Professor Marlene Hamilton began her career with the University of the West Indies in 1973 as a lecturer in educational psychology. She later became Dean of the Faculty of Education, making her the first female Dean to serve at the Mona Campus. Her research interests include gender studies, educational and social psychology and science education. Professor Hamilton was appointed Deputy Principal of the Mona Campus between 1991 and 1996.  During her tenure as Deputy Principal, Professor Hamilton implemented the student mentorship and leadership programme, and introduced rules and regulations for the prevention of sexual harassment. She also spearheaded the implementation of a programme that supported the development of disabled students on Campus. In 1991 she was appointed the first female Pro-Vice Chancellor of Undergraduate Studies and served in this capacity between 1990-1998 and 2006-2007. Between 1998 and 2006, Professor Hamilton was appointed Pro-Vice Chancellor for Administration and Special Initiatives and lead the steering committee that established the CAAM-HP. She was named Professor Emerita of the University of the West Indies following her retirement as Pro-Vice Chancellor in 2007.

Professor Hamilton served on several public service committees such as the Government of Jamaica’s Public Services Commission. Professor Hamilton also served as the Caribbean Representative on the Board of the Commonwealth of Learning until the end f 2001. She was awarded the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) for service in the field of Tertiary Education by the Jamaican Government in 2002 and was named Outstanding Educator of the Year in 2006 by the Joint Committee for Tertiary Education in Jamaica.