Professor Hagan joins the Department of Criminology & Justice at Loyola University, New Orleans, bringing a vital perspective grounded in years of direct experience with youth in secondary education. A former social studies teacher and an avid history buff, Professor Hagan is a passionate advocate for children, regardless of their background. Her teaching philosophy is centered on equipping students to view complex social issues through multiple lenses, allowing them to understand the historical roots and present-day impacts of injustice.
Professor Hagan's research is dedicated to exploring the critical intersections of youth, society, and the justice system. Her primary research interests include the abuse-to-prison pipeline, juvenile delinquency, gang violence, and the urgent need for criminal justice reform. This focus is exemplified in her master's thesis, From Victimization to Incarceration: Understanding the Abuse-to-Prison Pipeline for Black Girls. In her courses, she draws on both her historical knowledge and her research to create a classroom environment where students can critically and compassionately examine these topics together, always seeking a deeper understanding and exploring pathways toward a more just future.