Ph.D.–Ohio State University
M.B.A.–University of Pennsylvania
B.S.–United States Merchant Marine Academy

Professor Tompkins joined the faculty at Kennesaw State University in 1994. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1979, his MBA with a specialization in Finance from the Wharton School of Business in 1986, and his Ph.D. in Finance from the Ohio State University in 1994.

At Kennesaw he teaches Corporate and International Finance and has also taught  corporate governance at the executive education level. His research interests include corporate governance, corporate finance, and financial education.  He also serves as a business consultant and is the Director of Board Advisory Services for Kennesaw’s Corporate Governance Center. Tompkins was the Michael J. Coles College of Business recipient of the " Outstanding Scholar" award for the 1999/2000 academic year, the "Outstanding Service" award for the 2000/2001 academic year, and the winner of Kennesaw State University's "Distinguished Graduate Teaching" award for the 2004/2005 academic year.

Prior to his academic career, Tompkins worked on ocean–going unlimited tonnage merchant vessels as Chief Officer. He also worked for FMC as a Business Analyst.

Tompkins is happily married to his wife Angela and together they live in the Atlanta area with their two children Clare and Philip.