New District Attorney commits to making her community better

Dorothy Vinson Hull (’93) was appointed April 20 by Gov. Brian Kemp as District Attorney for the Towaliga Judicial Circuit, serving Butts, Lamar and Monroe Counties.

She began her career as a law clerk for the Superior Court judges of the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit before beginning her career as a prosecutor in the Macon Judicial Circuit where she handled violent crimes and crimes against children for 29 years. She served as an assistant district attorney in Bibb County for 24 years before joining the District Attorney’s Office of the Towaliga Judicial Circuit, serving as chief assistant district attorney for five years. 

Hull has prosecuted crimes including murder, aggravated assault, rape and child molestation. She also wrote hundreds of appellate briefs and argued for the state of Georgia in the Court of Appeals and Georgia Supreme Court.

Hull grew up in Milledgeville and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in History from Georgia College & State University. She graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law. 

Her father, Dr. Frank Vinson, professor emeritus, retired as chair of the History Department. He served 40 years as a professor.

Hull credits Georgia College Professor, Dr. Martha Turner, as a professional role model.

“Dr. Turner taught me analytical and writing skills that proved helpful in law school,” she said.

“Critical thinking, appreciating the human component and impact of history I learned at GCSU has been useful in my legal career,” Hull said.

As a prosecutor, an assistant district attorney, a chief assistant district attorney and now, district attorney, Hull is in awe of the drama, tragedy and nobility of the human experience.

“I have seen people from all walks of life behave in despicable and inspirational ways,” she said. “Some suffered terrible tragedies and overcame them to lead productive lives. Others who are outwardly tough, displayed remarkable acts of kindness and sensitivity.” 

Regardless of the situations, she aims to transform these circumstances into something positive.

“The most inspirational part of my job has been to be involved in touching the lives of people who have become part of the criminal justice system in a positive way and help my community be a better place to live.”