Leesburg, Fla., Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. George J. Hagerty, president of Beacon College...


Leesburg, Fla., Feb.  05, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. George J. Hagerty, president of Beacon College, announced today that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2026–27 academic year, which will mark the end of a transformative 13-year tenure defined by record enrollment, major campus improvements, strengthened academics and significant fundraising success.     “Serving as Beacon’s president has been one of the great honors of my professional life,” Hagerty said. “Every day, I have been inspired by the resilience and ambition of our students and by the unwavering dedication of the faculty and staff who support them. Beacon’s mission — to ensure that students who learn differently can thrive in college and beyond — has been my calling and capstone. As I look toward retirement, I do so with pride in the progress we have made together and abiding confidence in the college’s vision for the future.”     Since assuming the presidency in 2013, Hagerty has overseen a period of remarkable growth and innovation. Under his leadership, the college has achieved record enrollment; expanded and modernized its campus footprint; introduced innovative academic and student support programs in the United States and abroad and advanced its national reputation as a premier institution for students with learning differences and neurodivergent profiles. Beacon has also maintained a strong financial position with modest debt, reflecting strategic stewardship and robust philanthropic support.     During his tenure, the college completed multiple campus renewal projects, expanded residential and academic facilities, strengthened student life programming and secured major gifts that have fueled both growth and long-term sustainability.     Board Chair Sarah Flanagan praised Hagerty’s impact and leadership.     “Dr. Hagerty has been a visionary leader whose dedication to Beacon’s mission has changed countless lives,” she said. “His commitment to academic excellence, student success, and responsible growth has elevated Beacon to national prominence. George leads with heart, integrity and optimism, and the board is profoundly grateful for his service. While we will miss his leadership deeply, his retirement is abundantly well deserved.”     Flanagan also noted that the Board of Trustees will soon launch a national search for Beacon College’s next president.     “Shortly, we will share details about the search process, which will include opportunities for input from faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners,” she said. “Beacon’s next leader will inherit a strong, mission-driven institution positioned for continued success.”     Hagerty will remain in office until June 30, 2027.     “Beacon has enjoyed significant and sustained progress over its relatively young 36 years, and I am confident that the college is poised for an even brighter future,” Hagerty said. “It’s trajectory – even in these most competitive of times – is secure through the leadership of this community, and I will remain a steadfast advocate and ambassador for Beacon and its distinct mission.”     For more information, visit https://www.beaconcollege.edu/about/president-hagerty/     For a high-res photo, download here: https://beaconcollege.egnyte.com/dl/qDdgdYCmwVcX     For a full bio and additional information about Hagerty's accomplishment, visit https://beaconcollege.egnyte.com/fl/4wpGbJVJYHRM     About Beacon College     Founded in 1989, Beacon College is the first accredited baccalaureate institution dedicated to educating primarily students with learning disabilities, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences. Recognized internationally as a preeminent institution for accommodating and preparing students who learn differently to prosper in a global economy, Beacon College provides a forward-thinking environment with multiple degree programs and specialized support services for neurodivergent students.     Internationally recognized for its specialized mission, Beacon College was named to the inaugural Forbes Accessibility 100 list, honoring top innovators advancing access for people with disabilities. The college continues to earn national and regional acclaim, including top 25 rankings in U.S. News & World Report's Regional Colleges (South) for the last four years; the No. 1 spot in Peterson's Guide “20 Great Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities;” and No. 1 in Best Value Schools’ “The 20 Best Value Colleges for Learning Disabilities.”     ###   

            
        Dr. George J. Hagerty
      
            
        Beacon College
      
      
 
            
        
                
                        Dr. George J. Hagerty

                Dr. George J. Hagerty, President of Beacon College
            
            
                
                        Beacon College

                Beacon College
            

        
    

HGTY

Beacon College President George J. Hagerty Announces Plans to Retire in June 2027

