SJIU names new president

FORMER FRANKLIN PIERCE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT, GEORGE HAGERTY, TO TAKE THE HELM OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN ITALY

(Torino, Italy – August 22, 2011) The former President of Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire has been elected as the new President of St. John International University by SJIU’s Board of Trustees. The American-chartered and approved University is located in Vinovo, Italy, a suburb of the city of Torino, site of the 2006 Winter Olympics.

In announcing Dr. Hagerty’s appointment, Mrs. Lorenzina Zampedri, the Chairwoman of the SJIU Board of Trustees and the University’s founder said, “George Hagerty brings to St. John International a wealth of experience in higher education, unmistakable energy and creative vision, and a dedication to advancing the causes of global education and sustainable development. We look forward to President Hagerty’s arrival on campus in September. The entire community is thrilled with his appointment.”

After a fourteen-year tenure at Franklin Pierce, Hagerty stepped down in June of 2009 and is now the University’s President-emeritus. Dedicated to actively continuing his involvement in international education, he accepted an invitation in July of 2009 to join Hellenic American University in Athens, Greece, assuming the role of Provost and University Professor.

“I am as delighted as I am honored with my appointment as the University’s new President,” Hagerty remarked after the SJIU Trustees’ announcement. “The University’s tangible commitment to the creation of a serious academic community grounded in the liberal arts and conceived as an American institution abroad has captivated and motivated me. I look forward with great anticipation to working with Mrs. Zampedri, the Board of Trustees, the faculty, staff, and our students to advance the University’s special mission and the international culture that define and nurtures SJIU.“

Set in the picturesque Piemonte region of northern Italy, the University distinguishes itself as an international community devoted to exploring the horizons and richness of sustainability from an interdisciplinary perspective. St. John International University offers undergraduate degree programs in the traditional liberal arts disciplines, as well as specializations at the graduate level in architecture, business, and environmental studies. The University also hosts an active Study Abroad program attracting a diversity of undergraduates and graduate students from the United States and around the world.

During his tenure at Franklin Pierce, Hagerty gained considerable experience in preparation for the unique focus of his new institution. While at Pierce, he shepherded numerous international initiatives and, also, championed faculty- and staff-inspired environmental efforts. As the President of Franklin Pierce and Chairman of the National Association of Independent Schools and Colleges (NAICU), he was a founding signatory of the international “Presidents’ Call on Global Warming.”

Hagerty received his bachelor’s degree from Stonehill College and his master’s and doctoral degrees from Harvard University. He will begin his tenure as President of St. John International University on September 1st and will live in Vinovo, near the campus.