President Hagerty - Beacon College
Source: https://www.beaconcollege.edu/about/president-hagerty
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:15
President Hagerty - Beacon College
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Intellectual challenge is at the heart of a Beacon education. We take this very seriously, but we are also very practical about it. Our 10 bachelor’s degree programs are intended to prepare our students to find worthy work in today’s global marketplace. Additionally, we encourage students to explore their diverse interests through one or more of our 17 minors.
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Athletics
Men’s Basketball
Women’s Basketball
Cross Country and Track
Golf
Student Life
“Pursuing the life abundant” is the pervading theme that infuses everything we do at Beacon College. It’s something we take very seriously indeed.
At Beacon, you’ll be able to be the most that you can be. Both within the classroom and far beyond it, we nurture a vivacious learning laboratory that calls upon you to seek and cherish all of life’s richness.
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President Hagerty
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About
President Hagerty
Celebrating President George J. Hagerty
Honoring a Transformative Leader — 2013 to 2027
For more than a decade, President George J. Hagerty has been the heart, voice, and visionary of Beacon College. Since joining the College in 2013, he has led with compassion, courage, and an unwavering belief in the potential of students with learning differences.
As President Hagerty prepares to retire in June 2027, we celebrate his extraordinary leadership and the profound impact he has made on our students, our campus, and the global landscape of neurodiversity education and opportunity.
Leadership
The Life Abundant
Beacon by the Numbers
The Hagerty Years — A Legacy of Vision and Heart
This special profile chronicles President Hagerty’s journey, his leadership philosophy, and the milestones that shaped Beacon’s evolution.
Celebrating an Era of Extraordinary Leadership
Milestones of a Transformative Presidency
When Dr. George J. Hagerty arrived at Beacon College in 2013, he stepped into a community with a bold mission and limitless potential. Over the next 13 years, his leadership would usher in one of the most transformative eras in the College’s history — strengthening its academic foundation, expanding its reach, elevating its national reputation, and redefining what is possible for students who learn differently.
A Period of Unprecedented Growth and Rising National Prominence
Under President Hagerty’s guidance, Beacon’s enrollment grew from 187 students to more than 500 — the most sustained period of growth the College has ever experienced. This expansion was matched by exceptional student outcomes, including a 63% four‑year graduation rate and a 71.4% employment or advanced‑study rate, far exceeding national averages for neurodivergent learners.
As Beacon’s outcomes strengthened, so did its national reputation. In 2019, Petersons.com named Beacon the No. 1 school on its list of “20 Great Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities,” marking a major milestone in national visibility.
Beacon’s ascent continued as the College entered the U.S. News & World Report rankings for the first time in 2021, debuting at No. 31 among Regional Colleges South. The College climbed steadily year after year — No. 21 in 2022, No. 10 in 2023, and an extraordinary No. 3 in 2024. In 2025, Beacon ranked No. 9 in the region and earned top‑tier placements in social mobility, reinforcing its leadership in expanding opportunity for students who learn differently.
These recognitions culminated in 2025 when Forbes named Beacon to its inaugural
Accessibility 100 list
— one of only five higher‑education institutions worldwide to receive the honor.
Strengthening the Academic and Support Model
Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, Beacon deepened its holistic support model, integrating academic, social, and career development services in ways that positioned the College as a national leader in neurodiversity education. This work helped solidify Beacon’s reputation as the premier institution for students with learning differences — a reputation later affirmed by Forbes and other national evaluators.
Expanding Global Footprints and International Partnerships
President Hagerty championed Beacon’s global engagement. The College launched two international study‑abroad programs —
Beacon in Tuscany
(2017) and
Beacon in Tokyo
(2024) — designed specifically for neurodivergent students.
Beacon also forged significant international partnerships, including:
A 2015 Memorandum of Understanding with the King Salman Center for Disability Research in Saudi Arabia, which led to the creation of the Compass Program for Saudi students.
A 2017 agreement with the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services in the United Arab Emirates.
