Forty Under 40: Clayton Hamilton, 39

As a University of Arkansas alum and native Arkansan, Clayton Hamilton didn’t necessarily chart his career path with a return to Fayetteville as the end goal.
But creating opportunities through the years put him in position to reach a high point in his career.

“Certainly the opportunity came at the right time and things fell into place for me to come back,” he said. “It’s the pinnacle of opportunities for a while.”

Hamilton came to the UA in January and oversees the athletic department’s operating budget — $68.9 million for the current fiscal year, finalized in May.

Hamilton earned his accounting degree in 1994 and putting it to use in athletics was always in the back of his mind. He’s working for his third major university, having spent the last eight years in the athletic departments at Florida State University and the University of Colorado.

Hamilton, who also worked as a controller for the Dallas Cowboys, earned a master’s in sports management from the U.S. Sports Academy in 1997.

When asked what advice he would give to an up-and-comer in the field, Hamilton said a solid accounting education should weigh a bit heavier than the sports administration side.
Hamilton is involved in the UA Alumni Association, and said most of his free time revolves around family and Razorback sports.