Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus has awarded the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award to the Honorable James (Jim) Worton.

Worton was honored during the annual Circle of Leadership dinner on Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Harrison Lake Country Club in Columbus, Ind.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is awarded to an alumnus or alumna who has had considerable personal, professional accomplishments, community service and involvement with the school and alumni.

“Knowing what the school represents, I cannot think of a person more deserving to be recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus,” states Alan Hayes. “I am a proud graduate of IUPUC and I know Jim is too.  I will continue to enjoy watching his influence on our community as he remains a positive reflection of IUPUC.”

Worton received an Associate’s degree from IU in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor’s in General Studies with a stress in Social and Behavioral Science & a minor in Psychology from IUPUC and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from IU School of Law in Indianapolis. Today he is an adjunct instructor at IUPUC and Ivy Tech teaching a variety of criminal justice courses.

He is a life-long Bartholomew County resident and Judge of Bartholomew County Superior Court 1. Before being elected judge, he was a managing partner of the law firm Worton and Rohde and served with the Columbus Police Department for 20 years, including four years as Police Chief. 

Worton holds memberships with several judge and bar associations, Fraternal Order of Police, Bartholomew County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee, County Courthouse Security Committee and Columbus Rotary. Additionally, he is a past member of the Bartholomew County Domestic Violence Action Team and the County Substance Abuse Council.

For more information about IUPUC, visit iupuc.edu/history.