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Hamilton named president of Arkansas Academy of Science

Sharon Hamilton, Ouachita Baptist University

February 24, 2025 - Ellie Bennett

The J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences at Ouachita Baptist University has a long track record of quality professors, students and accolades. Dr. Sharon Hamilton, associate chemistry professor and holder of the E.A. Provine Chair of Chemistry, is no exception. Adding to her many accomplishments, Hamilton has been named president of the Arkansas Academy of Science, which serves as a way for scientists across the state to communicate with one another, share the work they are doing and promote science statewide.

Dr. Sharon Hamilton

Hamilton’s rise to the presidency brings the organization its first female president in nearly 10 years.

“It has been a very long time since a woman has been president of the Arkansas Academy of Science,” said Hamilton. “It was important to me for us to have representation on the board as women in science.”

Dr. Sara Hubbard, professor of chemistry and holder of the Nell I. Mondy Chair of Chemistry at Ouachita, said the honor shows that the School of Natural Sciences doesn’t remain in its own “bubble.”

“We’re out doing science with other scientists,” said Hubbard. “One thing we really strive to do in the natural sciences, and across the board at Ouachita, is not just be that person you see in the classroom. We’re collaborative and work with other people. We’re working to forward science and keep learning new things and asking new questions.”

Hamilton exemplifies through her service the qualities of a true leader. She cares about her relationships with those both inside and outside the Ouachita community.

“What’s most rewarding about my involvement in AAS and these other recognitions is getting to develop relationships with colleagues across Arkansas and with our students, especially the executive committee of the Ouachita American Chemical Society chapter,” said Hamilton. “We have executive committee meetings with the Ouachita ACS student leaders. It’s fun to get to know those students better than I would if they’d only been in my class and I didn’t get to spend this extra time with them.”

Recognizing Hamilton’s intentionality, students in Ouachita’s ACS chapter nominated Hamilton for Professor of the Year, which she received.

“That’s a huge honor,” said Hamilton. “You always hope your students think you’re doing a good job and you’re good at what you do. It was really nice to be nominated, and very special during the ceremony to hear the student read the letter they wrote nominating me.”

Hope Murphy, a 2024 biomedical sciences graduate from De Kalb, Texas, wrote the nomination letter. In it, Murphy described the ways in which Hamilton impacts her students and encourages them to pursue their studies with real world applications:

Dr. Hamilton is an engaged professor, whom any student may turn to for help inside or outside of class. She works hard to reach each of her students where they are and is approachable. She is encouraging and works very hard to encourage students to fulfill their highest potential. She is a crucial component to student success in her classroom.

Murphy attends McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She credits Hamilton with much of her interest in and connection to her field.

“I chose to nominate her for the ACS Professor of the Year award because of the impact she had, both on me and on several of my chemistry major classmates throughout our time at Ouachita,” said Murphy. “She inspired my interest in chemistry and encouraged me to further develop those interests into a passion that influenced my chosen career path in medicine. She was always someone who students could feel comfortable talking to, and we knew that she took a personal interest in our success and careers after college.

“When I joined her research lab, she went above and beyond to give me the creative space and freedom to develop my ideas and lead my own project with her total support,” Murphy added. “She pushed me to complete project goals, network with other professionals in the field and develop confidence and technical skills in the lab. She took me to conferences across the country and introduced me to working in a national organization through the American Chemical Society. She was a valuable mentor for me and was essential in the growth of my confidence in the professional sphere.”

In addition to her academic efforts, Hamilton was named Volunteer of the Year by the Central Arkansas section of the American Chemical Society for her outreach work with students in Little Rock, Ark., furthering science to the next generation.

“It’s nice to see kids get excited about science and maybe put some of those pieces together,” she said. “A lot of what the local section does is with younger kids. They get really excited, and they want to go home and tell mom and dad and do the experiments. I enjoy letting other people see what cool stuff chemistry does and what they can do with chemistry in their lives."

As a leader in the classroom, on campus and across the state, Hamilton represents Ouachita well in everything she has a hand in. Her reach goes beyond herself as she guides students to a better understanding and newfound love for the sciences.

“Sharon does a great job of incorporating other people and their gifts to help give them a chance to lead. We see that with our students in these different organizations, as well. I think she’s a good mentor for them,” said Hubbard. “I really admire her drive and her spirit.”