Presidential Search - Beacon College
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Presidential Search
About
Presidential Search
Search for the Next President of Beacon College
Dr. George J. Hagerty, who has served with distinction as president of Beacon College since 2013, has announced his intention to retire effective June 30, 2027, at the conclusion of the 2026-27 academic year. The Beacon College Board of Trustees has begun a national search for the college’s next president to ensure a thoughtful and deliberate leadership transition grounded in the strong foundation established during Dr. Hagerty’s tenure.
This page will keep students, faculty, staff, alumni and the broader community informed about the search process, timeline and opportunities to provide input.
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Message from Board Chair
At Beacon College, our commitment to excellence and innovation guides everything we do. As we begin the search for our next president, we are dedicated to a transparent and inclusive process that engages our community and identifies a visionary leader who will advance our mission, champion student success, and build on our extraordinary legacy.
—Sarah Flanagan, Board Chair
Search Timeline
Below is a high‑level overview of the anticipated search process. Dates may be refined as the search progresses.
Search Stage
Approximate Date
Description
Formation of Search Committee
Spring 2026
Co-chaired by trustees Sheldon Horowitz, Ed.D., and Jim Hundrieser, Ph.D., with additional trustees Lynne Brown, Ph.D., and Ryan McCabe. Additional representatives will be appointed in the near future.
Stakeholder Input and Surveys
Spring 2026
Community forums, surveys, and interviews to gather input on desired qualities for the next president.
Candidate Recruitment
Summer 2026
Nationwide search process begins.
Candidate Review
Fall 2026
Search committee evaluates applicants and selects finalists.
Candidate Interviews
Winter 2026
Candidates will participate in scheduled interview sessions as part of the search process.
Final Selection and Announcement
Spring 2027
Board of Trustees appoints the next president.
New President Assumes Office
Summer 2027
Official start date of the new president.
Presidential Search Committee and Governance
The Presidential Search Committee will guide the search process, review candidate materials, conduct interviews, and recommend finalists to the Board of Trustees for approval.
Co‑Chairs
Sheldon Horowitz, Ed.D.,  Trustee
Jim Hundrieser, Ph.D., Trustee
Additional Trustees
Lynne Brown, Ph.D.
Ryan McCabe
Additional Members
Additional representatives to be appointed by the Board.
In addition to the members of the Search Committee, Trustee Jennifer L. Braaten, Ed.D., and Dan Averbeck, Ph.D., former Chair of the Beacon College Board of Trustees (2018-2025), will serve as resources to the Committee. Dr. Braaten will draw on her extensive experience as a former college president and her work in higher education executive searches, and Dr. Averbeck will contribute his expertise as an industrial psychologist with significant experience leading community listening sessions, including at Beacon College.
Tamara Snyder
Executive Assistant to the President and Board of Trustees, will serve as the campus liaison.
Thomas R. Horgan, Ed.D., President of DEINDE
Consulting, will serve as Chief of Staff to the Search Committee.
Community Input and Engagement
Beacon College values the perspectives of all members of our community. Your input will help shape the presidential profile and inform the search process.
Ways to Participate
Email Comments / Questions:
searchcommittee@beaconcollege.edu
Open Forums / Town Halls: Dates and formats to be announced.
All feedback will be confidential and carefully considered by the search committee.
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Updates and News
Latest Updates
Beacon College is committed to keeping the community informed throughout the search. Regular updates will be posted on this webpage.
April 9, 2026:
Campus Engagement: Shaping the Presidential Leadership Profile
Jan. 21, 2026:
A Message from President Hagerty to the Beacon College Community
Jan. 21, 2026:
Press Release Announcing President Hagerty’s Retirement in June 2027
Jan. 21, 2026:
A Message from Beacon College Chair Sarah Flanagan
Check back regularly for new updates as the search progresses.
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