Cumberlands Alumni Magazine - Spring 2023

Our young alumni are doing amazing things around the United States and across the globe. From educators to entrepreneurs, these 40 alumni are using the skills they learned at Cumberlands, to do amazing things.

CHANCELLOR

Dr. Jerry Jackson, EdD ’11

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Dr. Leslie C. Ryser, PhD ’22

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR ALUMNI RELATIONS

Erica Harris, ’84

ALUMNI DIRECTOR

Paul Stepp, ’12, MSISS ’17

VICE PRESIDENT OF UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS

Andrew Powell

Post Your Pennant

We would love to feature photos from around the world, highlighting the amazing places you have visited. All alumni are invited to request one FREE pennant so we can show Cumberlands to the world and share our adventures with fellow alumni. As you travel around your city, country, and the world, snap selfies with your pennant and post them to social media. Remember to tag @ucumberlands, so we can see all the cool places our alumni are visiting. Request your FREE pennant by emailing alumni@ucumberlands.edu.

SENIOR EDITOR

Gabrielle Mellendorf

SENIOR WRITER

Sarah (Rainous) Shelley, ’17, MACS ’21

RESEARCH

Kelsey (Day) Infield, ’13, MACS ’15

PHOTOGRAPHER AND ATHLETICS EDITOR

William Turner, ’21

DIGITAL CONTENT

Patrick Blevins

The opinions expressed within articles do not necessarily represent the views of the administration but are intended to foster open dialogue and lifelong learning among the Cumberlands community. We welcome your feedback; email alumni@ucumberlands.edu.

ALUMNIGREETINGS

Dear Alumni,

What a great time to be a Patriot! My name is Michael Addison, and in December I was appointed as the new president of the Alumni Board.

Two unique things about completing my degrees are that I was a non-traditional student (I didn't return to college until I was twenty-eight) and that I finished both degrees online. I'm the first Alumni Board president to obtain my degree online.

One of my goals as president of the Board is to ensure that alumni from all backgrounds feel that this truly is their alma mater. Whether you were a traditional, on-campus student, or a non-traditional student, or were part of our online student community, I want you to know that Cumberlands is your school! I never stayed one night in the dormitories at Cumberlands, but I did work and attend school while paying a mortgage. I never had to run across campus for an 8:00 a.m. class, but I was up before daylight, sitting at my kitchen table making a discussion board post. I never played for one of our incredible athletic teams, but I sat at many little league games and gymnastics meets and listened to lectures. My lived experience was different, but Cumberlands is my school! Sometimes I hear talk about those who "went" to Cumberlands and those who "went" online. Whatever your experience was, we are all ONE BIG TEAM!

The world-class education I received at Cumberlands has unlocked incredible doors for me. I pastor a thriving church in Corbin, KY, and am privileged to be the president of the Appalachian Children's Home in Barbourville, KY. My wife, April, and I will celebrate our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary in June. We have two wonderful children: Peyton is a student at Western Kentucky University, and Emma has finished her first year at Cumberlands.

To feel more involved with fellow alumni and our alma mater, a great place to start is by checking out Cumberlands Connect. This is a great way to update your current profile, connect with other alumni, and even scout out career opportunities. I also would ask you to encourage other alumni in your circle to do the same. Additionally, speaking from personal experience, visiting campus for the first time or returning to campus after a while is always a great experience. I highly encourage you to do so, especially during Homecoming ’23, October 13-14.

Getting a world-class education at Cumberlands was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Recently my daughter Emma stated the same thing. I encourage you to connect, get involved, visit, love the logo, give, and continue to show your Patriot Pride.

In Christ Alone,

MICHAEL ADDISON, ’14, MBA ’16 President, Alumni Board of Directors

2022-2025

Alumni Board of Directors

PRESIDENT

Michael Addison, ’14, MBA ’16

PAST PRESIDENT

Melanie (Machey) Bloomer, ’90, MAE ’19

SECRETARY

Ann Orrick-Wohlfarth, ’87, MAE ’13

BOARD MEMBER EMERITUS

Dick Koeniger, ’67

Bill Lyttle, ’75

TERM EXPIRING 2023

Mathias Brewers, ’16

Wes Cornett, ’90

Wendy (Himes) King, ’03

Ann Orrick-Wohlfarth, ’87

Michael Addison, ’14, MBA ’16

TERM EXPIRING 2024

Hampton Clark, ’19

Jared Forgety, ’11

Kimé (Malcom) Harris, ’90

Jimmy Huddleston, ’87

Laura (Cornett) Koogler, ’86

TERM EXPIRING 2025

Anita (Miller) Biles, ’92

Nicholas Philpot, ’07

Lana Powers, ’03

Diana (Dugan) Warmoth, ’87

Kandace (Gibson) West, ’17

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Dr. Larry L. Cockrum

President

Paul P. Steely, ’49

Trustee Liaison

OFFICE OF ALUMNI SERVICES

Erica (Broome) Harris, ’84

Executive Director

Paul Stepp, ’12, MSIS ’17 Director

FACULTY & STAFF BANQUET

During the annual faculty and staff banquet, the Cumberlands administration recognized new retirees, award winners from prior years, and current staff and faculty who have reached milestones in their service to the university (10 years of service, 15 years, and so on). Winners of the 2023 faculty and staff awards were also announced.

