New VP of Student Affairs arrives with plans for long-term success

On April 30, 2019, a shooting took place at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) that resulted in multiple casualties, which is something Aaron Hart had never faced in 22 years in higher education.

“[The shooting] was definitely a big challenge because it hit so close to home obviously,” Hart said. “Four students were injured and two were killed. It was very challenging.”

Shortly thereafter, Hart began his tenure as the new vice president of student affairs at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL)  July 1. Since 2017, Hart was the associate vice chancellor of student affairs at UNC Charlotte.

“A lot of people will choose a job for different reasons, whether it be their profession, professional journey, career, location, all that good stuff, but I chose UHCL because I wanted to be here,” Hart said. “This campus resonates with my core values relating to student success. We have a very unique campus in which our administration cares about our students and our programs, activities, how we invest in student success is truly backed by good practices and I want to continue that trend.”

Hart previously served as Housing and Residence director at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) from 2011 to 2016. Additionally, Hart was IUPUI’s associate dean of students from 2016 to 2017.

Hart said he wishes to see what he can do to serve students and make sure they are getting a robust co-curricular experience. 

“Student affairs is here to support the academic mission of the institution and we need to take just as much pride as our faculty in the work that we do and I just look forward to the challenge,” Hart said.

While originally from the southside of Chicago, much of Hart’s family has migrated to Houston over the years. This is Hart’s third time living in Houston, which he considers to be his second home. 

Hart cites being a dad as his number one passion and pride.

“I love interacting with my kids,” Hart said. “It is something that is very important to me.” 

Hart’s second passion is food, describing himself as “a true foodie.”

“I actually take road trips just to eat,” Hart said. “I follow the Food Network trail of best restaurants. A close third is the fact that I’m a roller coaster enthusiast. I have traveled to multiple countries to ride roller coasters. I was just in Canada last month to ride the Yukon Striker.”

As a member of the American Coaster Enthusiast Association, Hart travels across the country seeking out the best and most unique amusement parks, specifically for their roller coasters. The membership allows him to attend and ride roller coasters before amusement parks open and before others have access to the ride.

The students of UHCL are Hart’s primary reason for being excited for his new position, citing they are vital to his plans for the university.

“What I’m probably most excited about is having the students at this institution help me create a blueprint for their success,” Hart said. “It’s easy for me to say this is what students want me to do but I want their input so they can be successful.” 

As part of the Division of Student Affairs, Hart wishes to create an experience for students that will allow them to have the right skills and social abilities to be successful after graduation.

“I have seen students graduate and get great jobs but in six months they are let go because they couldn’t interact with their peers and colleagues,” Hart said. “Our job at student affairs is to make sure we give them the skills to be successful in an ever-changing and diverse society. That has always been a model. That is what we do. Students get the academics and what we do is provide an experience for you to learn how to get along with others who may not look like you or think like you do so you can achieve whatever your life goals are.” 

Hart said his biggest challenge will be getting the campus to be patient with him. 

“I believe in measure twice and cut one time,” Hart said. “I want to be methodical and take my time to make sure that as we implement programs and implement initiatives, they are centered in assessment and strategic thinking.” 

Hart said he and the Division of Student Affairs are trying to lay the foundation for the next 20 years and want to create structures that will still be intact 10 years from now. Hart said his experience has made him feel ready to take on the task, noting that what has prepared him more than anything is his outgoing personality. 

“I am successful because I can say ‘I’m wrong,’” Hart said. “I am successful because I can ask for help and because I don’t have all the answers, and I am successful because I know I can’t do it all by myself. And those are things I don’t think you’re taught in the higher education classroom but have to learn that from experience.”

Hart also said he only had positive thoughts about the upcoming residence hall.

“I think the opening of Hunter Hall will provide another great positive co-curricular experience for our residents,” Hart said. “There is actual research that shows that students who live on campus are more connected to the university and have higher GPAs, and that tells you everything you need to know right there.”

UHCL’s President Ira K. Blake said in a May 7 letter to faculty and staff that she and other faculty are proud to welcome Hart as part of the UHCL family.

“His broad, effective experience with critical components in the field and his genuine investment in the growth and development of all students are exactly what UHCL needs for our ongoing efforts to better prepare students for success in an increasingly complex world,” Blake said in the May 7 letter.

Overall, Hart is looking forward to beginning his journey at UHCL and feels ready to impact the campus and help students to ensure they have the best college experience while preparing them for the real world.

“I want our students to get involved,” Hart said. “It’s not enough to go to class and go home. Get involved, participate in activities, join a club or get involved in a leadership opportunity. Just get involved. My advice to every student would be to make it a personal goal to meet one new student you don’t know.”