Campus Master Planning: Beacon College

Founded in 1989, Beacon College was the first and remains one of the few institutions exclusively devoted to the academic and career success of students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and other learning differences. Located in Leesburg, Florida, Beacon College offers Bachelor’s and Associate’s degrees in Business Management, Computer Information Systems, Human Services, Interdisciplinary Studies, Psychology, and Studio Arts.

President George Hagerty, proud of the College’s success, noted that the campus community had work to do to enhance the students’ sense of place and purpose. The College could exceed enrollment growth goals, as well as address the space-and-place needs around the campus by maximizing space and incorporating the living-and-learning community model on the campus. President Hagerty knew it was time to address growth head on, and create a sustainable Campus Master Plan (CMP), focused on the student experience.

Animating the Mission: President George Hagerty from Credo on Vimeo.

Beacon's Experience Working with credo

Step One: A Strategy Day

To get started on the path to success, President Hagerty first visited Credo for a no-fee day of consulting. “The Strategy Day was extremely important because it allowed me to see first-hand what type of resources were available through Credo. It also allowed me to establish a level of trust with Credo staff, and I could say what was on my mind as far as direction of the institution, what my major concerns were, and what my ambitions are for the institution,” he said, reflecting upon the value of his day at Credo.

It can be challenging for leaders to find trusted confidants and colleagues to review complex issues they face on campus. Since Credo has partnered with more than 300 independent higher educational institutions, we are able to be both comprehensive and specialized—focused on big picture, strategic success, but also able to meet institutions where they are, and move them forward from good to great.

Step Two: Campus Master Planning 

Following the Strategy Day, President Hagerty, partnering with Credo, implemented a plan to grow the College by focusing on the students—their experience on campus, the places in which they they live and learn, and how these experiences affect best-fit and retention. Together, Beacon College and Credo experts focused on understanding and communicating the notably remarkable outcomes of Beacons students: its strong 4-year graduation rate, retention rate, and employment/continue onto graduate school rate. With the vision of continuous improvement, Beacon College began to undergo transformation by implementing their own dynamic Campus Master Plan through the lens of the student experience. By understanding students’ unique needs and goals, Credo was able to customize a CMP for Beacon that would best serve the College and its campus for today and into the future.  

beacon's Results

Through intentionality in creating spaces and places that reinforce and animate their mission, Beacon has already seen growth and improved outcomes as a result of their Campus Master Plan. By putting students at the heart of our work, Credo is able to tailor strategies and plans to empower your campus to meet your own enrollment, retention, and campus growth goals.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

When trying to implement a Campus Master Plan, a higher education consulting firm can help you align your vision, your team and your goals. to learn more about how we can help you achieve your enrollment goals.