This year’s retirees – who each received a new rocking chair, par for the retirement course – are Dr. Bruce Hicks of the Department of History and Dr. Connie Howard, ’74, of the Department of Health, Exercise, and Sport Science. Dr. Hicks joined the faculty in 1986, and Dr. Howard joined in 1976.

Among the staff members who reached milestones, two received standing ovations: Ms. Patsy Cross ’83 and Ms. Irma Ivey, both of whom have now served Cumberlands for 40 years. Both women work in the Office of Development on campus and are widely known for their exceptional work ethic and kindness.

2023 University of the Cumberlands faculty and sta awards:

Staff Community Service Award

Caleb Hetrick, ’13, MBA ’19

The Staff Community Service Award is given to a full-time administrative or staff member dedicated to the care and concerns of the university community. The recipient exemplifies and supports the ideals for which the university stands. By example, the recipient inspires in others the desire to serve for the good of the university community and carries out his or her assigned duties faithfully, even assuming responsibilities beyond those required.

Excellence in Teaching Award

Dr. Sheena Lawson, ’13, MAE ’17, The Excellence in Teaching Award goes to a faculty member who is vitally concerned with teaching; is concerned with students and sets high standards for them; is recognized as being competent, knowledgeable, and a scholar; is flexible and creative in classroom activities; makes connections between the subject and the lives of students; and demonstrates their support of the philosophy and purposes of the university.

William T. Miles Memorial Award for Community Service

Dr. Jennifer Knuckles, ’02, EdD ’17

The William T. Miles Memorial Award for Community Service is presented to a member of the faculty who has made a significant contribution to the community in an area consistent with the university's mission and goals.

Ms. Irma Ivey and Ms. Patsy Cross, ’83, both of whom have now served Cumberlands for 40 years.

CAMPUSNEWS

SERVING COMMUNITY

Students served at several locations around Whitley County on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day to honor the legacy of a man who devoted his life to serving others. From distributing packages of food, to cleaning up around Cumberland Falls, to organizing recycled items, and more, Cumberlands students put on their gloves, rolled up their sleeves, and got to work.

“MLK Day of Service” has become an annual tradition for the university. Though each activity only took a couple hours each, students know the life lessons they’re learning through the experience will last a lifetime.

Sophomore Gerard Liao said, “It is my first time volunteering in the U.S., but I have done community hours back in my home country of Spain. Helping the community is always good. We have to help each other to be a better community and a better world. I think that’s the point.”

Devon Goings, ’17, MJA ’18, director of

the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Cumberlands, commented on how the students’ volunteer efforts coincided with Dr. King’s message of unity. “Working together gives us a common mission and brings us together toward a common goal. It helps bring unity,” he said. “I think service also helps us appreciate the community we live in, and it gives us a new perspective. It helps us realize that the world is not just about ourselves. We can serve other people.”

DOCTORATE PHYSICAL THERAPY

Cumberlands has named its new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program after Dr. Connie Hauser, a physical therapy pioneer and the founder and CEO of PT Pros. The announcement was made at the university’s annual Excellence in Leadership Series event, sponsored by Forcht Group of Kentucky. Dr. Hauser also received the 2023 Excellence in Leadership Award from the university. Mel Robbins, a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and host of the No. 1 ranking podcast on Audible, was the event’s keynote speaker

and presented Dr. Hauser with the award.

Dr. Larry L. Cockrum, Cumberlands president, said, “Dr. Connie Hauser is a trailblazer and an outstanding role model for women in entrepreneurship. She was one of the first PTs to go into private practice in Kentucky. In addition to her advocacy and business acumen, Dr. Hauser has a heart for community service. Over the years, she has been a mentor to many individuals who followed her path.”

An accomplished leader and widely respected business owner, Dr. Hauser began PT Pros in 1980 with one location and has led it through immense growth. PT Pros now serves its patients from 14 offices spanning two states and employs more than 100 team members. She played an integral role in the creation of Cumberlands’ DPT program, which began in January 2022.

BEST RESEARCHERS

Several alumni have recently won International Best Researcher Awards

Hauser School of Physical Therapy

Williamsburg Recycling Center & Cumberland Falls

from ISSN (International Society for Scientific Network).

Bibhu Dash, PhD ’22, Meraj Farheen Ansari, PhD ’19, and Pawankumar Sharma, MSISS ’20, together with non-Cumberlands affiliated Dr. Swati Swayamsiddha, published a research paper entitled “A review of ONDC’s digital warfare in India taking on the e-Commerce giants” that was judged the Best Research Paper of 2022 by ISSN.

