Native to Canton, South Dakota, Dr. Dr. Gibson studied sociology and criminal justice at Dakota Wesleyan, U. of South Dakota, and South Dakota State U. He worked at McCrossans Boys Ranch, a juvenile facility, during his doctoral studies. He joined AFROTC during doctoral studies at South Dakota State and later served as an AF officer from 2003 to 2011. As an officer, he served in the AF Occupational Measurement Squadron, then the USAF Academy before resigning and taking a new professorship at U. of Wisconsin-Platteville. He left UWP for UMPI in 2015 remaining in the criminal justice field. Dr. Gibson is married with 4 adult children.