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.
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.