SNU Welcomes Dr. Claudia Otto as New Director of the MAASE Program

For Immediate Release

Bethany, OK - Southern Nazarene University (SNU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Claudia Otto as Program Director for SNU’s Master of Arts in Administration of Special Education (MAASE). With more than two decades of experience spanning K-12 education, adult learning, career development, and secondary transition for individuals with disabilities, Dr. Otto brings both expertise and passion to her new role at SNU.

Dr. Otto also works with Enid Public Schools as a Special Education Facilitator and serves as the Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI) Program’s Disability Service Expert at Seminole State College. She has served on various state organizations and association boards for many years, assuming different leadership roles, and has presented at numerous local, regional, state, national, and international conferences. 

She also collaborates with schools and technology centers to support their professional development training and special education processes, ensuring they can better meet the needs of students from diverse populations. In the past, she has worked with Ponca City Public Schools, the Oklahoma Department of Career Technology Education, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Oklahoma.

Fluent in Spanish, Dr. Otto Due possesses a unique cultural perspective. She has co-presented many sessions for families in both English and Spanish. She has been instrumental in sharing information about the special education process with Spanish-speaking families throughout Oklahoma.

With a strong focus on teaching practice, equity, and community outreach, Dr. Claudia Otto is passionate about creating effective learning and work environments that promote growth and success, as well as her state and national service, aiming to increase the accessible capacity for students with disabilities and those with language barrier learning needs to transition to the workforce.

“As the director of MAASE, I will strive to welcome students and do what I can to make sure they feel our program is an extension of their homes,” Otto shared. “ I want them to feel validated and heard.  Appreciation of what we have to offer is where reflective growth begins and slowly turns into a sweet, loving faith.”

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Claudia Otto to the SNU family! Her wealth of experience, cultural insight, and dedication to equity will be invaluable as she leads the Master of Arts in Administration of Special Education program. We are excited to see the impact of her passion and expertise in serving individuals with disabilities and their families through this important role. 

About Southern Nazarene University

Southern Nazarene University, located in Bethany, Oklahoma, is a private Christian liberal arts university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional and adult-focused formats. Through its Professional and Graduate Studies division, SNU delivers flexible, values-based programs designed to help students advance personally and professionally.