Naval officer complements leadership skills with Purdue Global degree

In 2018 he discovered Purdue Global, where he went on to complete an associate of applied science degree in small group management in 2020, followed a year later by a bachelor’s degree in professional studies. Gumbs served as a keynote speaker at Purdue Global’s October 2022 commencement ceremony.

He is among nearly 5,000 active-duty, National Guard or reserve members who serve worldwide while attending Purdue Global.

“I had earned numerous ranks in my career. … But this just had a different feeling because I finally felt like I was on an even playing field in my career and had a real sense of accomplishing something that was really academically prestigious,” Gumbs says. “And then to have it come full circle and have the ability to deliver these remarks, it’s humbling.” 

Gumbs’ full story is available on Purdue University’s Persistent Pursuit website.