Nikhitha Yathiraju, PhD ’22, won the ISSN 2023 International Best Researcher Award in the category “Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence in Cloud Technologies and Cybersecurity.”

Dr. Bibhu Dash is an AI researcher and an architect in data and analytics in a Fortune 200 financial organization in Madison, WI; Dr. Meraj Farheen Ansari works as a cybersecurity engineer for a Fortune 500 financial firm in Chicago, IL; Pawankumar Sharma is a senior product manager (cybersecurity engineer) for Walmart in San Bruno, CA; and Dr. Nikhitha Yathiraju is a lead automation engineer at Pacific Gas and Electric Company in San Francisco, CA.

SENIORS ARTWORK

Abby’s senior project consisted of two large acrylic and oil paintings and a wooden structure. The three pieces have overall themes of rebirth, freedom, and the old life that must pass away before a new life begins. Abby believes there’s great significance to these themes throughout life, from “coming of age” as a young adult to being reborn spiritually as a Christian, among other ways. It took weeks for her to gather, configure, and secure all the materials for the large central structure, and it took her a long time to paint her canvases. But in the end, to her, it was all worth it.

Olivia’s senior project was very personal for her, involving several pieces that show different aspects of her struggle with selfconfidence and body image – but also how body positivity and empowerment are possible. She said, “I want to show that,

when you take to heart what society tells you that you have to look like, it not only hurts you mentally but physically as well. I have a life-sized structure and a cubismstyle piece, and I also had a friend of mine do a cast of me, my whole body, from head to toe.” Through her college career, Olivia discovered how life-changing it is to accept herself, how to face her fears, and how healing it is for her to do art.

Jonathan’s senior project was a group of three paintings involving foam, which added a 3D effect to the canvases. The paintings began with a question: how could he depict the three “persons” of the Christian Trinity artistically? “I wanted to get away from traditional depictions and try to depict God as a completely abstract, non-representational form. I wanted to represent how God’s glory, which is too big for us to comprehend, breaks into the chaos – how creation comes from the light of God,” he said. Jonathan used depictions of light, water, and wind to represent God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Abby Elam, ’23, Olivia McCarrell, ’23, and Jonathan Wren, ’23, displayed their senior project artwork on campus this spring.

Bibhu Dash, PhD ’22

Pawankumar Sharma, MSISS ’20

Meraj Farheen Ansari, PhD ’19

Artwork by Olivia McCarrell, ’23

More than 2,100 graduates celebrated the completion of their undergraduate or graduate degrees from Cumberlands this spring. Many graduates attended commencement ceremonies in person on the university's Williamsburg campus the first weekend in May to celebrate their accomplishments.

"Graduates, today marks a significant milestone in your lives," said Dr. Larry L. Cockrum, university president, during the ceremonies. "You have persevered through years of hard work and dedication and now stand here, ready to take on the world. I am honored to congratulate each and every one of you on your outstanding achievements."

President Cockrum offered heartfelt advice to the newest graduates – in short, to dream big, work hard, make mistakes, and always be kind. He said those were the lessons that have gotten him through his life and made all the difference, and he encouraged graduates to try it for themselves.

Second Lieutenant Gus Bourff, ’23, was commissioned on May 6, 2023, during annual commencement ceremonies. Second Lieutenant Bourff majored in business administration at Cumberlands and earned Cum Laude honors.

He spent two years training to achieve this milestone. As a member of the Platoon Leaders Corps Course program, he was required to maintain full-time student status and attend officer training at Officer Candidates School (OCS) in the summer. It is a physically, mentally, and emotionally draining test, and not all who attempt it succeed. Second Lieutenant Bourf met the challenge and proved he has what it takes to be a leader of Marines.

He will now report to Quantico, VA, to attend The Basic School (TBS) for 6 months, where he will be trained by experienced officers in preparation for his first assignment as a Marine Corps Officer. Upon completion of TBS, he’ll attend Occupational Specialty School, otherwise known as Flight School, in preparation for services in the operating forces.

Second Lieutenant Bourff, like many U.S. Armed Forces Officers before him, has solemnly sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic and bear true faith and allegiance to the same. He took this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion and promised to well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which he has now entered, so help him God.

Congratulations to 2nd Lt Bourff, and thank you to him and all current and retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces for your service to this country.

GRADUATES FROM 21 COUNTRIES 50 STATES & TERRITORIES

Caps Off to the

Dr. Colvin Atchison, Ed.S. '23, graduated from Cumberlands almost exactly 60 years after his parents met right here on campus. Here is their story, in Colvin's words.

I’m not a gambling man, but I’d be willing to bet my house that neither my father, James Samual Atchison, nor my mother, Charlotte Anne Kemper, knew when they left their homes in 1960 and 1961 to attend Cumberland College how much that decision would change their lives forever.

Dad was a big-city boy, hailing from Media, a town on the southern outskirts of Philadelphia. Mom was a small-town country girl who grew up in the tiny, dying railroad town of Worthville, Kentucky. Both attended Cumberland College for different reasons. Mom’s strict Baptist mother felt that Cumberlands would be a safe and nurturing place for her only daughter, and Dad had an uncle who worked in the forest service and lived near Williamsburg, so he was guaranteed room and board, plus a summer job working in the National Forest with his uncle Walt. Dad was a journalism major, and Mom had dreams of becoming a teacher.

Dad’s claim to fame was that he had once been on American Bandstand, Dick Clark’s teenage dance show that originated in Philadelphia. Mom was instantly starstruck by his tales of big-city life and of him seeing Bill Haley and His Comets perform “Rock around the Clock” at his high school.

The two fell in love, so in love that they traded their college dreams for a family and a life together, and in August of 1963 were married in Philadelphia. Mom had arrived by train a few days earlier and had never traveled that far from home in her young life.

Mom and Dad built a good life together. They settled down in New Liberty, Kentucky, a tiny crossroads town even smaller than Mom’s hometown, and in June of 1964 I was born. To my dad, a young man who had grown up with skyscrapers and commuter trains in his backyard, rural life in Kentucky must have seemed like a different planet. They had two more children together, and Dad went back to school, trading his journalism studies for a degree in criminal justice, and spent 30 years working for the Kentucky Department of Corrections. Mom worked in the local school system, subbing and working with some of the hardest-to-reach students.

This May, in 2023, 60 years after Mom and Dad met at the Wigwam on Cumberland College’s campus, I graduated from University of The Cumberlands with an Ed.S. and am moving right into the Ed.D. program. Dad passed away from cancer last September, but he was thrilled that I had chosen Cumberlands for my advanced degree studies. As I reflect on their story, I realize that I owe my very existence to Cumberlands. As I graduated this May, I couldn’t help but think back on that young couple meeting and falling in love at that special place on the Cumberland River – and now I’m here, finishing (in a sense) what they started. Life has a way of coming full circle.

As Skyler Jones, ’23, puts it, “Actors are always playing. They’re always in a state of play. Directing, then, could best be defined as setting the boundaries and expectations for play. What you're doing is, you're taking the world that's been given to you on paper, making your interpretation of it, and then helping guide the actors in the direction of your interpretation of that world, that experience.”

Well. It’s easy to tell this isn’t Skyler’s first rodeo. Or, rather, his first theatrical performance. It isn’t his fifth or even his tenth, either; he’s been on stage since he can remember, doing everything from brief, silly skits at Boy Scout camps to serious, full-length productions.

“I just get up on the stage. I’m so used to it,” he said. “This is my safe space. This is where I feel the most relaxed and myself.”

Everywhere Skyler has lived – Michigan, where he was born, Corbin, where he lives now, and several places in between – have brought him opportunities to be on stage, and he has grabbed (almost) every opportunity by the hilt and charged ahead. The only time he put a pause on his theatre endeavors was during his freshman and sophomore years at Cumberlands, when he focused hard on his biology major with ideas of becoming a doctor. Admittedly, he isn’t sure what he was thinking at that point. He “took the plunge” his junior year and changed his major to public health, minoring in theatre arts. In fall 2022, Skyler took on a new challenge: directing a one-act play, One Lane Bridge. He leveled up the challenge this spring by co-directing a full-length play entitled Almost, Maine. In between it all, he somehow found ways to complete his

S enior SPOTLIGHT

schoolwork, rehearse with Cumberlands’ jazz ensemble, and work 36 hours per weekend as an EMT with Whitley County EMS. When he was lucky, work wasn’t too busy, and he could catch some extra z’s on the break room beds during his shift.

With passion and experience in two very different arenas –healthcare and theatre – Skyler isn’t quite sure what direction to turn now that he has graduated. There are several roads he could take: pursue a master’s degree in fine arts, get a job with an acting company in his hometown, enroll in a conservatory, or explore several different options in healthcare. He’s hoping to someday combine his passions and write dramas that cover what it’s like to work in EMS.

“That’s a certain community that’s not been as able to communicate its feelings, experiences, and ideas through theatre, or even much art in general,” Skyler said. “There are some movies and TV shows, certainly, but they aren’t fully capturing the essence of it, in my view. They have a general idea, but I have specific experiences.”

Fortunately, there are overlapping factors among public health, EMS, and theatre. Communicating effectively with people who have different mindsets and different goals… being able to think of many things at once and remain composed… educating others on necessary information and inspiring them in the process… and so on. With the past four years under his belt and a lifetime of experience leaping into new opportunities, Skyler is prepared to take another plunge and see where the current takes him.

How to completely change your life in five seconds.

The underestimated importance of high-fives.

And more life-changing, research-backed information the audience didn’t know they absolutely needed to help them live a more abundant life.

Cumberlands students and community members alike heard it all straight from Mel Robbins herself this spring at the annual Excellence in Leadership event, sponsored by Forcht Group of Kentucky.

