Dr. Clay Harmon Appointed Next Executive Director of AIRC (October, 2023)
The Board of Directors of AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Executive Director, Dr. Clay Harmon, who will assume Executive Director duties on January 1, 2024. Clay will serve as Executive Director Designate beginning on November 13 to collaborate with current Executive Director Brian Whalen until his retirement on December 31.
An active member of AIRC for many years, and a current member of the Certification Commission, Clay is currently the Director of International Enrollment Strategy and Admissions at the University of Colorado Denver. In his professional roles, he has worked in all facets of international student recruitment, enrollment, admissions, and international student support, including over 15 years’ experience collaborating with agencies from the institution side.
Clay received his Bachelor’s degree in Asian Studies from the University of Puget Sound, a Master’s of Higher Education Administration from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Doctor of Education from the University of Colorado Denver with a focus in Leadership for Educational Equity in Higher Education. He has also completed intensive Chinese language study at Beijing Foreign Studies University and Tunghai University.
Harmon stated, “I am thrilled to join AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management as the next Executive Director. I look forward to working with the Board, the staff, and the membership to ensure a smooth leadership transition and elevate AIRC's success in the coming years. Involvement with AIRC has been a cornerstone of my career for many years, and I will bring a deep and broad knowledge of the organization and its key activities to my new role.”
AIRC President Derrick Alex said, “I am excited to welcome Dr. Clay Harmon as the next Executive Director of AIRC. His international education background and involvement with AIRC over the years should help him in this leadership role with the organization. He joins the AIRC team at a crucial and exciting organizational phase as we continue solidifying our reputation as a standards organization focused on influencing and shaping policies impacting our members and international students. It's also at a time when we are embedding the DEI principles into our culture and growing as a membership organization to provide the necessary resources and services for our members to accomplish their goals. I am confident in Dr. Harmon’s ability to help advance AIRC's mission and goals and look forward to working with him. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the search committee members for a job well done.”
AIRC President-elect and search committee chair Ismael Betancourt stated, “AIRC is honored to have received applications from many outstanding individuals throughout the world. After the extensive search process, we are excited to have selected Dr. Clay Harmon as our next Executive Director. His extensive experience in international education, combined with his leadership style and strategic vision, made him a great candidate to advance AIRC to the next level. I look forward to working with Dr. Harmon in the next year.”
AIRC Board Treasurer Vanessa Andrade added, “I am happy to extend a warm welcome and congratulations to Clay as he steps into the role of AIRC Executive Director. I am really looking forward to working with Clay to advance AIRC mission and its impact in the international enrollment management field. I have no doubt that his skills and vision are not only a great addition to the AIRC team but will move AIRC as an organization even further.”
Brian Whalen commented, “I am so excited for Clay and for AIRC. With Clay at the helm, the future of AIRC is indeed very bright. I look forward to working with him over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition and to serve our members.”
Reflecting on his appointment, Harmon said, “As AIRC celebrates 15 years, the association enjoys a sound reputation built on agency certification and the annual conference. This foundation has positioned us to grow by further developing institutional standards, advocating for policies favorable to international enrollment, and enriching member services for institutions and agencies alike. I am eager to expand our membership through strategic and intentional outreach and t embrace AIRC's firm commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in international enrollment management, which not only aligns perfectly with my own personal values, but also is also critical to our current and future work.”
About AIRC
AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management is a non-profit 501(c)(3) membership association of accredited secondary and post-secondary institutions, student educational recruitment agencies, and service providers that seeks to promote standards-based international student recruitment and enrollment practices. As a leader in the field of international enrollment management, AIRC develops and provides essential resources, services, and programs for its 350+ members to advance their recruitment goals and adhere to standards. AIRC is a Standards Development Organization (SDO) registered with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission
Contact: Derrick Alex, President, AIRC, dalex@central.uh.edu
