New College of Florida

Sydney Gruters • Dr. Heidi Harley • Elizabeth Moore

Three exceptionally talented and accomplished women have spearheaded the launch of New College of Florida’s groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind, Master’s in Marine Mammal Science program. Dr. Heidi Harley, a professor with over 30 years of marine mammal expertise; Elizabeth Moore, a leading philanthropist in ecology and education; and Sydney Gruters, the New College Foundation Executive Director, are the reason this program exists. 

The proposal to initiate this program was introduced within the past year, but Dr. Harley, Elizabeth, and Sydney have worked tirelessly to get it approved and up and running. New College of Florida has already been offering bachelor’s degrees in marine biology for quite some time, but being able to offer a postgraduate program specifically in marine mammal science is quite the unique experience that should attract students from all over the world. 

With over two decades of expertise in marine mammal science, Dr. Harley, a renowned scholar in the field, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience needed for a program of this magnitude. Her lifelong fascination with the natural world was ignited on the sun-soaked beaches of South Carolina. Dr. Harley’s extensive research has taken her to numerous dolphin facilities across the United States, where she has joined forces with leading marine mammal experts from around the globe.

As the esteemed director of the program, Dr. Harley closely mentors students and collaborates with conservation partners, shaping the next generation of marine scientists and the future of marine research and conservation.

“I envisioned this program more than a decade ago, knowing it could transform our college and community, but it took the perfect alignment of timing and funding to make it happen,” says Dr. Harley. 

Needing an expert in administration and fundraising to launch the program in such a short time, Elizabeth stepped up to join the foundation’s board and co-chaired its largest fundraising event, the Annual Clambake, which raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

A passionate philanthropist and activist, Elizabeth Moore has been extensively involved in environmental initiatives at organizations such as Mote Marine Aquarium, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, the Lemur Conservation Foundation, the Tree Foundation, and the Roger Williams University President’s Task Force on the Blue Economy. She has received numerous awards for her important work and recognition in numerous publications including being dubbed “Conservation Champion” in the October 2023 cover story of Sarasota Scene magazine.

“Sarasota Bay has regional laboratories and research-based aquariums in place and is home to the longest-studied society of wild dolphins in the world. Making Sarasota the home for future generations of elite marine mammal researchers is a true game-changer,” explained Elizabeth.

In early 2023, Sydney Gruters was named Executive Director and Vice President of Advancement for the New College of Florida Foundation. Previously, she was a top aide for two Sarasota congressmen for over a decade. She was also appointed by former President Donald Trump in 2017 to serve in his administration as the state director for Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands within the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development.

Sydney stepped into this new role during a pivotal period of change for New College, which is often referred to as Florida’s designated honors college. The recent adjustments began in early January 2023, when New College got a new president in Richard Corcoran, and when Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed six fresh faces to the public college’s board. 

“The number one strategic priority for New College today is to connect passionate donors with inspired projects and further integrate the school into the wider community,” says Sydney. “Elizabeth and Heidi are champions for this program, and we will find other passionate people to unite around initiatives that will move the earth at New College.”

Text by Tom Reese | Photo by Nancy Guth

5800 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243
941-487-4800
ncf.edu