Sarah Flanagan is a national leader in higher education policy, government relations and institutional advocacy. Prior to her retirement in 2025, she led government relations for the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities for more than three decades, representing private nonprofit colleges and universities on issues including federal regulation, student financial aid and tax policy.
Before joining NAICU, Flanagan served as a professional staff member for the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Education, Arts and Humanities under Sen. Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island. She also served as staff director for the Senate Subcommittee on Children, Families, Drugs and Alcoholism under Sen. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut. Those positions provided extensive experience in education policy development and federal legislative affairs.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Flanagan has served in governance and advisory roles throughout higher education. She previously served on the Board of Trustees of Mary Baldwin University and is Trustee Emerita of Providence College. Her experience in public policy, advocacy and institutional governance contributes valuable perspective to Beacon College’s Board of Trustees.