Executive Director - Rabbi Heidi Coretz became the Director of Hillel at SMU in 2004, and was appointed Executive Director in 2024. Her student-centered approach has led to significant organizational growth, now reaching over two hundred Jewish members each year. Rabbi Coretz enjoys representing the Jewish community on campus and learning from our inspiring student leaders, as well as one-on-one meetings with students that allow her to get to know them, whether they are seeking spiritual and personal guidance, or just enjoying chatting about life over a cup of coffee. A graduate of the University of Florida, Rabbi Coretz received her M.A.H.L. in 1994, Rabbinic Ordination in 1995 and D.D. (honoris causa) in 2020 from the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion.

Director of Jewish Student Life – Ali Vogel joined Hillel at SMU in the fall semester of 2024. Originally from Mexico City, she moved to Dallas with her family in 2020. Her passion for Judaism and teaching, along with her deep care for students, are critical to helping us to continue to build a thriving, growing Jewish community.
Ali enjoys rich conversations with our wonderful students. She is enthusiastic to work with our student leaders to plan programs that are warm and welcoming. She also looks forward to many "coffee conversations" with our students!
Ali has a BA in Education and Pedagogy from Universidad Iberoamericana (Mexico City), a Masters in Jewish History and Jewish studies (Universidad Hebraica, Mexico). 
Her deep love and connection to Israel and Jewish History, have always been an essential part of her life: shaping her through her life. Ali has been a community activist and human right defender since a very young age. 

Advisory Board - Hillel at SMU is blessed to be supported and led by an Advisory Board consisting of SMU graduates, lay leaders in the Jewish community and SMU faculty members. Members of the Board work closely with the Director on programming, finances, fundraising and organizational planning. Current Advisory Board members include: Sandy Kaufman, Chair, Dr. Serge Frolov, Chad Sheinbein, Dr. Beth Newman, Dr. Bruce Levy, Leon Monastirsky and Stacy Cushing.

The Student Board is a very important part of creating the programs of Hillel at SMU and leading our work. Current student board members include:

  • Dean Sandler, Co-President

  • Jake Larcara, Co-President

  • Keilah Eletu, Immediate Past President

  • Harrison Stein, Israel Chair

  • Matthew Wynne, Shabbat Programs Chair

  • Maya Coneh, Social Media Chair

  • Jonathan Kalach Chelminsky, Outreach Chair 

  • Max Fetter, Logistics and Learning Chair

  • Niv Berkovitz, Athletics Representative

  • Joshua Soroudi, Shabbat Programs Representative

  • Rose Hurwitz, Grad Student Representative

  • Eli Barkon, Outreach Representative

  • Alexander Novian, Greek Life Liaison