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.
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
