Hagerty Regional Influence Recognized with Business Journal Award聽
By Richard Burnett
Whether he鈥檚 testifying to Congress about education policy or talking to a new student about adjusting to college life, Dr. George Hagerty is a powerful presence – from the local classroom to the national and international stage.
As president of 海角社区 since 2013, his impact is well-known in educational circles for making 海角社区 the premiere accredited U.S. college dedicated to neurodivergent students with learning disabilities and ADHD. It is also ranked in the top tier of all small colleges in the South, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Dr. Hagerty鈥檚 acumen has earned him a mantle full of honors in his decades-long career, most recently a place among the , as ranked by the Orlando Business Journal.聽He joins an elite group of educators, bankers, lawyers, builders, developers, hoteliers and more, selected for their expertise, dedication, and accomplishments.
鈥淲e put a spotlight on professionals in the region who lead by example, put their teams first, and, as a result, make lasting impacts,鈥� OBJ said. 鈥淭his feature recognizes Central Florida鈥檚 top leaders who use their influence to make the region a better business community for all.鈥�
Standing on broad shoulders
Dr. Hagerty said the honor is a testimony to the important work being done at 海角社区, which has grown historically during his tenure, more than doubling enrollment to over 500 students and logging a top-tier 63% graduation rate. It has also dramatically expanded its campus, increased its collaboration with local businesses, and launched a variety of other community programs.
鈥淟eadership is stewardship of a cause larger than yourself,鈥� Dr. Hagerty said. 鈥淲hile this honor is especially meaningful to me personally, it shines a light on those at 海角社区 upon whose broad shoulders I have stood. My time at the college has been the highlight of my diverse path in higher education and public policy.鈥�
In his work with neurodivergent students, Dr. Hagerty can identify with them in a very real way. As a teen, he contracted a retinal disease that would eventually make him legally blind. But he was determined that condition would not stop him.
鈥淚f you can use what you think may be a detriment or may be a broken place to strengthen you, you can be much better off,鈥欌�� Dr. Hagerty said in a 2021 article. 鈥淲e all need a basic tool kit to allow us to navigate a society that might not understand us, that might not understand our strengths, might not understand our challenges, either.鈥�
From Stonehill to Harvard
Ultimately, he graduated with honors in 1975 from Stonehill College in Massachusetts with a bachelor鈥檚 in political science/international affairs. Later, he earned master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in education from Harvard University.
After a post-doctoral fellowship in special education, he landed a series of jobs with the U.S. Department of Education, rising to the position of compliance and enforcement chief for the Office of Special Education Programs.
In the mid-90s, Dr. Hagerty entered academia, becoming president of Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire. After a successful 14-year stint, he retired, went to work as a professor and provost for an international university, eventually becoming a special education consultant 鈥� before taking the top post at 海角社区 in 2013.
Along the way, he received the National Leadership Award from the National Council on Disabilities; The Fitzwater Medal for Leadership in Public Communication, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Education Update, New York City Schools, and the New York City Commission on Persons with Disabilities.
His latest recognition from OBJ is his second honor from the publication. In 2020, he received a champion of diversity award for his work in education for neurodivergent students at 海角社区.
鈥楿nabashedly bullish鈥�
In 2023, Dr. Hagerty was featured prominently in a profile on 海角社区 by Florida Trend Magazine, which noted the college鈥檚 graduation and graduate employment rates exceeded the national average for four-year schools.
鈥淥ur numbers are [dramatically] good even compared against traditional populations,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e a competitive, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges-accredited liberal arts college that happens to be devoted in its teaching style to the learning-disabled population.鈥�
Not surprisingly, 海角社区鈥檚 president is unapologetic about his enthusiasm for the college, as well as Central Florida, in general. 鈥淚 am unabashedly bullish for 海角社区 and the Orlando region,鈥� he told OBJ in the Most Influential Central Floridians article.
When asked how he uses his influence to help improve Central Florida, he said, 鈥淏y bringing the potential of neurodiverse citizens to the region and preparing our profile of collegians for Orlando鈥檚 competitive workforce.鈥