Alumni Spotlight: James Hamilton
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 | 12:09 PM
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After 31 years of distinguished service in the United States Air Force, James Hamilton recently celebrated retirement which is a milestone marked by both reflection and gratitude. His final deployment took him to Niger, where he played a critical role in transitioning a U.S. forward operating base to local government control. It was the culmination of decades dedicated to leadership, global readiness, and service to others.
After retiring from the Air Force, James and his family moved to Lynchburg to support their children and new son-in-law as they pursue their studies at Liberty. He shares that while he was studying for his Doctorate of Strategic Leadership, Liberty’s emphasis on biblical integration helped shaped his leadership that he used throughout his military career. Over time, he realized he needed not only to lead with Christian values but to fully integrate Christ into his leadership approach, a shift that strengthened both his character and his effectiveness.
One of his favorite memories from Liberty is his wife’s graduation, when President Trump spoke at Commencement during his first term which is a moment that made the day especially meaningful for their family and he appreciated that Christian voices were heard at Liberty.
He encourages current students to be intentional with biblical integration, grounding their studies and decisions in scripture and remembering the purpose behind choosing a Christ-centered university.