinct ways. Supporting one does not come at the expense of the other. In fact, investing in both strengthens our entire community.

In Congress, I've supported both of these institutions to further the unique opportunities they provide to our region and their students. In the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) appropriations process, I was proud to successfully fight for $3 million for USF Sarasota-Manatee to establish a Center for Entrepreneurship, an investment in local innovators and job creators. This center will help support students, startups and small businesses, creating new opportunities for innovation and job growth right here at home. As our region continues to grow, fostering entrepreneurship and workforce development is essential to long term economic success.

During that same FY26 cycle, I secured $800,000 in federal funding for a community project at New College to help build a greenway trail through the campus. This project will make the campus more accessible, enhance student life and create a welcoming space that benefits both students and surrounding neighborhoods.

Both of these investments reflect a simple principle: when our local institutions thrive, Sarasota and Manatee counties succeed.

Southwest Florida is one of the fastest growing regions in the country. Businesses relocating here want confidence that we have a strong talent pipeline. Families moving here want educational opportunity at every level.

USF Sarasota-Manatee helps meet those needs, and so does New College. We are fortunate to have both institutions in our backyard, operating as separate universities with a unified goal.

We do not need to choose between these institutions. We can and will champion both to ensure they grow successfully, remain strong on their own and serve the needs of our community.

Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) is the Vice Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and the Chair of the Health Subcommittee. Prior to serving in Congress, Buchanan was in business for over 30 years and chaired both the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Florida Chamber of Commerce.