For Dr. Carlton Hardman, earning a doctorate from Southern Nazarene University (SNU) was not simply the completion of another academic milestone but the culmination of a lifetime dedicated to service, leadership, and personal growth.
A May 2026 graduate of SNU’s Doctorate of Education in Administration and Leadership (DEAL) program, Hardman’s journey reflects a deep commitment to his family, his faith, and the communities he has served throughout his career.
Born in Oklahoma City in 1965, Hardman was the eldest son in a family of nine children. Following his mother's passing, his father emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency and shared responsibility. Those early lessons helped shape the values that would guide Hardman throughout his life.
Although he had an older sister, Hardman became the first of his parents’ children to graduate from high school and the first in his family to attend and graduate from college.
After high school, Hardman began his career with the City of Oklahoma City, working as a civilian employee with the Oklahoma City Police Department. In 1989, he married his wife, Monica, and together they built a strong blended family. Today, all three of their children have earned college degrees, a source of pride that reflects the family's value of education.
To help support his family, Hardman enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard, beginning what would become 25 years of military service. During his career, he served in a variety of leadership roles as he advanced through the ranks. He retired from the Guard after a distinguished career that included combat service in Afghanistan.
At the same time, Hardman’s career with the Oklahoma City Police Department continued to evolve. After nearly a decade as a civilian employee, he was accepted into the Oklahoma City Police Academy and became a commissioned police officer. Over the years, he held numerous leadership positions, including Patrol Sergeant, Field Training Officer, Fatality Collision Investigator, Field Supervisor, Training Center Supervisor, and instructor. Today, he serves as a Captain and Operations Shift Commander, overseeing personnel, coordinating operations, and supporting organizational planning.
Throughout his military and law-enforcement careers, Hardman developed a passion for leadership, mentoring, and professional development. Those interests ultimately inspired him to pursue a doctoral degree.
“My sister and brother-in-law received their degrees from SNU, and they encouraged me to attend,” Hardman said. “I was looking at other colleges and universities, but I also wanted to attend a faith-based university.”
That commitment to faith has remained a central part of Hardman’s life. Raised in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, he credits his grandmother with instilling the importance of faith and church involvement from an early age. His decision to pursue higher education through a faith-based institution reflects the influence of that foundation.
When choosing a university, Hardman found encouragement and support from the beginning of the admissions process.
“The commitment of the faculty and professional staff stood out to me,” he explained. “Marcy [Hoffpauir] answered all of my questions before I met any of the faculty. The finance department was amazing in assisting and explaining the different ways I could meet my financial obligations.”
As a doctoral student, Hardman hoped to expand his knowledge and prepare for future opportunities in higher education.
“Going into this program, I hoped it would allow me to teach at a college level,” he said. “I also wanted to learn how to research topics properly.”
His doctoral work focused on leadership, organizational improvement, and public service. His research explored modern police recruitment and digital hiring practices, reflecting his interest in evidence-based leadership and the challenges facing public institutions today.
Beyond his research, Hardman has remained committed to fostering inclusion and engagement throughout his career. He helped establish the Oklahoma City Police Department’s Inclusion and Diversity Committee and has remained active in community and church outreach efforts.
Reflecting on his experience in the DEAL program, Hardman describes it as both challenging and rewarding.
“This was a great program,” he shared. “It was challenging and rewarding.”
Looking back, Hardman’s story is one of perseverance, service, and lifelong learning. From becoming the first in his family to attend college to serving his country, leading in law enforcement, raising a family, and earning a doctoral degree, each chapter has been guided by a commitment to growth and helping others succeed.
Despite a career that has taken him around the world, including visits to Egypt, England, Japan, Australia, Germany, and Panama, Hardman remains grounded in what matters most.
“My greatest accomplishment remains my marriage to a devoted and patient wife and the successful upbringing of our three children,” he said.
Now, as Dr. Carlton Hardman, he joins a growing community of SNU graduates who continue to lead, serve, and make a difference in their careers and communities.