In Memoriam: Carol Hinton – A Legacy of Leadership and Dedication

With a heavy heart, I share the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Carol Hinton. Carol served as the Director of the UF Training, Research, and Education for Environmental Occupations (TREEO) Center from May 2010 until her retirement in March 2021. Under her leadership, the center offered 6,606 classes and trained 27,358 students in environmental occupations such as Water and Wastewater, Backflow, Solid Waste, and Asbestos. These courses, delivered at the TREEO Center, across the state, and beyond, were crucial in training the next generation of industry professionals who maintain our nation’s critical infrastructure.

Carol was deeply involved in the environmental industry, holding various roles such as member of the Florida Solid Waste Management Training Committee, Past President of the Florida Section American Water Resources Association, leader in the Florida Section American Water Works Association Region IV, Secretary of the Florida Water Environment Association Utility Management Committee, and member of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals. Her commitment extended beyond TREEO students to middle school students through the Model Water Tower competition by FSAWWA, where she eagerly volunteered her time to ensure its success.

One of Carol’s passions was the Florida Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FlaWARN), a network of utilities aiding each other during disasters by providing essential equipment and personnel. As a founding member, Carol was instrumental in designating TREEO as the FlaWARN administrator, overseeing regional training, attending conferences, and responding to crises at the Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee. She was highly respected for her can-do attitude, infectious smile, and sincere desire to help those in need.

In her last year at the University of Florida, Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer. She faced this challenge with the same strength and resilience she showed throughout her life, embodying the spirit of Edgar Albert Guest’s poem, “See It Through.” Carol’s courage and determination inspired all of us, and we celebrated with her when she became cancer-free.

After retirement, Carol embraced her love for travel, exploring Kentucky and Florida in her travel camper. She celebrated her 70th birthday in June, looking happy and healthy. Recently, she reconnected with FlaWARN through the Florida Rural Water Association (FRWA), eager to continue helping people in crisis and training utilities on the importance of FlaWARN.