Carla Hagan

Berea was the first city my father ever saw when he caught a ride out of the hills of Jackson County at age
18. His drive to see his children educated changed our family’s circumstances for generations, transformation I have proudly witnessed in countless students over my 28 years in higher education. Because of this, I am thrilled to be at Berea College, where tuition, the biggest barrier to a degree, is removed.

Having earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky and previously taught at Eastern Kentucky University, I deeply value academic opportunities, but I also know the immense stress that can accompany them. To help students succeed, I combine a background as an award-winning educator with my personal expertise as a foster parent and family advocate. This allows me to serve as a compassionate guide, connecting students to vital wraparound services outside the classroom so they can balance academic achievement with their personal and family dreams.

Outside of work, my husband Steve and I live in Madison County with our three children, Kate, Luke, and Lauryn. We are active in our church, love traveling and outdoor activities, and regularly open our home to families in need, firmly believing in a life dedicated to service and fun.