Dr. James Robbins appointed Senior Vice President for Research and Business Development

Dr. James Robbins, who has been serving as Dean of Academics, will take on a new leadership role as Senior Vice President of Research and Business Development. In this role, he will lead initiatives to expand the Institute’s research, grants, and business contracting activities, in order to strengthen strategic partnerships and support institutional growth. 

“Jim’s work on our academic and business partnerships has been invaluable, and IWP will benefit from his increased ability to focus on this area,” said President Chris Glass. “His combined experiences and understanding of the Academy, Government, and Industry sectors as a subject matter expert bring to the table the talent needed to succeed in this new venture arena for IWP.  His recent foresight and understanding of the Department of War allowed him to lead the way and forge the winning contract partnership with Arizona State University and the new IWP-DOW Strategic Thinkers Program, which he now oversees. He knows how to make deals and get the job done.”  

A true scholar-practitioner, Dr. Robbins is uniquely positioned to engage effectively with government and academic partners alike. Dr. Robbins formerly served as special assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and in 2007 was awarded the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joint Meritorious Civilian Service Award. 

He is also the former award-winning Senior Editorial Writer for Foreign Affairs at The Washington Times. His work has also appeared in The Wall Street Journal, National Review, and other publications. He is a national security columnist for USA Today and Senior Fellow in National Security Affairs at the American Foreign Policy Council, and he appears regularly on national and international television and radio. 

Dr. Robbins holds a Ph.D. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and has taught at the National Defense University and Marine Corps University, among other schools. His research interests include terrorism and national security strategy, political theory, and military history. 

Dr. Robbins is the author of five books, including The Real Custer: From Boy General to Tragic Hero, This Time We Win: Revisiting the Tet Offensive, and the critically acclaimed Last in Their Class: Custer, Pickett and the Goats of West Point. 

Moving forward, Dr. Tim McCranor, formerly Assistant Dean of Academics, will take on Dr. Robbins’ former duties as Dean of Academics.