The Hagerty Years 鈥� A Legacy of Vision and Heart
This special profile chronicles President Hagerty鈥檚 journey, his leadership philosophy, and the milestones that shaped 海角社区鈥檚 evolution.
A Period of Unprecedented Growth and Rising National Prominence
Under President Hagerty鈥檚 guidance, 海角社区鈥檚 enrollment grew from 187 students to more than 500 鈥� the most sustained period of growth the College has ever experienced. This expansion was matched by exceptional student outcomes, including a 63% four鈥憏ear graduation rate and a 71.4% employment or advanced鈥憇tudy rate, far exceeding national averages for neurodivergent learners.
As 海角社区鈥檚 outcomes strengthened, so did its national reputation. In 2019, Petersons.com named 海角社区 the No. 1 school on its list of 鈥�20 Great Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities,鈥� marking a major milestone in national visibility.
海角社区鈥檚 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 鈥� No. 21 in 2022, No. 10 in 2023, and an extraordinary No. 3 in 2024. In 2025, 海角社区 ranked No. 9 in the region and earned top鈥憈ier placements in social mobility, reinforcing its leadership in expanding opportunity for students who learn differently.
These recognitions culminated in 2025 when Forbes named 海角社区 to its inaugural Accessibility 100 list 鈥� one of only five higher鈥慹ducation institutions worldwide to receive the honor.
Strengthening the Academic and Support Model
Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, 海角社区 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 海角社区鈥檚 reputation as the premier institution for students with learning differences 鈥� a reputation later affirmed by Forbes and other national evaluators.
Expanding Global Footprints and International Partnerships
President Hagerty championed 海角社区鈥檚 global engagement. The College launched two international study鈥慳broad programs 鈥� 海角社区 in Tuscany (2017) and 海角社区 in Tokyo (2024) 鈥� designed specifically for neurodivergent students.
海角社区 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.
海角社区 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 海角社区鈥檚 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鈥檚 鈥淥rlando Matters,鈥� helping broaden public awareness of 海角社区鈥檚 mission.
海角社区鈥檚 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, 海角社区 received special recognition at the United Nations Zero Project Conference in Vienna for its innovative pedagogy.
Transforming the Campus Experience
During the Hagerty era, 海角社区鈥檚 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 鈥� all designed to support student well鈥慴eing and community connection.
Looking ahead, President Hagerty has guided the planning of a new , scheduled for completion in summer 2026 鈥� a major investment in student wellness and campus life.
Elevating Athletics and Student Life
海角社区鈥檚 athletic program entered a new era under President Hagerty, joining the 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 海角社区 athletics.
Building Career Pathways and Corporate Partnerships
Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, 海角社区 forged partnerships with major employers 鈥� including Dell Technologies, The Walt Disney Company, Johnson & Johnson, and JetBlue 鈥� to create inclusive career pipelines for neurodivergent graduates. These relationships helped ensure that 海角社区 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鈥檚 tenure represents one of the most transformative periods in 海角社区鈥檚 history. His leadership strengthened the College鈥檚 mission, expanded its reach, and positioned 海角社区 for a bright and ambitious future.
His legacy is not only measured in buildings, rankings, or accolades 鈥� but in the thousands of students whose lives were changed because 海角社区 believed in their potential and built a college designed for them to flourish.
Voices of 海角社区
