Kelvin Gumbs’ journey has been marked by service, purpose and a relentless pursuit of new missions. A Navy veteran with 22 years of dedicated service, Gumbs’ career was not only filled with fulfilling assignments onboard ships and various assignments ashore, but it was also the start of his family’s military journey. “My wife is also a Navy veteran, and we have two teenage kids. I retired in 2023, and it all went by so fast,” Gumbs reflects. Little did he know that his next chapter would lead him to another mission: supporting military-affiliated learners across Purdue University.
Gumbs joined Purdue University shortly after his retirement, focusing on Purdue Global and Purdue University Online programs. The transition was a full-circle moment for Gumbs, as he had earned his bachelor’s degree from Purdue Global while on active duty. “It’s really a great honor for me because this university is so laser-focused on serving,” he says, now proudly leading military educational and strategic partnerships for Purdue.
The Power of Education in Reinvention
For Gumbs, the most fulfilling part of his role at Purdue is helping veterans make their academic “comebacks” as often said at Purdue Global. He sees education as a powerful catalyst in a veteran’s reinvention journey. “Education has the propensity to really help a veteran reinvent or re-skill themselves,” Gumbs emphasizes. “Working at a university that is intentional in connecting educational opportunities for veterans to take their next giant leap is truly special.”
He believes that the work done at Purdue Global and Purdue University is about more than just degrees; it’s about creating better lives for veterans, their families and their communities. “This university is about opportunity. For some, it’s about achieving the dream of earning a degree. I see how intentional everyone is across the university in their commitment to serving,” Gumbs notes.
Why Purdue Global Stands Out
Gumbs’ firsthand experience as both a student and now as a team member at Purdue Global provides valuable insights into what makes the institution a top choice for military-affiliated students. “When I was active duty, I knew I needed to earn a degree, and the world of online education is very vast,” Gumbs says. What set Purdue Global apart for him was the university’s understanding of the unique challenges military students face, including balancing military duties with academic goals.
He highlights the flexibility and support offered by faculty and military focused advisors, noting how these programs are tailored for working adults. “Enrollment isn’t enough—we need students to start so they can finish,” he asserts. The mission at Purdue Global is clear: to ensure military-affiliated students not only enroll but also persist and graduate.
Meeting Veterans Where They Are
Accessibility, flexibility, affordability and relevance are cornerstones of Purdue Global’s programs, according to Gumbs. The university’s learning environment is designed to be rich in content and aligned with industry needs. Importantly, Gumbs points out that Purdue Global doesn’t just focus on veterans but also on military spouses, recognizing the vital role they play in the overall military community. “Our programs are extremely welcoming to spouses, making education accessible and affordable for them as well,” he adds.
The university’s commitment extends to hiring instructors who are true experts in their fields, many of whom have direct experience in the military or related industries. This expertise provides students with real-world insights and guidance tailored to their specific needs.
Supporting Veterans’ Transitions
One of Purdue Global’s standout initiatives is its focus on credit for prior learning. Gumbs explains that the university’s Center for Prior Learning Recognition evaluates military training and experience, allowing veterans to apply it toward their degrees. This approach saves time and money, offering a more efficient path to graduation.
Gumbs shares a compelling example of a veteran who returned to finish a degree years after leaving the military. Despite the time that had passed, the veteran’s boot camp credit was still recognized and applied. “Do you know how motivating that is?” Gumbs asks, noting how this validation encourages veterans to keep progressing in their educational journey.
Community and Connection in Online Learning
While some veterans may have reservations about online learning, Gumbs has been impressed by the strong sense of community within Purdue Global’s virtual environment. “I’ve been motivated by the sense of community and peer support that exists even in an online setting,” he says, adding that Purdue Global meets military learners at their point of need, whether they are on active duty, in transition or pursuing a new career post-service.
Easing Transitions with Career Support
Purdue Global also recognizes that transitioning from military service to civilian life is a complex process. To address this, the university’s Center for Career Advancement provides critical support to military-affiliated students as they near graduation. From resume writing and job searches to employment webinars and partnerships with veteran-friendly companies, the center is dedicated to ensuring students’ degrees translate into meaningful opportunities.
“Having these centers infused with people who understand the veteran’s journey makes all the difference,” Gumbs says. With veteran faculty and staff guiding the process, students benefit from tailored advice and support that help ease the uncertainty of post-military life.
A Motto of Gratitude
For Gumbs, navigating tough days and staying motivated boils down to one word: gratitude. “I feel like any success I’m enjoying today is because of the experiences I had through the military,” he says. Gratitude for being part of something special and for the opportunity to serve in a new mission drives him daily. Whether it’s helping someone return to school or supporting them in achieving their comeback story, Gumbs finds fulfillment in knowing he’s making a difference.
An Invitation to Veterans and Their Families
As Gumbs reflects on his work at Purdue Global, he is encouraged by the university’s culture of service and dedication. “Purdue Global is a school where veterans and their families will be valued and supported. They can come back and move forward in their professional endeavors with a degree from a trusted public institution,” he says.
With over 175 fully online programs ranging from associate to doctoral levels, Purdue Global is committed to serving those who have served. For Gumbs, it’s all about fulfilling a mission of service—one that continues long after the uniform is retired.
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