Laura Hamilton, MA, Senior Director of Student Affairs, has been recognized by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) with the 2026 Western Group on Student Affairs (WGSA) Exemplary Service Award, a national honor that highlights significant and sustained leadership in academic medicine student affairs.
“As Student Affairs Director at [KPSOM], Laura has demonstrated exceptional leadership in cultivating student-centered systems that prioritize belonging, well-being, and academic success,” said Tanisha Price-Johnson, WGSA Immediate Past Chair.
According to an official announcement, Hamilton has made a meaningful contribution both within KPSOM and across the broader WGSA community through her strategic insight, collaborative leadership, and commitment to equitable, human-centered practices. She has emphasized the importance of building systems that support the holistic student experience and cultivate positive learning environments, the announcement noted.
As a WGSA Member-at-Large, Hamilton was recognized for having supported peers and helped guide programming and institutional efforts. This year, she served as co-chair of the Learning Environment Professionals Inaugural Conference on “Cultivating Healthy Learning Spaces: Innovation, Inclusion, and Integrity in Medical & Health Professions Education,” which KPSOM co-sponsored.
Hamilton has also served as co-lead of the Learning Environment Professionals Consortium, which provides community, emerging practices, tools, and expertise for creating and maintaining supportive, respectful, and inclusive learning environments. Her recent appointment to the AAMC Learner Access, Support, Opportunity, and Retention Standing Committee further extends her influence in shaping student affairs nationally and advancing medical education spaces focused on positive, inclusive learning environments.
Dean John Dalrymple praised the recognition, noting it is “a fitting tribute to all of Laura Hamilton’s impactful efforts across the board and reflects the meaningful contributions she makes to KPSOM and the larger academic medicine community.”
Hamilton’s recognition underscores the strength of KPSOM’s student affairs leadership and its continued commitment to fostering environments where learners can thrive.
