Tara M. Hart, Ed.D.
Assistant Director, American Academic Leadership Institute
Dr. Tara M. Hart joined AALI as the Assistant Director of Programs in February 2023. Dr. Hart brings more than 20 years of higher education experience from both AASCU and CIC institutions in the fields of enrollment management and student affairs, as well as serving as a faculty member. She has served institutions in the states of Nebraska, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kentucky. Her career started as a ‘road warrior’ in admissions, opening the world of pursuing a college degree for prospective students, with a particular focus on first-generation students. From there, Dr. Hart’s higher education journey afforded her multiple career opportunities in residence life, student engagement, and student enrollment, leading her to serve as the senior leader in enrollment management and/or student affairs at multiple colleges.
Dr. Hart earned her Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Hardin-Simmons University (TX), an M.S. in Counseling from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and a B.S. in Human Service Counseling from Wayne State College (NE). Dr. Hart’s passion for learning finds her continually exploring, researching, and role-modeling the subject of leadership and mentorship. To continue her professional development with collegewide assessments, she will serve as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission.