Development Newsletter | Summer 2023

PUTTING IN THE HOURS

Jacob Ward

Class of 2023

PUTTING IN THE HOURS

Hello again friends,

Can you believe summer is already here? As we enter this new season, my hope is to walk with positive minds and grateful hearts. A wonderful quote that resounded with me says, “Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.”

Jacob is like most college students, juggling a packed schedule and learning the value of time management. Between football workouts, his duties as a resident assistant (RA), and getting his homework and studying done, Jacob has just enough time for a little fun with his friends. But with the outstanding scholarships he has received at Cumberlands for football and his RA position, Jacob is extremely grateful and wouldn’t have it any other way. His time at Cumberlands, although busy, has been filled with valuable learning, experiences, and memories that will serve him well in the future.

Originally from Morristown, Tennessee, Jacob is pursuing a double major in history and political science with plans of attending law school after Cumberlands.

He said, “Donors’ contributions have allowed me to pursue a degree that prepares me for law school, play the sport I love for four years, form many friendships, and learn several life lessons. I am truly grateful.”

Through Jacob’s experiences, he has learned responsibility, discipline, hard work, and the value of pushing himself out of his comfort zone. They’ve also given him friendships he will cherish for life. He is extremely thankful for his scholarships through Cumberlands and a future for which he can be excited.

We are incredibly thankful for the generosity received last year, and we are putting those donations to good work here on campus and in the community. It is an exciting time to be a part of Cumberlands family with several new academic programs and community projects underway.

Thank you for your generosity today and every day. You are the reason many of our students are achieving their degree and can look forward to a stable future.

My best wishes for a joyful summer season.

Sincerely,

Bill

Bill Stohlmann Vice President of Development william.stohlmann@ucumberlands.edu

Catch the University of the Cumberlands football team in action this fall. Scan the QR code to learn more about the team.

CUMBERLANDS GROWTH CONTINUES FOR 2023

University of the Cumberlands closed out 2022, continuing to grow and achieve amazing things for its students. Enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year was 18,053 overall students, with 5,000 undergraduates and over 13,000 graduate students.

Although the school’s growth is outstanding, we have remained focused on our founding mission to provide a high-quality, affordable education to students from Appalachia and beyond. This past fall, 44% of the student body were first-generation college students, and 65% of on-campus undergraduate students hailed from Kentucky.

The university remains not only the largest private university in Kentucky but also one of the most affordable. The total cost to attend University of the Cumberlands is 50% less than the average private university in Kentucky.

This is Cumberlands staying true to its mission of providing a high-quality education at a cost affordable to Appalachia’s young people. Last fall, the school was recognized again by US News & World Report for having the lowest student-loan debt and the highest percentage of social mobility of any university in Kentucky. Social mobility is a measure of how well a university enrolls and graduates students from low-income backgrounds, and Cumberlands consistently ranks as one of the best schools in the nation at reaching these vulnerable, underserved student populations.

Cumberlands has not sacrificed quality for affordability as the school continues to update and develop programs to best prepare students for a 21st-century workforce. This past year Cumberlands launched over 7 new programs, including new Master’s programs in Addiction Studies, Organizational Leadership, and Data Science. The Education Department established Option 9 programs with seven Kentucky school districts. Through Option 9, aspiring Kentucky educators can complete their initial teaching certification and bachelor’s degree in three school years, all while being employed within the participating school district, gaining valuable hands-on teaching experience.

In addition, the school has continued to map industry certifications into the curriculums of departments across campus. For example, all students in teacher education now become Google Classroom certified, business students learn Google Analytics and Growth-Drive Design, and information technology students have up to 35 certifications they can achieve throughout their education. The goal is to prepare students to thrive in the workforce from day one, equipped with the education and skills needed to succeed.

Outside the classroom, the campus is as engaging and vibrant as ever. The growing department of Diversity and Inclusion hosted several events and trips for students and just launched a new Diversity Reading Initiative for students, faculty, and staff. Hundreds of students put their faith in action through Campus Ministries service projects, including Shoes 4 the Soul, donation drives and projects for Eastern Kentucky flood relief, and over 180 Pats Serve community service events.

As we progress toward another school year, Cumberlands stays committed to providing an affordable, world-class education to students at a campus filled with learning, comradery, and service.

University of the Cumberlands introduced new programs for career readiness and outcomes last academic year.

Several new programs have been implemented recently at Cumberlands for an affordable academic variety that fits the needs of any student. Programs include:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy

• Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence

• Master of Science in Cyber-Engineering

• Master of Science in Data Science

• School Safety Endorsement

• Finance Specialty in Business

• Project Management Certificate

visit ucumberlands.edu/give2uc

SUPER STUDENTS

Hanna Lyons and Amanda Gault, Student Body President and Vice President, smile when presented with challenges. Both ladies hail from Lexington, Kentucky, with a sweet southern demeanor and a work ethic that is unmatched. As leaders of the Student Government Association on Cumberlands’ Campus, they are truly dedicated to giving students a voice on campus and making a difference.

Hanna and Amanda knew winning president and vice president would be no easy feat. The competition among the candidates was fierce, but with an unstoppable drive and a humorous campaign aimed at reinvigorating students, the dynamic duo succeeded. The two made the very best out of their leadership experience and came through with their promises to the student body.

“We were able to implement a transportation system to take students to and from Walmart. We also added two new committees, Red Blue Army, which represents our athletic and honor societies and community outreach which better serves Williamsburg,” said Hanna.

The pair dedicated to improving campus based off student recommendations and requests such as water bottle fillers, renovations to resident assistant offices in dorms, updates to equipment in the wellness center, and strengthening relationships with campus departments. Through One Big Give Day in November, SGA raised over $6,500 in funding for campus improvements.

“Another big aspect of SGA is philanthropic events, so for this year’s spring service project, we partnered with the local Ronald McDonald House to bring groceries, prepare a meal, and interact with the residents. We’re very excited for more service projects and events that SGA will be able to help with next year,” said Amanda.

For more information about the super students taking action through Student Government Association at Cumberlands, visit www. ucumberlands.edu/sga.

Hanna Lyons SGA President

Amanda Gault SGA Vice-President