Mel Robbins is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and #1 ranking-podcast host. She is one of the most-booked speakers in the world and has worked with leading brands from around the globe. Her messaging is personal, encouraging, and educational, offering tools and motivation that have improved the lives of millions. Her speech engaged listeners of all ages, prompting laughter as well as consideration. Mental gears whirred as she explained the neuroscientific reasoning behind a life-altering method she created during the lowest point in her life and dubbed “the five-second rule.” In short, when a person is faced with a task they know they should do but don’t feel like doing, if they count backward from five to one and then “launch” into action, they are better propelled toward the task. In other words, giving our brains five seconds to reset helps push us toward action. When done consistently, applying the five-second rule can gradually change a person’s life for the better.

Need to exercise? 5-4-3-2-1, GO! Need to apply to a job? 5-4-3-2-1, CALL! Need to end a toxic relationship? Or decide to quit drinking alcohol? Or start a new savings account? 5-4-3-2-1, DO IT! As Mel put it, things that you know are good for you and that you really should do but feel stuck doing something else instead – all those unhelpful things can start falling away from your life, one by one. All it takes is five seconds.

Prior to Mel’s speech, Dr. Larry L. Cockrum, university president, announced that the university’s new Doctor of Physical Therapy program was officially renamed to the Dr. Connie D. Hauser Doctor of Physical Therapy program, in honor of the female PT pioneer who founded PT Pros and currently serves as the company’s CEO. Dr. Hauser has passionately served Kentucky and advocated for PT at state and national levels for nearly 50 years. She also played an integral role in the creation of Cumberlands’ new DPT program.

PATRIOTS

SHINING MOMENTS

In short, Cumberlands athletics had the best year in the school’s history. A total of 23 out of 28 teams this year finished 3rd or better in their respective conferences. Cumberlands won the President’s Cup by 17 points, the largest margin of victory by any school since the President’s Cup began. This year marked the first time in the history of the MSC that a single school has won the cross country, indoor, and outdoor championship all in the same season. Additionally, a record-setting 184 student-athletes were named to the Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete list, marking the fifth consecutive year Cumberlands has set a new university record.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

The women’s basketball team had a historic season, winning 16 conference games in a season, the most in program history. They set an NAIA tournament record along with a program record for most combined points in a game in their 117-108 triple overtime win over Midway. The team is also just the second team to win multiple NAIA tournament games in the same postseason. Individually, Kassie Monday became UC's single season assist leader, dishing out 203 over the season, while she also notched 100 career steals. Destiny Haworth set the single season mark, converting 46.5% from behind the arc, while her career 45.7% from three-point range ranks first in program history. Victory Fredricks' 44 blocks are the second most for a single season, while Lakin Burke holds the second-best field goal percentage at 62.8%. Finally, Kaylie Monday tallied 87 steals on the year, which is third most for a season, while her 150 career steals rank sixth all-time.

ARCHERY

Patriots Archery set three national records and six program records at the USA Indoor National Championships. Tyler Woosley set a pair of men's barebow national records, while Madison Cox broke the women's compound national record. The team also captured MSC Outdoor and Overall Conference titles this year; it’s the program’s fifth straight Overall title. Team members won MSC Women’s Shooter of the Year, both MSC Freshman of the Year awards, MSC Coach of the Year Award (the third straight year and fourth time overall Head Coach Kris

Strebeck, ’02, MAT ’13 has won), and MSC Assistant Coach of the Year (Caleb Kirby, ’16, MBA ’19) for the second straight year. The Patriots won their second consecutive national title for outdoor and became the first school ever to capture all three USA Archery national titles (3D, indoor, and outdoor) in the same season. The team had eight podium finishes at outdoor nationals this year.

SOFTBALL

Patriots Softball had a historic season. They were the No. 1 seed in the 2023 NAIA Softball National Championship Opening Round, with Cumberlands’ softball complex hosting Opening Round games. The team won both the MSC regular season and tournament titles, had a 44-3-1 overall record, and was undefeated in conference play at 21-0. The Pats rank in the top 15 nationally in 12 different categories, including best fielding percentage in the country at .986. The team set three program records by earning 12 MSC All-Conference honors, six Golden Gloves, and four major MSC awards. They advanced to the program's first-ever NAIA World Series after clinching a 10-inning Opening Round game. In the semifinals at the NAIA World Series the historic season came to a close with a 3-0 loss to Oregon Tech. They finished with the best record in program history at 49-5-1 with a third place NAIA World Series finish.

CROSS COUNTRY

The women’s cross country team came away from the NAIA National Championships with a 23rd place team finish, the third highest in program history. Freshman Emily Bird, was the first Patriot finisher that day. This year marked the team's third straight MSC title and NAIA Nationals appearance. They brought home MSC Freshman and Coach of the Year. The men’s team finished runner-up at the MSC Championships.

