Celebrating an Era of Extraordinary Leadership

Celebrating an Era of Extraordinary Leadership at Beacon College

Dr. George J. Hagerty

Celebrating an Era of Extraordinary Leadership at Beacon College

Dr. George J. Hagerty

Thirty-seven years ago, in Leesburg, Florida – a town once perfumed by the tang of citrus – a group of determined parents sowed the seeds of a rare school. One that would educate their kids and others like them who learned differently and give them the juice to compete for jobs with “neurotypical” counterparts who were hardly squeezed for college options. Further north, at that time, in North Easton, Massachusetts, Dr. George J. Hagerty was pulling doubles at his alma maters. He served as an administrator and associate professor at Stonehill College and as a lecturer at Harvard University, where as America’s oldest college the ivy had grown thick over its 350-plus years of history. Fast-forward 25 years. The ivy-steeped Dr. Hagerty fields a call from Beacon College, a school still sporting the new-college smell. His charge: grow the tiny school those visionary parents planted in the heart of Florida’s citrus belt into the full-bloom vision they dared for empowering neurodivergent students.

2

Now, in 2026, another important milestone must be celebrated: Dr. Hagerty has announced the 2026-27 school year will be his last.

At any time strolling the campus over the past decade, you might spot Dr. Hagerty in shirtsleeves, a conservative but stylish tie, trousers, and a boyish grin, standing on the sidewalk chatting up a student in search of the secret sauce to succeeding in college — and life — with learning differences. “[George] is someone who sees potential in everyone, but especially in individuals with disabilities,” said Dr. Daniel Averbeck, immediate past chair of the Beacon College board of trustees. “He has created an educational framework that’s needed within higher education for the academic and life skills of individuals with disabilities. I don’t know if there’s anybody that does it better than George does.” Seeing Into Souls For 12 years, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Beacon College, transforming not only the face of the campus, but most importantly, the lives of students with learning differences.

Time and again, Dr. Hagerty fastens his gaze on their face and delivers the words that starts the wheels grinding: “What’s your workaround?”

It is at once a question that gets to the heart of the inspiration, understanding and sense of purpose that many students who arrive at Beacon are seeking. A driving call to action that challenges students not to surrender to difficulties or disability, but to roll up their sleeves, get creative and let gritty determination rule the day.

For Dr. Hagerty, his magic for motivating others and meaningfully connecting is not a matter of reciting rote words but reliving a dramatic scene from his life’s script.

As a college freshman, doctors declared him legally blind — a diagnosis that might have scuttled his academic journey but propelled him to complete a bachelor’s degree at Stonehill and then a master’s degree and doctorate at Harvard. Instead of sapping his spirit, the diagnosis fueled his passion to better serve students who are too often overlooked by the traditional education system. Decades after that fateful turn in his life, thousands of Beacon students have been influenced by his words and innovative approach to higher learning.

3

Since being appointed president in 2013, Dr. Hagerty has worked tirelessly to fulfill the college’s mission, cultivating an environment where neurodivergent students — who are often “put second” — are put first, fully embraced and set on a course to pursue worthy work and an abundant life. “It’s like he sees into people’s souls,” said Sarah Flannagan, chair of the Beacon College board of trustees. “And he sees beyond their physical appearance, or their socio economic status, or their learning differences. He sees who the person is more than anybody I have ever met.”

Installed as the college’s third President on Feb. 21, 2014, Dr. Hagerty’s appointment to Beacon College brought him back to a daily commitment to elevating opportunities for individuals with disabilities and learning differences, the focus of his early career with the U.S. Department of Education. A Place Where Neurodivergent Students Excel

During his inaugural address, Dr. Hagerty shared his appreciation for the mission and history of Beacon College and those who helped ensure its success, and provided a glimpse into his plans for campus and student growth that would lift Beacon to greater excellence.

4

The Beacon College that has been envisioned and that will prosper over the next decade is worthy of its legacy, its extraordinary promise and our singular mission. Dr. George J. Hagerty, 2014

These words were a vow to Beacon’s extraordinary students and their families that the college will nurture an environment where neurodivergent students do not just succeed — they excel. Under Dr. Hagerty’s leadership, Beacon has done just that. In the last decade, Beacon College has enjoyed a historic increase in enrollment and graduation rates. Enrollment has jumped from 187 undergraduate students to over 500. Throughout his tenure, 63% of Beacon College students graduate with a degree in four years and 83.5% secure post-degree employment or pursue advanced study.

