Harding sports producer set to retire at end of semester

Tim Hamilton, assistant professor of communication, announced his retirement from teaching and media production this semester after more than 30 years in the TV industry.

His career started and took place mostly at KATV 7 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He covered the presidential race of former president Bill Clinton. Hamilton was assigned to follow Clinton as the race progressed, and he got to visit many different places around the country. During his time at KATV, Hamilton met many famous individuals, including former governors, presidents and athletes.

In 2011, Hamilton decided he would return to work at the school he graduated from, Harding University. He started as an adjunct professor and main producer for the sports production on campus, later becoming an assistant professor in the Communication Department, while still running the sports production on HU16.

Working with many students over that time has taught both Hamilton and his students many different things about themselves.

Senior Collin Slatton is a student who works with Hamilton on sports productions and said that before working with him, he didn’t know what he wanted to do for a career.

“Tim bringing me onto the broadcast crew helped me to find myself,” Slatton said. “Before I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life, but now I have comfort in having somewhat set a path.”

Mark Prior, the current chief engineer at HU16, has worked with Hamilton since he first came to Harding and said he is a great coworker and great toward the students.

“One of the best things about working with Tim is seeing how he deals with students and coworkers on a daily basis,” Prior said. “He models the fruit of the spirit every day dealing with everyone.”

Hamilton has won many awards in his career as a videographer, most recently being inducted into the Silver Circle of the MidAmerica Emmys. This award is for people who have devoted 25 years or more to the television industry and have made a significant contribution to broadcasting in their community. Hamilton said he was surprised when he received the notification that he was being inducted.

“When I got the call about being inducted into that Silver Circle, I was stunned,” Hamilton said. “Because when you really think about broadcasting, that’s kind of the Hall of Fame.”

As Hamilton is retiring, he said he wanted to leave students with a word of advice.

“Say yes to opportunities when they come your way,” Hamilton said. “That allowed me to experience a lot of great stories and great assignments.”