TRACK & FIELD

The women’s team made program history by winning the MSC Outdoor Championships. The women’s head coach and assistant coach both won MSC Coaches of the Year. Runner Kathryn Couch, ’23, was named Champion of Character for the second year in a row. The men’s team came away with runner-up finishes in both the MSC Outdoor and Indoor Championships. Bailey Muncey won the Champion of Character Award. Both the men’s and women’s teams broke program records this year. The teams competed in the NAIA National Championships, which began on May 24th.

WOMEN'S SOCCER

The women’s soccer team advanced to the NAIA Semi-Finals for the first time in program history. It was the third straight season they made it to the final tournament site. Laura Navajas, ’23, became the program’s leader in assists. The team had 11 shutouts this season. In addition, among other records and milestones this season, they captured their first Mid-South Conference regular season championship since 1999. Since the 2018 season, Cumberlands has won at least 15 games every season, notching a .819 winning percentage. It’s the best winning stretch in the program's history.

SWIMMING & DIVING

Both the men’s and women’s teams set several program records this year. The women’s team won its 11th straight MSC title, and the men’s team captured its fifth straight MSC title. The women’s team posted a pair of national runnerup finishes, and diver Emma Lehmkuhl, ’23, was this year’s 3-meter National Champion. On the men’s team, Jokubas Jankauskas broke the NAIA record en route to his first national title in the 200-meter backstroke, helping the men’s team place 4th in the NAIA Championships.

TENNIS

Both men’s and women’s tennis tallied the 11th-seed at their sixthever national tournament, earning the highest seed for either team in program history. The men captured their first MSC regular season title since 2003 and their first NAIA Tournament crown in program history. They won 80.5% of their singles matches this year. The women won the MSC regular season championship, their third conference title in program history.

LACROSSE

The women’s lacrosse team won the AAC regular season championship and had 11 AAC All-Conference selections. Bella Richiazzi, ’23, won back-to-back NAIA Player of the Year awards and broke the NAIA tournament record for goals (eight) and tied the NAIA record for points in a game (10). The team had a 16-3 record. Meanwhile, the men’s lacrosse finished runner-up in the AAC Tournament and claimed the third seed for the NAIA National Invitational, the highest seed in program history. The Pats were second in the NAIA for caused turnovers this season with 358 and averaged 13.29 goals per game. They closed out the season with a 13-6 record, tying the program record for wins in a season.

BASEBALL

For the third straight season, Patriots Baseball clinched the MidSouth Conference Tournament title. The Pats took both the regular season and tournament titles, marking them as the undisputed champs. Fifteen baseball players garnered all-conference honors, along with the team also winning two Golden Gloves, Freshman of the Year, and Head Coach of the Year. They advanced to the NAIA World Series for the first time in program history. Charlie Muniz broke an NAIA Opening Round record while tying school records. Head Coach Brad Shelton notched his 1,000th career win. They finished their historic season in Lewiston, ID after a 4-3 loss against MidAmerica Nazarene in the NAIA World Series. Their final season record was closed at 49-9, with a conference record of 23-5.

ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL

According to Appalachian Trail Conservancy, only one in four people who attempt a thruhike of the Appalachian Trail successfully complete it. Not many attempt it in the first place; it’s a 2,194.3-mile trail passing through 14 states from Georgia to Maine.

Stephan Say, ’20, a Cumberlands wrestler who earned his degree in criminal justice, completed the Appalachian Trail in October 2022 with a new outlook on life.

Why did you decide to try a thru-hike?

A friend from work said we should hike the AT, and I was like, “What is that?” Then he told me about the Appalachian Trail, and I did research. Among other things, I watched a YouTube video called “Appalachian Trail: A Journey to the Soul,” where this guy who had depression hiked it. I understood. I was feeling depressed at the time. I lost my dad in 2021, and since 2015 I’ve lost about a dozen people who were close to me. I would see other people so happy and full of life, and it would upset me because I was anything but. So, this hike went from something I kind of wanted to do to something I absolutely had to do. I knew once I set foot on that trail that there was no turning back for me. It was all or nothing.

How did you prepare for the hike?

I feel like the only way to prepare for a thru-hike is to thru-hike. No matter what I did, it was still trial by fire in Georgia. It was very, very rough. That said, I did a ton of research on hiking gear and on what the experience of the hike would be like, which helped me set my expectations. Still, researching is nothing like living through it. I pretty much winged the entire trip.

Tell us about your journey.

I started in Georgia on April 15th, and I didn't actually get to the trail until my second day because I purposefully started on the "approach trail," which is at the bottom of a mountain, hiking up.

I swapped out most of the gear I started with; there are hiker boxes on the trail where you can drop off whatever you don't want and pick up whatever's in the box that you'd rather have. I went through five different pairs of shoes. There are a lot of shelters hikers can stay in along the trail, which was helpful sometimes. Normally, I slept in my hammock. I hiked in spring and summer, so it wasn't too cold.

I ate Ramen bombs — Ramen noodles and potatoes — for about six months. It's pretty much impossible to keep on weight out there. The guys end up looking like the "Walking Dead" by the end of it, and the women look like supermodels.