Beacon faculty and leadership shared their expertise worldwide, from a keynote address in Lagos, Nigeria (2014), to a professional development workshop in Mumbai, India (2018), to participation in the inaugural Harkin International Disability Employment Summit in Washington, D.C. (2017).
National Advocacy and Visibility
President Hagerty elevated Beacon’s voice on the national stage. In 2016, he led a delegation of administrators, students, alumni, and parents to Capitol Hill for a congressional briefing on the needs of students with learning disabilities in higher education. That same year, he appeared on Fox 35’s “Orlando Matters,” helping broaden public awareness of Beacon’s mission.
Beacon’s leadership in disability inclusion continued to gain recognition. In 2019, the College became one of only five U.S. institutions to sign the founding statement of the Global University Disability & Inclusion Network. In 2020, Beacon received special recognition at the United Nations Zero Project Conference in Vienna for its innovative pedagogy.
Transforming the Campus Experience
During the Hagerty era, Beacon’s physical campus evolved dramatically. The College expanded residential capacity with the RAP and PAR residence halls, enhanced academic facilities through the Fogg Hall expansion, and created intentional outdoor spaces such as the Durand Garden — all designed to support student well‑being and community connection.
Looking ahead, President Hagerty has guided the planning of a new
Intramural & Fitness Center
, scheduled for completion in summer 2026 — a major investment in student wellness and campus life.
Elevating Athletics and Student Life
Beacon’s athletic program entered a new era under President Hagerty, joining the
United States Collegiate Athletic Association
in 2023 and the New South Athletic Conference in 2024. The College also recruited former WNBA and NBA players to coach its basketball teams, raising the profile and competitiveness of Beacon athletics.
Building Career Pathways and Corporate Partnerships
Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, Beacon forged partnerships with major employers — including Dell Technologies, The Walt Disney Company, Johnson & Johnson, and JetBlue — to create inclusive career pipelines for neurodivergent graduates. These relationships helped ensure that Beacon students not only succeed in college but thrive beyond it.
A Legacy of Transformation
From enrollment growth and academic innovation to global partnerships, national rankings, and international recognition, President Hagerty’s tenure represents one of the most transformative periods in Beacon College’s history. His leadership strengthened the College’s mission, expanded its reach, and positioned Beacon for a bright and ambitious future.
His legacy is not only measured in buildings, rankings, or accolades — but in the thousands of students whose lives were changed because Beacon believed in their potential and built a college designed for them to flourish.
Voices of Beacon
President Hagerty Through the Years
Apply Today
Request Info
Plan a Visit
© 2026 Beacon College.
Web Design
by
PHOS Creative
Sitemap
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Title VI
Title IX
About
Why Beacon
Why Beacon?
Beacon by the Numbers
The Life Abundant
Leadership
President Hagerty
Leadership
Presidential Search
Campus & Community
Our Campus
Our Community
Bookstore
Mason Art Gallery
Directory
Accreditation
Strategic Plan
Policies
Student Handbook
Title VI
Title IX
Reasonable Modification Policy
Disabilities Accommodations Policy
Family Guide
Privacy Policy
Clery Report
About
Founded in 1989, Beacon College in Leesburg, Florida, stands as a shining beacon of hope and opportunity for students with learning disabilities.
Admissions & Aid
Learn More & Apply
Apply
New Students
Transfer Students
International Students
Homeschooled Students
Parents and Families
Educators
Admitted Students
Affordability
Tuition & Fees
Scholarships
Financial Aid
Financial Aid FAQs
Other Financial Resources
CARES Act
Get to Know Us
Admissions Events
Plan a Visit
Meet the Admissions Staff
Download Brochures
Request Information
New Student Orientation
Admissions & Aid
Join us on campus for one of our upcoming Open House events! We invite you to experience the personalized support, vibrant campus life, and academic excellence that make Beacon College the ideal choice for students with learning differences.
