George Hagerty

About Dr. George Hagerty

A passionate leader in special education, Dr. George J. Hagerty continues to transform the way higher education institutions around the globe serve the needs of students with learning differences. Appointed as Beacon College president in 2013, he cultivates an environment where neurodivergent students — who are often “put second” — are prioritized first, fully embraced, and set on a course to pursue worthy work and an independent life. His vision and dedication to the institution have resulted in Beacon College’s transformative growth and rise in national recognition.

Under his leadership, Beacon College has seen a historic increase in its enrollment and graduation rates. In just under a decade, the institution has grown from 187 undergraduate students to over 500. Compared to the only 27% of collegians with learning differences who graduated in four years and 54% who were unemployed nationally during that time, 63% of Beacon College students graduated with a degree in four years, and 71.4% secured post-degree employment or pursued advanced studies.

Prior to his time at Beacon, Hagerty served as president of University Advisors International, Inc. (UAI), a U.S.-based international investment and consulting company that provided counsel to institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, and corporations on four continents. Previous to that appointment, he served as provost and university professor at the newly founded Hellenic American University in Athens, Greece, and as the president of Franklin Pierce University.