This impressive growth under Dr. Hagerty’s leadership has earned Beacon College recognition and honors that set the institution apart from others:

Top 3

Top 100

No. 1

Top 3 ranking in U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Regional Colleges in the South”

Earned a prestigious spot on Forbes’s inaugural Accessibility 100 list

No. 1 on Peterson’s “20 Great Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities”

5

Transitioning from high school to college is not a cakewalk for most students, especially for those who are neurodivergent. That is why Beacon tossed out a lifeline with the college readiness programs established under Dr. Hagerty, such as Navigator PREP Jr., Navigator PREP, Summer for Success and Beacon Foundations. Before students arrive for their first day on campus, they receive guidance and counsel to help them, and their families, adjust to college life with the skills, confidence and resources they need. With strong interest and demand from so many students and families, Dr. Hagerty moved to expand Navigator PREP in 2019 to students attending any college, anywhere. True to the Beacon mission, as well as his own passion for helping all students achieve post-secondary success, these family-centered programs have helped more than 1,200 students enroll at their college or university of choice, nationwide. While enrolled at Beacon, students progress from college readiness to life readiness — preparing them to live “the life abundant” after they earn their degree. Beacon students’ potential extends beyond what they learn in the classroom and employers have taken notice. Through Dr. Hagerty’s vision, the college has established the Jones Center for Career Preparation and secured corporate partnerships with an impressive array of organizations, including Fortune 500 companies such as Dell Technologies, The Walt Disney Company, Johnson & Johnson and Wells Fargo. As a result, 100% of Beacon College students secure internships, and many later continue with those companies after graduation.

6

What has not changed during Dr. Hagerty’s tenure is that by the time many of Beacon students arrive on campus, they have traveled a long, difficult road. They have lived a journey full of unmet expectations, failed and broken promises, and lack of follow through support at the K-12 level. Beacon has always found that unacceptable and, over the years, has remained committed to changing those outcomes. Giving the Best to Every Student — On Campus and Beyond

I’ve always said I’m not here to run a learning difference college. I’m here to run something very different. I’m here to run a highly competitive-liberal arts institution, which does instruction exclusively devoted to the profile of learners with learning and attention issues. Dr. George J. Hagerty

Since he arrived at Beacon, beyond what happens in the classroom and within our core curriculum, Dr. Hagerty has also challenged the community to focus intently on creating an academic home for our students in the truest sense — one where the key chapters of their life stories are written: discovering the joy of learning, making good friends, developing self-confidence and gaining a vision for their future. He has successfully done this by revamping the academic, social and living spaces on our campus, and beyond. “It’s important for him that things look nice for the students and that they have pride in their institution,” said Dr. Thomas Horgan, the former president and CEO of the New Hampshire College & University Council.

In 2015, Dr. Hagerty led efforts to transform a century-old train station in downtown Leesburg into our current on-campus fitness center.

7

A year later came the extreme exterior makeover on the former social security building turned student center to bring its appearance more in line with the collegiate look Dr. Hagerty was cultivating. Several years later, came additional improvements inside to shape it more into a true, welcoming student union. In spring 2018 and fall 2020, Dr. Hagerty also led efforts to open Beacon’s two new student housing facilities, Resnick Alpern Plung (RAP) Hall and Plung Alpern Resnick (PAR) Residence Hall. The modern dormitory-style spaces offer either private single bedrooms or singles in pod-style rooming areas. Since they opened, these have become some of the most sought-after living spaces on campus.

In 2021, Dr. Hagerty oversaw the opening of a revamped vibrantly colored dining commons — pulsing with a more collegiate feel than the dark, former country-western-themed restaurant from which the old Chopping Block dining facility was born. And last year, the College broadened its culinary footprint by rolling out the Blazer Grazer food truck giving students more places to grab a bite across campus. In 2023, students welcomed the Jack Jones Oasis, an outdoor leisure space with new basketball courts, swimming pool, gazebo, fire pit, and more.

