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Tikia K. Hamilton, PhD, assistant history professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, was named to Diverse: Issues in Higher Education’s 2025 “Top 40 Women Making a Difference in Academe” list, the outlet announced in March.
Diverse: Issues In Higher Education is the preeminent source of critical news, information, and insightful commentary on the full range of issues concerning diversity in American higher education.
Hamilton was recognized for her scholarly research, teaching, and career achievements, including her forthcoming book, tentatively titled Before Brown: The Battle for Educational Equality in the Nation’s Capital (University of Chicago Press), which is expected to publish in early 2026.
“Dr. Hamilton’s scholarship and mentorship bring important stories to light, inspiring students to think critically about history,” said Peter J. Schraeder, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “This recognition highlights her impact as an educator, scholar, and advocate for educational equity.”
“Landing at Loyola is one the great fortunes in my career,” said Hamilton. “It means a lot to be surrounded by so many supportive faculty, staff, and students, who appreciate my decades-long dedication to the study of history and educational excellence.”
Hamilton holds a PhD in history from Princeton University and a masters in African American Studies from Columbia University. She attended Dartmouth College for her undergraduate work, where she majored in history under a Mellon Fellowship. She has lengthy experience teaching at the secondary and undergraduate levels and working as an educational consultant.
A past recipient of the Spencer Fellowship from the National Academy of Education, Hamilton also serves as an executive board member for the Urban History Association, a faculty affiliate for Loyola’s Institute for Racial Justice, and leads the Department of History’s diversity committee.
At Loyola, Hamilton has led various talks and panel discussions with the Department of History, creating opportunities for students and faculty to engage in meaningful discussions that connect historical research to contemporary issues. She has also worked with the department to develop a new set of African American history courses, further enriching the curriculum and offering valuable scholarship for her students. Currently, she teaches courses on American Pluralism and African American History.
Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Hamilton’s upbringing deeply shaped her approach to education and mentorship.
“No matter our lack of resources, my teachers instilled in me early on that education was the best conduit to success,” Hamilton said. Throughout her career, she has adopted this same approach, reminding her students that education is a privilege and, alongside history, a powerful tool for navigating today’s complex world.
With her dedication to research, teaching, and advocacy, Hamilton continues to make a profound impact on the academic community, ensuring that the lessons of history remain a driving force for change, especially in the current political climate. “Now more than ever, a comprehensive understanding of what makes America diverse is important,” Hamilton said.
Learn more about Hamilton, Diverse, and Loyola’s Department of History.