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>Leesburg, Fla., Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. George J. Hagerty, president of Beacon College...</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>Dr. George Hagerty&#039;s impending retirement from Beacon College marks the end of a successful tenure characterized by significant growth and recognition for the institution&#039;s support of neurodiverse students. As the college seeks new leadership, its solid position and reputation suggest a potential transition period but bode well for future stability.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>Dr. George Hagerty announces retirement from Beacon College after 13 years.</li><li>Hagerty&#039;s tenure marked by record enrollment and campus improvements.</li><li>Beacon College recognized for supporting students with learning differences.</li><li>Board to initiate national search for new president.</li><li>Hagerty will remain until June 30, 2027.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>Beacon College (N/A)</strong>: Beacon College&#039;s reputation for inclusivity may drive continued success.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Corporate Developments</h3>
    <p>This news falls under &#039;Corporate Developments&#039; as it highlights a significant leadership transition within an educational institution. Such changes are critical for stakeholders, including investors who might consider the college&#039;s operational continuity and strategy in maintaining its mission-driven goals.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>Leadership changes at Beacon College could impact strategic direction and fundraising.</li><li>Beacon&#039;s ongoing recognition as a premier institution may attract further donations.</li><li>Increased competition in the education sector could pressure enrollment numbers if not managed.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>Dr. Hagerty&#039;s retirement is effective June 30, 2027.</li><li>Beacon College has achieved record enrollment during Hagerty&#039;s tenure.</li><li>Hagerty&#039;s leadership included major campus improvements and enhanced academic programs.</li><li>Beacon College is recognized by Forbes Accessibility 100.</li><li>The college ranks as a top 25 regional college in the South.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>HGTY should remain stable amid leadership transition as the institution maintains strong fundamentals.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<article>
    <header>
        <h1>Beacon College President George J. Hagerty Announces Retirement Plans for June 2027</h1>
        <p>Leesburg, Fla., Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dr. George J. Hagerty, the president of Beacon College and a pivotal figure in the institution's development, has officially announced his retirement plans effective June 30, 2027. This decision concludes a remarkable 13-year era highlighted by substantial growth, improved campus facilities, enhanced academic programs, and significant fundraising achievements.</p>
    </header>

    <section>
        <h2>A Transformative Tenure at Beacon College</h2>
        <p>Since Dr. Hagerty took the helm in 2013, Beacon College has seen an unprecedented increase in enrollment and an expansion of its campus footprint. His leadership has been characterized by innovative programs aimed at supporting students with learning differences, making the college a national leader in catering to the needs of neurodivergent students.</p>
        <ul>
            <li><strong>Record Enrollment</strong>: Achieved during Hagerty's presidency.</li>
            <li><strong>Campus Expansion</strong>: Major improvements to residential and academic facilities.</li>
            <li><strong>National Recognition</strong>: Enhanced reputation for serving students with learning differences.</li>
        </ul>
        <p>Under Hagerty’s guidance, Beacon College has maintained a strong financial status, characterized by modest debt levels. This reflects a strategic approach to financial stewardship and a successful fundraising strategy supported by philanthropic contributions.</p>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h2>Praise from Leadership and Next Steps</h2>
        <p>Sarah Flanagan, Chair of the Board, commended Dr. Hagerty’s visionary leadership, stating, “Dr. Hagerty has been a visionary leader whose dedication to Beacon’s mission has changed countless lives.” She further emphasized that his influence has significantly raised the institution's profile in national higher education.</p>
        <p>As Dr. Hagerty prepares for his departure, the Board of Trustees is set to initiate a national search for his successor. Flanagan mentioned, “Details about the search process will include opportunities for community input, ensuring that our next leader aligns with Beacon’s mission and vision for future success.”</p>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h2>Looking Ahead: A Confident Future</h2>
        <p>Hagerty expressed his pride in the advancements made during his tenure, reflecting on the college's achievements. “Beacon has enjoyed significant and sustained progress over its relatively young 36 years, and I am confident that the college is poised for an even brighter future,” he stated. His enduring support for the college's mission will continue post-retirement, reinforcing his commitment to Beacon College’s vision.</p>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h2>About Beacon College</h2>
        <p>Established in 1989, Beacon College stands as the first accredited institution specifically designed to educate students with learning disabilities, ADHD, dyslexia, and various other learning differences. It is globally recognized for its innovative approaches in providing educational opportunities and support services tailored for neurodivergent students. In recent years, the college has achieved numerous accolades, including:</p>
        <ul>
            <li>Inclusion in the inaugural Forbes Accessibility 100 list.</li>
            <li>Top rankings in U.S. News & World Report's Regional Colleges (South) for four consecutive years.</li>
            <li>The No. 1 spot in Peterson's Guide for "20 Great Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities."</li>
        </ul>
    </section>

    <footer>
        <p>For more information about Dr. George J. Hagerty and his impact on Beacon College, visit <a href="https://www.beaconcollege.edu/about/president-hagerty/">Beacon College</a>.</p>
        <p>For a high-resolution photo, download <a href="https://beaconcollege.egnyte.com/dl/qDdgdYCmwVcX">here</a>.</p>
        <p>To view Dr. Hagerty's full bio and accomplishments, visit <a href="https://beaconcollege.egnyte.com/fl/4wpGbJVJYHRM">this link</a>.</p>
    </footer>
</article>

Dr. George Hagerty's impending retirement from Beacon College marks the end of a successful tenure characterized by significant growth and recognition for the institution's support of neurodiverse students. As the college seeks new leadership, its solid position and reputation suggest a potential transition period but bode well for future stability.

Beacon College President George J. Hagerty Announces Plans to Retire in June 2027

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