July 8, 1941 – January 18, 2026

On January 18th, 2026, Dr. Paul H. Hamlin, a man of extraordinary intellect and vision, passed away surrounded by his family (and fur grandbaby, Snickers) at the age of 84, after a brief battle with metastatic melanoma. Born in Passaic, New Jersey, Paul lived a life that spanned the worlds of academia, national service, and professional sports, leaving a legacy of leadership and dedication.

A Scholar and a Patriot

Paul’s education began at Hamilton College in New York, where his lifelong curiosity and discipline were kindled. His enrollment at Hamilton was interrupted as he answered the call to serve his country, spending three years in the United States Army before returning to Hamilton to graduate in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. 

In the Army he was selected for training at the Army language school in Monterey, California and assigned to a listening station in Germany. As a Russian linguist, Paul operated in a high-stakes, Cold War environment where his precision and mental acuity were paramount. He demonstrated other skills as well, leading his class in an Army M14 rifle test and earning a commendation as sharpshooter.

Upon his return to civilian life, Paul researched the complexities of the human mind and conducted experiments in the learning process, earning a PhD in Experimental Psychology at Rutgers University. 

A Distinguished Academic Administrator

Paul’s professional career in academia began at Virginia Tech in 1971, where he held the position of assistant professor of psychology. His next chapter in higher education began in 1975, when he answered a University of Maryland ad to teach and travel overseas and went on to become a high-level academic administrator with University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). 

His administrative career spanned three decades and included service as Vice President or Dean at three universities, primarily UMGC. At UMGC he began as a faculty member with the university’s European Division, teaching classes in psychology for servicemembers at bases throughout the European theater. Within two years, he  was appointed to the administrative position of Area Director for all of the north Germany region. In 1981 he was called to a senior leadership role at UMGC’s stateside headquarters and went on to successively more responsible positions. He retired from UMGC as Dean of Undergraduate Programs in 1998. 

Two achievements characterized Paul’s career contributions to higher education: his development of programs and services specifically tailored for nontraditional students and his innovations in digital education.

Dedication to the military was a theme throughout Paul’s life, and his focus on making things better for nontraditional students in higher education was a passion. His three-year Army enlistment had given him an understanding of the special challenges faced by servicemembers in completing a college degree, and while at UMGC Paul created a number of programs to assist military and other adult students. His work caught the attention of administrators at other universities in the U.S., who adopted his program approaches. By the 1990s Paul had become a national leader in nontraditional higher education.
Serving adult students required innovative course delivery formats, and Paul initiated several technological innovations while at UMGC, culminating in the launch of the university’s online degree programs in the 1990s. The programs grew quickly, and, with credit to Paul, for several years UMGC was the dominant public university provider of online education nationwide and worldwide. 

A Pioneer in Women's Sports

While his academic and military achievements were significant, Paul was also a passionate visionary in the world of women’s athletics. From 2004 to 2018, he was the proud owner of the D.C. Divas, a premier team in women’s professional football. Under his leadership, the Divas flourished, becoming a powerhouse in the league, winning 12 division titles, four conference championships, and three national titles. Paul wasn’t just an owner; he was a champion for women’s sports, dedicated to providing a platform for female athletes to showcase their courage and prowess. His tenure with the Divas remains a golden era for the franchise and a testament to his belief in the power of synergy and opportunity.

A Terrific Husband and Father 

Despite his many public roles, Paul’s heart belonged to his family. Over 25 years of marriage he and his wife, Julie, enjoyed shared professional experiences, travel, a love of literature, and a lively interest in national politics.

As a father to Ally and Matt, Paul was their biggest fan. He was present for every game, every milestone, and every small moment in between. He exuded unwavering support in all aspects of their lives, encouraging them to chase their dreams, while setting high standards that defined his own.

His family teased him about becoming a “WWII buff.” Military service had been one of Paul’s proudest accomplishments. Having served in the years soon after the end of World War II, he found that war offered endless sources for exploration. In his retirement the books he read on WWII were too many to count, and he researched subtopics of special interest. 

A Final Salute

Paul will be remembered for his sharp wit, his quiet strength, and his unwavering integrity. Whether he was leading a faculty meeting or on the sidelines of a football field, he moved through the world with purpose. His influence is felt deeply by the students he taught, the athletes he empowered, and the family who looked to him for wisdom. 

He is survived by his wife, Julie Porosky Hamlin; children Allyson Hamlin and Matt Hamlin, and their mother, Katharine Townsend Svenson: stepchildren Jeffrey Devitt and Ardith Porosky; niece Stacey Milnichuk and nephews Stephen Hamlin and Shawn Hamlin; daughter in-law MacRae O’Brien; many beloved cousins; and friends and athletes who loved and respected him. He was preceded in death by parents Paul and Lillian Hamlin and brother Stephen Hamlin.

Paul will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.

https://www.harrywitzkefuneralhome.com/obituary/Paul-H-Hamlin