Thomas J. Culora

Professor Office of the Provost
Tom Culora Profile Image

Biography

Tom Culora researches and facilitates courses and workshops on leadership. He recently completed an M.S. degree in counseling psychology and a related internship at Albany Medical Center. From 2014 to 2021, he served as Dean, Center for Naval Warfare Studies, where he led the college’s research and wargaming efforts. A retired Navy captain and naval aviator, he commanded HSM-47 and USS Boxer. His shore tours include serving on the Joint Staff where he helped shape national policy to expand NATO in the 1990's and serving as acting and deputy director for Strategy and Policy on the Navy staff. His research interests include the personal psychology behind leadership and organizational culture.

Contact Information

Areas of Expertise

  • Amphibious Warfare
  • Arctic
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Deterrence
  • HA/DR
  • International Relations
  • Joint Operations
  • Leadership
  • Maritime Strategy
  • Policy

Professional Highlights

2022

Dean, Center for Naval Warfare Studies

2014-2022
2014

Chair, Warfare Analysis Research Department, Center for Naval Warfare Studies, NWC

2009-2014
2009

Deputy/Acting Director, Navy Strategy and Policy, N5, Navy Staff, Washington, D.C.

2007-2009
2005

Executive/Commanding Officer, USS BOXER, LHD-4, San Diego, CA

2002-2005
1999

Executive/Commanding Officer, HSM-47, San Diego, CA

1996-1999
1996

Special Assistant, CJCS, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.

1994-1996
1993

Plankowner/ Dept. Head, HSM-51 Warlord, Atsugi, Japan

1991-1993
1990

Flag Secretary, CNET, Pensacola, FL

1988-1990
1981

Designated Naval Aviator (pilot)

1980

Naval Officer Commissioning

Education

M.S., University at Albany, 2022, Counseling Psychology

M.A., U.S. Naval War College, 1994, Strategic Studies, With Distinction

M.A., U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, 1986, National Security Affairs

B.F.A., School of Visual Arts in New York, 1979, Fine Arts

Related Credentials

Fellow, Harvard University, Olin Institute, Weatherhead Center for International Affairs
2001-2002

Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations
2006-2007

External Memberships and Associations

Council on Foreign Relations, New York City, New York
Member

Rhode Island Chapter of the International Red Cross
Executive Board, 2018-present

Herresoff Maritime Museum, Bristol, Rhode Island
Executive Board, 2018-present

Material and external links contained herein are made available for the purpose of peer review and discussion and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Naval War College, Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense.