ROCK HILL, SC — Joel Hamilton, recently elected as vice-chair of the Winthrop University Board of Trustees at their June meeting, will now assume the role of board chair. This transition follows the provisions of the board’s Bylaws, which stipulate that the Vice-Chairperson steps into the Chairperson role in the event of a permanent absence.
Hamilton acknowledged the difficult circumstances surrounding his new appointment. “Although there is no replacing a leader as naturally gifted as Glenn McCall, I feel very blessed to have had the unique opportunity to learn from and observe Glenn over the many years I knew him,” Hamilton said. “As an institution, Winthrop has enjoyed the benefits of his steadfast wisdom and leadership. If we all choose to follow his example of passion for Winthrop and grace for one another, I am confident we will continue the positive momentum across our university.”
Looking ahead, Hamilton emphasized his intention to rely heavily on the collective leadership within Winthrop, including immediate past vice-chair Kathy Hudson Bigham ’73, past and new board committee chairs, and President Edward Serna ’02 and his team.
President Serna commended Hamilton’s willingness to take on such a significant role during a challenging time. “Glenn’s leadership was unmatched, but Joel is poised and capable to make a real impact in ways he may not have thought likely or possible a short time ago,” Serna stated. He added, “Together, the board and Winthrop will work tirelessly to honor Glenn by doing as he would have wanted — continuing to press forward, guided by our mission, vision and values, not missing a beat.”
One of the immediate priorities for the board will be to reconstitute the nominating committee. This committee will be tasked with selecting a nominee for the vacant vice-chair position, with the aim of filling the role at the next full board meeting scheduled for October 29-30.
About Joel Hamilton
Joel Hamilton joined the Winthrop University Board of Trustees in February 2023 as the designee for South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver.
A former York County Councilman for District 7, Hamilton chaired the county’s Economic Development Committee, actively working to attract new economic opportunities. His extensive civic involvement includes recently completing a term as chair of the Historic Rock Hill Foundation and serving as chair of the York County Republican Party. He has also contributed to the boards of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, Fort Mill Economic Partners, and Christmasville in Rock Hill. Currently, he serves on the boards of the Rock Hill Economic Development Corporation, York County Regional Chamber, and the Gravity Center Foundation.
Professionally, Hamilton is the co-founder of the Schiller and Hamilton law firm, where he manages the operations of the statewide firm’s Rock Hill office. He brings over a decade of experience in representing injured parties in various cases, including vehicle accidents, civil rights violations, and medical malpractice.
Hamilton is an alumnus of Winthrop University, holding a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in business/economics. During his time as a student, he led the Pre-Law Society and the College Republicans. He earned his Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve School of Law in 2009. He is married to Marina Bender Hamilton ’05, also a Winthrop alumna, and they have two daughters.
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