8

Over the years, Dr. Hagerty has also transformed the physical appearance of the campus by adding Durand Park and other pocket parks and green spaces with fountains to complement pre-existing architecture and add to the historic downtown Leesburg landscape. Those close to him refer to these additions as “Hagerty projects,” representing a clear sense of pride in our community. “I think their investment in Leesburg downtown has been very beneficial for the city and the community,” said Al Minner, Leesburg city manager. “Purchasing buildings that were blighted, matching our architectural schemes; [that’s] how … you get a college campus and college atmosphere in a historic downtown community. And, and I think Dr. Hagerty is very aware of that. And everything they put forth really blends well and complements our downtown.” Still, ever the world traveler, Dr. Hagerty realized that Beacon students — like their neurotypical peers elsewhere — would benefit from experiencing the world beyond their Leesburg campus. In 2017, he launched the college’s highly regarded study abroad program, Beacon in Tuscany. The program, believed to be the first and only semester-long global education program for neurodivergent students, jets a group of Beacon students to the medieval city of Prato, Italy each fall.

Beacon in Tuscany’s coursework focuses on the Renaissance and is organized around a central theme, with instruction provided by both Beacon faculty and local educators and experts. Students also experience the uniqueness of living and studying in a medieval city, with regular trips to historic and contemporary sites. Beacon in Tuscany has become a “rite of passage” for the many students who participate.

9

In February 2024, Dr. Hagerty duplicated that enthusiasm and broadened the college’s globetrotting as Beacon students embarked on a study abroad adventure in Japan with the new Beacon in Tokyo program. As Tokyo cultural tourists, students navigate through a series of immersive field trips that delved into the fascinating worlds of automotive manufacturing, cutting-edge electronics and gaming technology, sustainable agriculture practices, resourceful mining operations and shipbuilding.

“[George] appreciates the struggles that our students have,” said Dr. Oksana Hagerty, his wife and Beacon College’s dean of the Robey Center for Student Success. “And just like for himself, he never wants to compromise. He always wanted the best: a Harvard degree and a college presidency. He always wants to live life abundantly and sincerely wants the same for students because he did it for himself. He knows it is possible.” While academics always come first at a higher education institution, Dr. Hagerty has always preached that they are only a piece of the puzzle. Athletics and intramural sports play a consequential role holistically for students in fostering self-confidence, teamwork, mental health, discipline and social development. Over 70% of Beacon College students participate regularly in fitness, intramural, recreation and competitive athletic programming. As a result, Dr. Hagerty saw a need to formally expand the college’s athletics program — men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, golf and tennis — and attract more student-athletes with learning and attention issues to campus. Focusing on the Whole Student

10

In 2023, Beacon was accepted as a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA), a national small-college intercollegiate athletic league, to compete in men’s and women’s basketball and cross-country. As part of that transition, the college also introduced a new mascot, the Beacon College Blazers, to further build and better represent the strength and will of our students and our burgeoning athletics program.

“The expansion of our athletic programs at Beacon College aligns perfectly with our holistic approach to education,” said Dana Manzo, vice president of student affairs. “We recognize the invaluable role sports play in developing key life skills like leadership, discipline, and mindfulness. These programs don't just benefit our student-athletes; they enrich our entire college community, creating an environment where every student can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.” In a little over a decade, Dr. Hagerty has completely transformed the culture, the look, and the global standing of Beacon College, yet Beacon has only scratched the surface of what kind of institution he believes it can be. His unwavering vision continues to focus on how Beacon can best serve the academic, social and emotional needs of our growing student population with his most ambitious initiative to date. Beacon’s current $14.5 million capital campaign, The Beacon Promise, is central to that effort. Our Exciting Next Chapter

The campaign will further elevate the student experience through three key elements:

Construction of an $11 million, 28,000-square-foot Intramural & Fitness Center

Dedication of $1.5 million for enhancements to Beacon’s Academic Mall

Establishment of a $2 million scholarship endowment

11

By building a much-needed hub for physical and social activity on campus, securing life changing scholarship funding and expanding our academic footprint in downtown Leesburg, under Dr. Hagerty’s leadership the college will continue to deliver on the vow he made more than a decade ago.

Twelve years later, the more things change, the more some things stay the same. When asked to reflect on his journey at Beacon College, Dr. Hagerty shared a similar appreciation for Beacon as he did in his inauguration speech 12 years ago. This time, however, he was not just dreaming of a future where we were transforming higher education for neurodiverse students. He was living it.

Why would I want to be anywhere else? This is an incredible community. It’s the best community I belong to. Dr. George J. Hagerty

12

105 East Main Street, Leesburg, FL 34748

13

beaconcollege.edu