I mostly hiked on my own, but, when I saw people, I would strike up conversation and stick with them for a while. I talk a lot, so people started calling me Motor Mouth, which is my trail name now. Hardcore hikers all have a trail name based on something about them.

I finished on October 15th, exactly six months after I started.

What did you gain from the experience?

One thing I learned is to "embrace the suck." Not everything is gonna go to plan, but you have to keep trudging through. Overall, I am not the same person I was when I started it. It changed me more than I could ever describe. I feel so happy, so full of life. I have the childlike wanderlust like when I was a kid. It was the best experience of my life and just all-around spectacular.

Are you planning any other thru-hikes?

Yes. There are many trails I want to complete, some longer, some shorter. Of the longest ones I want to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail, which is 2,653 miles, and the Continental Divide Trail, which is 3,028 miles. If I do all three, that's the Triple Crown of Hiking here in the U.S.

Based on an article by Erin Cox in The Times Tribune (Corbin, KY), reformatted and augmented by Sarah (Rainous) Shelley, ’17, MACS ’21.

UNDER FORTY

Cumberlands is devoted to training up students to set positive examples for others. The following 40 alumni, all under age 40 have taken that training to heart and, despite their youth, have already set themselves apart in notable ways. They are CEOs, educators, ministers, military personnel, counselors, writers, healthcare heroes, fitness gurus, multimedia masters, and more. Some work with people, others with animals. Some alumni walked across the stage on our Williamsburg campus to receive their college degrees, and others received their degrees online. No matter how they experienced Cumberlands as students, these alumni are now living across the U.S. and in different countries around the world. All have made their mark in their homes, their professions, and their communities. Innovation, risk, faith, labor, compassion, commitment, and service are the hallmarks of their lives. In short, they have carried Cumberlands’ mission forward into the world and put our alma mater’s deeply-held values into action.

In choosing alumni for this feature, an effort was made to show the diversity of career fields and specializations our young alumni have chosen. A special emphasis was placed on professional and personal growth and "leadership through service,” in keeping with our university’s vision. Since its beginning, Cumberlands has stood strong on its foundational pillars, including nurturing lasting relationships, celebrating individualized journeys, challenging ourselves academically, displaying servant leadership, learning global perspectives, being forward-thinking, and offering outstanding value in our work, whatever that work might entail. We believe the following alumni have clearly shown these values in their lives since graduation. It is our pleasure to introduce to you the University of the Cumberlands Alumni: 40 Under Forty.

McKenzie (Wheeler) Hines, ’18, recently began a new position with Yum! Brands, which owns the food chains KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. The company culture is geared toward equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all, with a recent push on sustainability in its restaurants and entrepreneurship for residents in impoverished communities that their restaurants serve. In McKenzie's new role, she is responsible for conducting benefit market research and benchmarking against other Fortune 500 companies to ensure that Yum! brings cutting-edge benefit offerings to its employees at affordable costs. She said, "I am excited to be working for a global organization that is striving for the good of its employees, their communities, and the earth!"

"I absolutely loved my time at Cumberlands," she said. "I believe that much of my success in my personal and professional life is attributed to my time spent in Williamsburg, between the people I met and the education I received."

Kyle Belcher, ’12, serves in the U.S. Navy as an operations research analyst for NETC (Navy Education and Training Command) N3 as head of the Integrated Production Planning division. As such, Kyle maintains and develops analytical tools for the production planning process and provides analysis when asked. He is a certified nuclear reactor engineer who has earned two separate master's degrees in systems engineering and operations research.

Kyle made the news for his work on moving sailors around the country during 2020. He is the co-creator of the OST (Optimized Slating Tool), a program which was built in a matter of weeks to automatically ensure sailors were moved according to their priority, which had to account for a number of variables per sailor. In Kyle's words, the OST is "a great story about mixing what computers and people do best to accomplish the mission."

Eric Lowe, ’07, is the CEO of Aptiva Health, responsible for leading the company, managing operations, and cultivating new opportunities for future growth. He was selected as a Healthcare Hero by Insider (formerly Business Insider) in 2020 and named to Business Insider's 40 Under 40 class of 2021.

Eric started his first business as a teenager. Since then, he has grown several businesses into multi-milliondollar annual revenue companies, has managed more than 100 employees at a time, launched the first online healthcare marketplace (Medvoucher.com), took a company to a successful exit in 2021, and has opened more than ten successful offices throughout Kentucky and into Ohio. He also helped in launching several additional companies for other young entrepreneurs and mentors young business owners and start-up innovators in the early stages to put them in the best position for success. In his free time, he is a football coach in Christian Academy of Louisville's youth football program.