Register Now >
College Readiness
Programs & Options
Summer for Success
College Edge
Navigator PREP
Intro to College Academics
Dual Enrollment
Beacon Foundations
Resources & Tools
Choosing the Right Program
Meet the Experts
Free Downloadable Tools
Webinar Recordings
Partnerships
Partner With Us
Certificate in Coaching Adolescents
Neurodiversity in Higher Ed Certificate
College Readiness
Get college-ready this summer with our Summer Bundle!
Combine virtual college readiness counseling with one of our on campus summer immersion programs and receive $2,000 off. You’ll get 1:1 college readiness prep and an unforgettable summer, all in one.
Learn More
Academics
Academic Programs
Anthrozoology
Business Management
Hospitality and Tourism
Computer Information Systems
Design and Digital Media
Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Humanities
Human Services
Psychology
Studio Arts
Minors
Success & Support Services
Academic Advising
Academic Support
Career Preparation
Career Treks
Internships
Study Abroad
Resources
Course Catalog
Academic Calendars
Registrar’s Office
Academics
Intellectual challenge is at the heart of a Beacon education. We take this very seriously, but we are also very practical about it. Our 10 bachelor’s degree programs are intended to prepare our students to find worthy work in today’s global marketplace. Additionally, we encourage students to explore their diverse interests through one or more of our 17 minors.
Student Life
Campus Life
Life at Beacon
First Year Experience
Housing
Dining Services
Transportation
Health and Wellness
Safety
Activities
Activities and Clubs
Fitness and Recreation
Athletics
Athletics
Men’s Basketball
Women’s Basketball
Cross Country and Track
Golf
Student Life
“Pursuing the life abundant” is the pervading theme that infuses everything we do at Beacon College. It’s something we take very seriously indeed.
At Beacon, you’ll be able to be the most that you can be. Both within the classroom and far beyond it, we nurture a vivacious learning laboratory that calls upon you to seek and cherish all of life’s richness.
News & Events
News & Media
News and Updates
Lighting the Path Newsletter
A World of Difference
Office of Communications
Events
Salon Series
Family Weekend
Alumni Weekend
Commencement
News & Events
We are committed to keeping you up to date. Check out current news, media, and upcoming events from Beacon College.
Quick Links
Parents
Students
Educators
Alumni
Visit Campus
Request Information
Apply
Give
Portals
Canvas
MyBeacon
Parent Portal
Online Bill Pay
Faculty/Staff E-Flame
Faculty/Staff MyBeacon
Directory
Library
President Hagerty
Home
About
President Hagerty
Celebrating President George J. Hagerty
Honoring a Transformative Leader — 2013 to 2027
For more than a decade, President George J. Hagerty has been the heart, voice, and visionary of Beacon College. Since joining the College in 2013, he has led with compassion, courage, and an unwavering belief in the potential of students with learning differences.
As President Hagerty prepares to retire in June 2027, we celebrate his extraordinary leadership and the profound impact he has made on our students, our campus, and the global landscape of neurodiversity education and opportunity.
Leadership
The Life Abundant
Beacon by the Numbers
The Hagerty Years — A Legacy of Vision and Heart
This special profile chronicles President Hagerty’s journey, his leadership philosophy, and the milestones that shaped Beacon’s evolution.
Celebrating an Era of Extraordinary Leadership
Milestones of a Transformative Presidency
When Dr. George J. Hagerty arrived at Beacon College in 2013, he stepped into a community with a bold mission and limitless potential. Over the next 13 years, his leadership would usher in one of the most transformative eras in the College’s history — strengthening its academic foundation, expanding its reach, elevating its national reputation, and redefining what is possible for students who learn differently.
A Period of Unprecedented Growth and Rising National Prominence
Under President Hagerty’s guidance, Beacon’s enrollment grew from 187 students to more than 500 — the most sustained period of growth the College has ever experienced. This expansion was matched by exceptional student outcomes, including a 63% four‑year graduation rate and a 71.4% employment or advanced‑study rate, far exceeding national averages for neurodivergent learners.
As Beacon’s outcomes strengthened, so did its national reputation. In 2019, Petersons.com named Beacon the No. 1 school on its list of “20 Great Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities,” marking a major milestone in national visibility.
