National security becomes subject at Westminster

Tobias Gibson is making national security a priority at Westminster College.

The political science professor attended a selective workshop at the beginning of June which discussed the education of national security and strategic studies. He was also selected to serve on the advisory board of Omicron Sigma Sigma, the Order of the Sword and Shield National Honor Society, which works to enhance the standards of security professions.

In order to attend the workshop, Gibson had to go through an application process that required a letter of interest, a comprehensive list of his experience and a letter of recommendation. Only 25 people that applied were accepted to attend the workshop.

During the workshop attendants were taught how to design syllabi, and underwent simulations where they could look at the decision making processes and ground strategies used in combat, Gibson said. At one point during the workshop former Acting Director and Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency John McLaughlin discussed intelligence focused syllabi.

The simulations played an important role for Gibson in his plans for potential strategy courses at Westminster.

"Simulations may very well enhance students' critical thinking," Gibson said. "They may not understand why particular players are making decisions until they at least attempt to fill their shoes."

Although Gibson has worked on projects and papers surrounding topics of national security on and off for 10 years, his foundation was in constitutional law and executive American politics.

"I accidentally fell into it," Gibson said. "I kept reading about particular issues and the transition happened organically."

Gibson's role as an advisory board member of the OSS is expected to encourage more interest in the topics of national security at Westminster. Gibson, who has been involved with Westminster's OSS chapter for the last 15 months, has witnessed the induction of 10 new students to Westminster's chapter, he said.

The OSS, which began five years ago, already has 24 collegiate chapters, three professional chapters and a national chapter. It is the first honor society exclusively dedicated to homeland security, intelligence, emergency management and other protective security disciplines, according to the society's website.

For Westminster, Gibson believes the chapter and his role on the advisory board will provide ample opportunities for students in a professional market and increase the school's reputation.

"I think it speaks genuine volumes of the quality of education at Westminster," Gibson said. "I'm honored, humbled and really excited for what this opportunity does for the students here."

Gibson's knowledge and interest in security studies allowed him to create national security classes for Westminster's curriculum, he said. It was of enough interest Westminster started a security studies minor program three years ago. The school will have a program for those interested in majoring in the subject beginning this fall.