Meet Chris Gibson: Soldier, Scholar, Statesman

CHRIS GIBSON is a writer and analyst. He is the author of three books, The Spirit of Philadelphia published by Routledge in May 2025, Rally Point: Five Tasks to Unite the Country and Revitalize the American Dream published by Twelve Books in 2017, and Securing the State: Reforming the National Security Decision Making Process at the Civil-Military Nexus published by Routledge in paperback in 2019 (the hardcover edition was initially published by Ashgate in 2008). He has also published numerous scholarly journal articles, opinion pieces, a book chapter and a book review. As an analyst, he has appeared on Fox, Newsmax, CSPAN and NPR, among other outlets.

Chris Gibson researching the Scottish Enlightenment in Scotland, Fall 2023

Chris Gibson as Siena College President

Gibson previously served as the 12th President of Siena College (2020-2023) and before that as the Stanley Kaplan Distinguished Visiting Professor of American Foreign Policy at Williams College (2017-2020). While in the military, Gibson had a tour teaching at West Point (1995-1998) and earned his War College credit as a Hoover National Security Affairs Fellow at Stanford University (2006-2007). Gibson earned a Master of Public Administration (1995), Master of Arts (1996) and Doctorate in Government (1998) from Cornell University. Additionally, he holds an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from the State University of NY (2017). Gibson graduated magna cum laude from Siena College in 1986, earning his Bachelor of Arts in History.

Prior to his academic career, Gibson served as a Member of Congress serving upstate NY from 2011-2017, with committee assignments on Armed Services, Agriculture and Small Business. His distinguished congressional service was recognized by the Lugar Center in 2014 when he finished #1 in the country in the House of Representatives in their inaugural report on bipartisanship. After three terms in the US House, Gibson self-imposed term limits and moved to academia.

Congressman Gibson honoring a veteran

Chris Gibson has dedicated a significant portion of his life to military service. He served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Colonel. His military career included roles in various capacities, including leadership positions and strategic planning. Gibson's experience in the military has deeply influenced his approach to national security and public policy.

Chris Gibson in military service