Retired Major General James S. Hartsell to Lead Military Programs at Saint Leo University

ST. LEO, Fla. – A retired Marine Corps Major General who has led thousands of service members and served as executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs is taking on a new mission: helping Saint Leo University strengthen and expand its commitment to military members, Veterans, and their families. Maj. Gen. James S. Hartsell will join the university on Dec. 4, 2026, as executive vice president for military and defense initiatives.

“Major General Hartsell brings an extraordinary depth of leadership experience, a lifelong commitment to service, and a deep understanding of the military and Veteran experience,” said Dr. Jim Burkee, president of Saint Leo University. “Military service is part of Saint Leo’s DNA, and we are excited to have someone of his experience and stature helping us build on that legacy.”

“I am delighted to be serving the greater Saint Leo University community and look forward to enhancing the university’s military and Veteran outreach efforts,” said James S. Hartsell. “This place has a very special meaning to me and my family. My son, Evin, graduated here in 2015 with a degree in psychology and in 2018 received his master’s degree posthumously. Having the university establish the Evin B. Hartsell Endowed Memorial Scholarship in his name to support students with disabilities has been especially heartwarming.”

Hartsell served 37 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, beginning his career as an enlisted Marine in 1981 and retiring in 2018 as a highly decorated major general. A skilled marksman, he earned the nickname “Hammer” as a young captain on the Marine Corps Pistol Team and became the first Marine Distinguished Shooter to reach general officer rank in more than 60 years.

As executive vice president for military and defense initiatives, Hartsell will set the strategic vision for Saint Leo University’s military and Veteran programs, aligning them with the university’s mission and enrollment priorities. He will widen access to degree programs for military-affiliated students, including online options; oversee education centers serving military installations; and direct advising and retention support for service members, Veterans, and their families. His responsibilities also will include managing military education benefits and compliance; developing partnerships with military installations, the VA, Veteran Service Organizations, and employers; and leading outreach efforts to grow enrollment among service members, Veterans, military spouses, and dependents.

The appointment comes as Saint Leo expands offerings in emerging fields, including a new drone program that prepares students to work with unmanned aircraft systems and related technologies. The university also is adding degree options in cybersecurity and other technology-focused fields, giving students the skills to protect the nation’s digital infrastructure.

“Saint Leo has always understood that serving the military community means looking not only at where our service members and Veterans are today, but also where the military and national security landscape is going,” Burkee said. “Having Major General Hartsell’s leadership and experience at the table will help us continue to look ahead and prepare our students to serve wherever they are needed, whether that is on the battlefield, in the cybersecurity arena, or at the forefront of emerging technologies.”

About Maj. Gen. James S. Hartsell

Hartsell’s military career included leadership at the battalion, division, and strategic levels, with deployments in support of multiple operations. As a lieutenant colonel, he commanded 4th Reconnaissance Battalion and was mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom I. He later deployed to Iraq as 1st Marine Division senior liaison to the Marine Expeditionary Force, earning the Bronze Star and Combat Action Ribbon. As a colonel, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as senior liaison to NATO Regional Command South, where he was awarded the Legion of Merit and Combat Action Ribbon.

As a general officer, Hartsell served as commanding general of 4th Marine Division, overseeing approximately 18,000 Marines and sailors across 37 states. During his command, units and teams deployed to five continents in support of the Global War on Terror. He later served with U.S. Pacific Command as mobilization assistant to the commander, J5 strategy and policy director, and chief of staff, and concurrently as director of the Department of Defense Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, where he engaged with senior U.S. and foreign military and civilian leaders throughout the Indo-Pacific region. He was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal for his service.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Hartsell returned to his home state of Florida and joined the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, where he launched the Future Operations Division. In 2019, he joined the leadership team of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and in 2021 was appointed executive director by Gov. Ron DeSantis and unanimously approved by Florida’s three Cabinet officers, serving on behalf of the state’s nearly 1.4 million veterans.

Hartsell also brings 22 years of civilian experience in the health care industry, where he held leadership roles in marketing, product management, U.S. and global business development, and hospital administration.

Hartsell previously served on Saint Leo University’s Board of Trustees, and the Evin B. Hartsell Endowed Memorial Scholarship carries his son’s name on campus. Those ties give him an established connection to Saint Leo’s mission and community as he begins his new role on Dec. 4. Learn more about the Evin B. Hartsell Foundation and the scholarship at evinbhartsell.com.

To learn more about Saint Leo’s military programs and how the university supports service members, Veterans, and their families, visit saintleo.edu/student-experience/military-and-veterans/omas.