Shadel Hamilton, Ed.D.

As Campus President of Ultimate Medical Academy’s Clearwater campus, Dr. Shadel Hamilton leads academic and operational strategy with a focus on keeping students at the center of every decision. Since joining UMA in 2024, his leadership has helped strengthen student engagement and retention while creating an environment designed to support student success.

Before joining UMA, Dr. Hamilton served as Vice President of Columbia College Global, where he helped revamp operations across more than 40 branch campuses and online programs. Previously, he oversaw regional campuses, military education centers, and online programs at Saint Leo University.

At UMA, Dr. Hamilton is committed to helping students connect their education to the needs of today’s healthcare employers and the broader Tampa Bay community. He also extends his commitment to education, workforce development, and community impact throughout the Tampa Bay region.

Dr. Hamilton serves on the boards of the Tampa Bay Chamber and Museum of Science and Innovation and as an Executive Cabinet member with the American Heart Association. A Leadership Tampa 2019 graduate, he has been named Vice Chair for Leadership Tampa in 2026 and Chair for 2027.

Dr. Hamilton earned his doctorate in Higher Education and Educational Leadership from Northcentral University and a master’s degree in Management and Change Leadership from Kaplan University.