Ronald A. Christaldi named chair of New College of Florida board

Ronald A. Christaldi, a New College of Florida alumnus and longtime Florida business and civic leader, has been named chair of the college’s Board of Trustees. The move comes as New College continues broader changes in leadership and priorities aimed at strengthening its role in public higher education.

Why it matters: - Christaldi will help guide New College of Florida through a period of institutional change focused on academics, student outcomes, and board oversight. - The chair role sits at the center of the college’s effort to reinforce its liberal arts mission and expand its profile as a public honors college.

What happened: - Ronald A. Christaldi was named chair of the New College of Florida Board of Trustees. - Christaldi succeeds Debra Jenks and steps into the top board role after serving as vice chair. - Christaldi was first elected vice chair before major changes to the board’s membership and was later unanimously reelected by the reconstituted board. - Christaldi is a New College alumnus and practicing attorney.

The details: - Christaldi said he is focused on academic excellence, student success, responsible stewardship and an education that prepares graduates to think independently and lead with purpose. - Christaldi said the board should create an environment where students can thrive, faculty can excel and the institution can grow in stature and achievement. - Christaldi said New College should preserve its independent spirit while welcoming talented students from Florida and across the nation. - New College has undergone major changes in leadership, academic direction and institutional priorities over the past several years. - The college says those changes are meant to strengthen its distinctive liberal arts mission and build a national model for public higher education. - Christaldi is a partner at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP and president and CEO of Shumaker Advisors Florida. - His legal practice focuses on complex transactions, business matters, public policy and major problem-solving for businesses and organizations in Florida and nationally. - American City Business Journals named Christaldi to its national list of 100 most influential attorneys. - Christaldi has also held leadership roles with Leadership Florida, the Tampa Bay Chamber, the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, the Tampa Museum of Art and other civic and cultural organizations. - Christaldi earned a bachelor’s degree in history from New College of Florida. - He later earned a Juris Doctor and a master’s degree in international affairs from Florida State University. - Christaldi said he looks forward to working with trustees, President Richard Corcoran, faculty, staff, students, alumni and the broader New College community.

Between the lines: - The appointment elevates a trustee with deep institutional ties and broad Florida civic experience at a time when New College is trying to define its next phase. - Christaldi’s comments signal continuity with the college’s recent direction, but with an emphasis on academic rigor, civil discourse and student preparation. - The board leadership change also reflects the college’s continuing effort to stabilize governance after board restructuring.

What's next: - Christaldi will lead the board as New College continues implementing changes in leadership and academics. - The college’s next challenge will be translating its stated mission into measurable gains in student success and institutional standing. - Christaldi said the goal is to help ensure New College’s “best days are ahead.”