The second that you walk in the door, she’s your host, and you’re her guest. No matter the occasion, whether it’s to stop by and say hello or there’s a real-life crisis. She’s there with a smile that could melt the coldest heart, kind words to pick you up from whatever hole you’re in, and most of all a solution for just about everything.
“I think there are so many Deans and Advisors that are sought after and I think for all of us it is for the same reason, we listen, we genuinely care about that student and who they are and where they are coming from, where they want to go, what they are struggling with and why and we do not judge.  Student needs that and seek that.”
Christine Hagedorn, Bucks’ Dean of Student affairs, is truly one of the hearts of the college. She could easily be considered that cool aunt, who always has some wisdom, never judges you, and always looks out for you. She breaks down the barrier between students and faculty and just becomes a friend, who’s there to help.
Hagedorn oversees seven service units at the campus including, Counseling Services, Advising Transfer Planning Services, Career Services, Contact Centers, KEYS, and The Accessibility Services office. Her main job is to make sure the services are being implemented correctly and ensure that students are supported inside and outside the classroom.
“I go above and beyond for my students because I remember all of the people that have done it for me in my life, and they made all the difference between my success and failure,” she said, adding, “Sometimes they just need that little extra care, hope and encouragement.”
On a busy weekday night, Hagedorn did something that most college employees wouldn’t dream of doing. She invited me into her home, to sit with her family, talk and get to know her. A woman who works 50-hour weeks, is married and has two active teenagers, makes time for a student in need.
It’s because of this that students usually turn to Hagedorn when they’re in need, regardless of the fact that you need to make an appointment just to say hello because of her busy schedule. She never turns any student away. Even if it means having a conversation on the go, as she races to one of her many meetings.
Hagedorn does a little bit of everything when it comes to helping students. Her services range from helping students pick a major, guiding to students with life after Bucks whether it be transferring to a  four year school or starting a career, down to simply teaching students how to deal with heavy course loads, and communicate with their professors and peers effectively.
When asked about her positive attitude and if she has always been known for being cheerful and helpful, she blushed and answered shyly, flattered that people have said such nice things about her. “That is so nice.  Yes looking back it occurs to me I have always been positive because in high school and sometimes in college I was made fun of for ‘liking everything’ she added with air quotes.”
She went on, laughing, “for example, I liked the food in the cafeteria when everyone else complained about it. I guess you could say I was always different and constantly upbeat,” She added with a more serious note, “I like to make the most of what we have in front of us and I like people.”
Looking back on her life, Hagedorn had a faint smile saying, “I always thought my career would involve economics or international relations. I never imagined I’d end up where I am today.”
Hagedorn originally went to St. John’s University for her AA in Business Administration and BS in Journalism, and her MBA in International Finance from Wagner College. She later went on to pursue her PhD of Management in Community College Policy and Administration from the University of Maryland University College.
Many look at Hagedorn and wonder how she stumbled upon this line of work.
After undergrad she worked as an economist at the Korean Embassy in Washington D.C. She reported on global economic trends, as well as worked with other reporters at the State Department, White House Press Office, World Bank, and several think tanks.
Her job took her all over the world as well as nationwide to the White House, congress, senate, and other political venues.
Married for almost 20 years now, Hagedorn found herself, a native of Long Island, settling down with her husband in Bucks County. They have two beautiful children, Hagedorn said. “My kids are some of my greatest achievements. They make me so happy, I learn so much from the everyday, and they make me feel so blessed to be a mother.”
Taking a sip from her daily steaming cup of Lipton Green Tea she says, “I do this work because I have a true passion for the institution of the community college, the learning and personal development experience that students can and do have on a college campus, and helping people to realize their talents and potential.” She went on passionately saying, “This job affords me to work directly with all of these passions and help to be part of something amazing, which is the process of changing lives through higher education.”
Whereas many people would say their greatest achievement has something to do with themselves, Hagedorn says some of her greatest achievements are the changing of other people’s lives. “I played even one tiny role of support for even one student to aid their journey to a college degree, to me, that in itself is a great achievement.  And I get to do that several times every day. Those are the moments that I live for.”
In 10 years Hagedorn sees herself, “Getting ready to walk at the Bucks May 2026 Commencement alongside students with whom I had worked for the prior few years and colleagues who I work here with now.”
Happier with her life than she’s ever been, Christine Hagedorn says, “Someday when I’m gone, I want to be remembered for seeing the good in everything and in everyone.”