Claudia Hart
Claudia Hart is Executive Director for Enrollment Services and Director of the International Office at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where she leads strategic initiatives supporting international education, global mobility, and immigration-related services for students, scholars, and faculty. With more than 26 years of experience in higher education and over two decades of service at SMU, she has played a key role in strengthening international enrollment operations, advancing compliance frameworks, and supporting the university’s global engagement mission. Known for her collaborative leadership approach, Claudia serves as a trusted advisor to institutional leadership on policy interpretation, strategic planning, and student success initiatives.
Claudia is a first-generation college graduate whose career began as a student worker in a multicultural center, an experience that shaped her student-centered philosophy and commitment to access and inclusion. She is recognized for her transformative leadership style, focusing on hiring for growth, encouraging continuous learning, and investing in professional development for her teams. Her professional specialization includes international student and scholar services, immigration compliance, global enrollment strategy, dispute resolution, and operational process design that improves efficiency while maintaining compassionate, student-focused service delivery.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Claudia is deeply committed to family, wellness, and personal enrichment. She enjoys dancing, exercising, and spending quality time with her family, values that help sustain her balanced, purpose-driven leadership approach. Grounded in integrity, mentorship, and service, Claudia is passionate about empowering others, building strong global academic communities, and creating opportunities that help students and scholars succeed both personally and academically.
• Project Management Certificate
• Richland Community College - AA
• Southern Methodist University - Dispute Resolution, Conflict Management
• Southern Methodist University - MDR
• Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA)
• NAFSA
What do you attribute your success to?
Being a first-generation student who worked while studying, seizing opportunities, and maintaining a sustained commitment to student-centered advocacy and professional growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Embrace mentorship and professional development, be open to learning from colleagues, and seek roles where you can both serve and grow; Claudia emphasizes cultivating leadership in others and being a resource.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Institutional leadership transitions creating new strategic priorities at SMU; immigration policy complexity and compliance; operationalizing expanded responsibilities (e.g., H-1B sponsorship); and the opportunity to apply technology and new processes to increase efficiency while protecting students and scholars.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Student-centered advocacy, mentorship and leadership development, operational effectiveness, and holistic well-being (physical, mental, spiritual).