Beacon’s ascent continued as the College entered the U.S. News & World Report rankings for the first time in 2021, debuting at No. 31 among Regional Colleges South. The College climbed steadily year after year — No. 21 in 2022, No. 10 in 2023, and an extraordinary No. 3 in 2024. In 2025, Beacon ranked No. 9 in the region and earned top‑tier placements in social mobility, reinforcing its leadership in expanding opportunity for students who learn differently.
These recognitions culminated in 2025 when Forbes named Beacon to its inaugural
Accessibility 100 list
— one of only five higher‑education institutions worldwide to receive the honor.
Strengthening the Academic and Support Model
Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, Beacon deepened its holistic support model, integrating academic, social, and career development services in ways that positioned the College as a national leader in neurodiversity education. This work helped solidify Beacon’s reputation as the premier institution for students with learning differences — a reputation later affirmed by Forbes and other national evaluators.
Expanding Global Footprints and International Partnerships
President Hagerty championed Beacon’s global engagement. The College launched two international study‑abroad programs —
Beacon in Tuscany
(2017) and
Beacon in Tokyo
(2024) — designed specifically for neurodivergent students.
Beacon also forged significant international partnerships, including:
A 2015 Memorandum of Understanding with the King Salman Center for Disability Research in Saudi Arabia, which led to the creation of the Compass Program for Saudi students.
A 2017 agreement with the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services in the United Arab Emirates.
Beacon faculty and leadership shared their expertise worldwide, from a keynote address in Lagos, Nigeria (2014), to a professional development workshop in Mumbai, India (2018), to participation in the inaugural Harkin International Disability Employment Summit in Washington, D.C. (2017).
National Advocacy and Visibility
President Hagerty elevated Beacon’s voice on the national stage. In 2016, he led a delegation of administrators, students, alumni, and parents to Capitol Hill for a congressional briefing on the needs of students with learning disabilities in higher education. That same year, he appeared on Fox 35’s “Orlando Matters,” helping broaden public awareness of Beacon’s mission.
Beacon’s leadership in disability inclusion continued to gain recognition. In 2019, the College became one of only five U.S. institutions to sign the founding statement of the Global University Disability & Inclusion Network. In 2020, Beacon received special recognition at the United Nations Zero Project Conference in Vienna for its innovative pedagogy.
Transforming the Campus Experience
During the Hagerty era, Beacon’s physical campus evolved dramatically. The College expanded residential capacity with the RAP and PAR residence halls, enhanced academic facilities through the Fogg Hall expansion, and created intentional outdoor spaces such as the Durand Garden — all designed to support student well‑being and community connection.
Looking ahead, President Hagerty has guided the planning of a new
Intramural & Fitness Center
, scheduled for completion in summer 2026 — a major investment in student wellness and campus life.
Elevating Athletics and Student Life
Beacon’s athletic program entered a new era under President Hagerty, joining the
United States Collegiate Athletic Association
in 2023 and the New South Athletic Conference in 2024. The College also recruited former WNBA and NBA players to coach its basketball teams, raising the profile and competitiveness of Beacon athletics.
Building Career Pathways and Corporate Partnerships
Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, Beacon forged partnerships with major employers — including Dell Technologies, The Walt Disney Company, Johnson & Johnson, and JetBlue — to create inclusive career pipelines for neurodivergent graduates. These relationships helped ensure that Beacon students not only succeed in college but thrive beyond it.
A Legacy of Transformation
From enrollment growth and academic innovation to global partnerships, national rankings, and international recognition, President Hagerty’s tenure represents one of the most transformative periods in Beacon College’s history. His leadership strengthened the College’s mission, expanded its reach, and positioned Beacon for a bright and ambitious future.
His legacy is not only measured in buildings, rankings, or accolades — but in the thousands of students whose lives were changed because Beacon believed in their potential and built a college designed for them to flourish.
Voices of Beacon
President Hagerty Through the Years
Apply Today
Request Info
Plan a Visit
© 2026 Beacon College.
Web Design
by
PHOS Creative
Sitemap
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Title VI
Title IX