Rob Kumpf is a political science faculty member at multiple institutions of higher learning and has taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels since 2018. Prior to becoming a college instructor, Prof. Kumpf served in the U.S. Army for a decade, including multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, earning the Combat Action Badge, among other service awards. He continues his service as a volunteer with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary where he recently served as the District Commodore of Coast Guard District Great Lakes-Western Region. Prof. Kumpf was appointed as an Honorary Chief Petty Officer by the Commandant of the Coast Guard in 2025 in recognition of his dedication and support to Coast Guard enlisted personnel and their families.

Prof. Kumpf is a graduate of Norwich University in Northfield, VT, where he earned a BA in Studies in War & Peace with a minor in English. Following Norwich, Prof. Kumpf was selected to serve as a summer research assistant at the U.S. Army Peacekeeping & Stability Operations Institute (now the Security Force Assistance & Stability Integration Directorate) at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, PA. His research focused on developing joint professional military education curricula and conducting regional case studies. In 2017, he completed a Master of Science in Global Studies & International Relations with a concentration in conflict resolution and a regional focus on Southwest & Central Asia from Northeastern University. His thesis focused on planning for stability operations in the post-Cold War/post-September 11 Era. Prof. Kumpf successfully completed a Graduate Certificate in American History through American Public University in 2024. He is currently preparing to defend his doctoral dissertation through the University of Southern Queensland, where he studied political psychology. His dissertation focuses on how cognitive reference points shape doctrinal development and strategic decision-making.

When not busy working, grading, or researching topics most people do not find remotely interesting, Prof. Kumpf can be found with his wife and two sons doing “Dad stuff.” He is a world-class drinker of black coffee and a voracious reader of non-fiction books. He also enjoys music, cooking (and eating) somewhat edible food, and being near the coast whenever possible.

Teaching or Coast Guard Service Awards

• Fulbright Specialist in Political Science
• Well-Being Award, Grand Valley State University
• Coast Guard District- Great Lakes Auxiliarist of the Year
• Coast Guard District- Great Lakes Ombudsman of the Year
• Coast Guard Auxiliary Meritorious Service Medal (Two Awards, w/ Operational Distinguishing Device)
• Coast Guard Auxiliary Medal of Operational Merit (For Life Saving)
• Coast Guard Auxiliary Commendation Medal (Six Awards)
• Coast Guard Auxiliary Achievement Medal (Four Awards)
• Coast Guard Auxiliary Commandant’s Letter of Commendation (Two Awards)
• Coast Guard Unit Commendation (Four Awards, w/ Operational Distinguishing Device)
• Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation (w/ Operational Distinguishing Device)
• Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation (22 Awards, w/ Operational Distinguishing Device)

Professional Organizations

• International Political Psychology Association
• International Studies Association
• Midwest Political Science Association
• American Political Science Association
• Academy of Political Science
• Coast Guard Aviation Association
• Civil Affairs Association