Finance Professor Spends Six Weeks with the FBI

KENT, Ohio - June 9, 2014 - PRLog -- A professor from Kent State University’s College of Business Administration recently spent six weeks with the FBI as part of the FBI Citizens Academy.

David Dumpe, Ph.D., associate professor of finance at Kent State, spent four hours every Thursday for six weeks gaining a better understanding of what the FBI does. Dumpe’s said his dedication to his students career preparation and his work with College of Business Administration helped him make the connections needed so he could participate in the program.

“I try to make sure I am constantly networking and making professional connections so I can help students find jobs,” Dumpe said. “It’s because of these connections I am able to have this incredible opportunity. I hope this encourages students and faculty alike to build on their professional network and understand the value it can bring.”

A special agent in the FBI nominated Dumpe for the program, making him one of 35 participants out of the hundreds who were nominated.

“I am very honored that I had the opportunity to participate in the FBI Citizens Academy,” Dumpe said. “I participated alongside company CEO’s, social workers, police officers and other academic representatives. It was a nice networking opportunity.”

According to Dumpe, the meetings usually consisted of debriefings on a variety of topics including organized crime, counterterrorism, white-collar crime and healthcare fraud. Participants also visited Camp Perry, located near Port Clinton, where they had the opportunity to shoot several different types of weapons.

“I even had the opportunity to shoot an 80-year-old Tommy gun; the kind Bonnie and Clyde used,” Dumpe said. “It was a lot of fun, but it pales in comparison to learning about all that the FBI does and how much it relies on the cooperation of the public.”

Dumpe said the program allowed him to gain a better understanding of what the FBI does and the FBI differs from how it is portrayed in film and television.

“The FBI is nothing like it is on television shows,” Dumpe said. “Everyone was so nice. I was really glad I got to participate in the FBI Citizens Academy because it allowed me to see the true image of the FBI and understand just how much they count on us for support.”