Tompkins was a professor and dean at Pittsburg State University two different times, and served as a superintendent of three different Kansas school districts.

A native of Oklahoma, Tompkins graduated from East Central University in 1969 where he majored in English.

[3] After graduating from East Central University, Tompkins began his 46-year career as an educator as a secondary teacher in Oklahoma, quickly moving to Hugoton, Kansas the following year.

[11] Two years later in 2007, Tompkins made a return to Pittsburg State as the College of Education dean.

[15] Aside from the budget cuts, Tompkins helped search and hire four Regent university presidents: Michael Shonrock, John Bardo, Mirta Martin and Allison Garrett.