Park University to Honor John Hamilton with Gault Service Award

August 28, 2024 — Park University’s Office of Academic Affairs will honor John Hamilton, Ph.D., professor emeritus of criminal justice administration, as the recipient of the 2024 Paul H. Gault Service Award. A ceremony recognizing Hamilton will be held on Thursday, Sept. 26, starting at 1 p.m. in the Jenkin and Barbara David Theater inside Alumni Hall on the University’s Parkville Campus.

The award is presented annually to a retired Park University faculty or staff member who provided a minimum of 15 years of distinguished service to the University, with special consideration given to individuals who held volunteer leadership positions within the University or in the community as a University representative. This award is named Gault, ’65, MPA ’88, whose dedicated service to Park spanned more than five decades.

Hamilton, a resident of Kansas City, Mo. (Northland), retired from Park University in 2022 after 23 years of service, but he continues to serve the University as an adjunct instructor of criminal justice administration. Over his Park career, Hamilton served the University in numerous roles, including as chair of the Department of Criminal Justice Administration, was president of the University’s Faculty Federation and served as head marshal during the University’s commencement and opening convocation ceremonies. Prior to joining Park, Hamilton was a Kansas City, Mo., police major.

Hamilton has been previously honored by the University numerous times, including: in 2014 with the Excellence in Academic Advising Award, which recognizes faculty/staff who have achieved excellence in providing Park University students academic advising and mentoring; in 2011 with the Dusing-Proudfoot Award, given to honor an outstanding contribution by a Park University faculty or staff member; and in 2007, with the J.L. Zwingle Award, which pays tribute to outstanding faculty members as voted by the student body.

In addition, Hamilton has been active in the community. He serves as a volunteer with the KC 360 violence prevention program as a member of the police-community relations subcommittee and as a volunteer with the Center for Conflict Resolution, and as well serving as a member of the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department’s Office of Community Complaints Advisory Committee. Hamilton also served as state president of the American Federation of Teachers Missouri, from 2012-14 and as a board member with Synergy Services from 1999-2011.