Lt Col Rob Newton is the Deputy Director of the McDermott Library and an Assistant Professor of Mathematical Sciences at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. As Deputy Director, he provides military leadership supporting library operations, academic resources, and research services for cadets, faculty, and staff. As an Assistant Professor, he teaches undergraduate mathematics and data science, developing cadets’ quantitative reasoning and analytical problem-solving skills in preparation for commissioned service.

Lt Col Newton received his commission in 2006 upon graduation from the Academy. He began his operational career as an AC-130H electronic warfare officer, serving in multiple operational and instructor positions and deploying in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Following graduation from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, he served with the 413th Flight Test Squadron, conducting developmental flight testing of special operations aircraft, including the AC-130W, AC-130J, and MC-130J. He also deployed in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.

Lt Col Newton served in a joint capacity at Special Operations Command Central as Chief of Deliberate Plans and Deputy Director of the Commander’s Action Group, supporting joint special operations planning and senior leader decision-making. He later earned a doctorate in industrial engineering and operations research from Pennsylvania State University, where his research focused on resource allocation and decision support systems.

Prior to his current assignment, Lt Col Newton commanded the 412th Operations Support Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., leading approximately 150 military and civilian personnel supporting developmental flight testing across three airfields and the R-2508 Special Use Airspace Complex.

Ph.D., Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, Penn State University (2023)

M.S., Flight Test Engineering, U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School (2014)

M.S., Operations Management, University of Arkansas (2010)

B.S., Systems Engineering, United States Air Force Academy (2006)

Assistant Professor of Mathematical Sciences, U.S. Air Force Academy (Jun 2025-Present)

Commander – 412th OSS, Edwards AFB (Jun 2023-May 2025)

Deputy CAG Director, Liaison to the Joint Staff, and Chief of Deliberate Plans – SOCCENT, MacDill AFB (Jun 2018-Jul 2020)

Assistant Operations Officer, Flight Commander, Chief of Current Ops, and Instructor Test CSO – 413th FLTS, Hurlburt Field (Feb 2015-Jun 2018)

Flight Commander, Executive Officer, Weapons & Tactics Officer, Wing Scheduling Officer, and Instructor AC-130H EWO –16th SOS, 27th SOSS, 551st SOS, Cannon AFB (Jan 2009-Jul 2013)

Defense Meritorious Service Medal

Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster

Air Medal with seven oak leaf clusters

Aerial Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters

Joint Service Commendation Medal

Air and Space Commendation Medal

Joint Service Achievement Medal

Air and Space Achievement Medal