Dr. Jaime Whitaker, EdS ’19, EdD ’21, was a high school dropout and young mom whose life experience proves that education can turn your life around. After returning to finish high school, she began her college journey and discovered, as she said, "I could do school! I found a love for teaching students that no one else could reach - teaching students like me." Eleven years into education, she is now the behavior specialist at a Title 1 school in the west end of Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Whitaker created several opportunities for students to achieve goals beyond the classroom, such as beginning an annual homeless outreach, leading a team of teenagers to 2nd place finish in the Aspen Challenge, and running a tutoring program during the COVID shutdown to support underserved students with their academics, free of charge. Jaime also planned the Academy at Shawnee's Men in Power and Women in Power events, which were created to inspire young people.

Matthew Courtney, MAE, ’13, EdD ’16, serves as the executive director of a nonprofit that he started. He is also a member of the leadership team within the Office of Continuous Improvement and Support in the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), serving as a policy advisor. In this role, Dr. Courtney works to improve education systems for all of Kentucky’s students. He has used this policymaking role to improve conditions for children enrolled in alternative education programs and curtail harmful behavior resolutions, among other things.

A published researcher, Dr. Courtney uses data to help the KDE and those in education better understand the potential impact of continuous school improvement efforts on Kentucky’s communities. He has also created a website, matthewbcourtney.com/repository, in which he builds and releases freely accessible tools that help educators focus on their own continuous improvement efforts. Through these free resources, educators are better able to promote continuous improvement in their students.

Dont'e Paul, ’12, is a full-time pastor who has worked in Christian ministry since graduating from Cumberlands. During the week, he is the director for Kentucky Christian Recovery, a recovery center for those seeking healing from substance abuse and addiction. On the weekends, he preaches sermons and volunteers at his home church, Stony Baptist Church. As Dont'e puts it, "My life is wrapped up in ministry. It's about really helping people, really serving people, and meeting them where they are."

He has helped start two recovery centers from the ground up for the Kentucky Christian Recovery. The first building was an old school they purchased and remodeled. Currently, the organization is looking at the possibility of expanding further, and Dont'e is working on becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) so he can better help those he serves.

Connor McJunkin, ’18, MSSM ’21, is a media and communications specialist with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. He creates and publicizes messaging through news releases, presentations, and social media content to advance Kentucky's business recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts.

"We work closely with the Governor's communications team, often putting together talking points and presentations, which is always a great experience," Connor said.

On the side, Connor is a freelance graphic designer for various collegiate athletic programs. This passion grew as he worked as an assistant football coach and a graphic designer/social media coordinator with Cumberlands from 2019-2021, serving in those roles again at Centre College from 2021-2022.

Warry (Woodard) Bonney, ’10, MAE ’11, is working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as a second grade teacher at the city’s American International School. She recently accepted a new position as the Community Liaison Office Newsletter Editor in the United States Embassy in Riyadh. Her new role will support the mission in Riyadh by bolstering the community and fulfilling their needs. She will also start a new role with Moreland University’s Teach Us Program as an adjunct faculty instructor.

Alongside teaching, Warry volunteers as a wrestling coach. She explained, “Some Saudi women cover themselves in a full Niqab and do not allow men outside of their immediate families to lay eyes on them. They come into this private women's gym and are able to then compete with each other in an open space.” Warry also runs the Embassy’s baseball team for youth, as well as their adult softball league, and she hosts a weekend Guided Book Club for children.

Bradley Paynter, ’17, MBA ’18, is a senior financial analyst in the business development team at Sound Physicians, a leading physician partner to hospitals, health plans, physician groups, and postacute providers. In this role, Bradley gathers data for different service lines including anesthesia, hospital medicine, emergency medicine, and critical care. After this data is gathered, he evaluates if Sound would partner well with an existing or new hospital.

An education enthusiast, Bradley is on his way to earning his doctorate and is teaching online financefocused classes at Cumberlands.

Bradley hopes to become a financial manager at Sound and to potentially teach a few more classes as the opportunity arises. He takes the quote, "Change your perspective, change your life," seriously and approaches all of life with that mentality.

Shannon Glendinning, ’18, MBA ’19, is the director of marketing and public relations at the Humane Society of St. Lucie County in Florida. In her time there, she has helped increase annual giving by 475 percent and has increased thrift store revenue by 46 percent monthly. She oversees all marketing and social media platforms that promote the Humane Society; orchestrates fundraising programs and platforms through online campaigns, in-house promotions, and community events; and serves as a representative for the Humane Society in the community. A dog-owner and all-around animal-lover herself, Shannon has raised thousands of dollars to benefit animals in her local area.

"I never imagined being able to use my education for something that I have always been so passionate about," Shannon said. "I think I was simply an animal lover who accidentally became an animal welfare advocate with my small amount of time working with the animals at our shelter."

Lora “Brook” (Blackburn)

Moak, ’11, is the dental director and lead dentist at Williamson Health and Wellness Center, a federally qualified health center in Williamson, West Virginia. Brook provides daily patient dental care and is in charge of managing the entire dental department within her clinic. She also does grant writing/applying for grants to defray the cost of patient care for underserved individuals, and she coordinates the dental school outreach program for Mingo County, West Virginia. She credits Cumberlands with encouraging her passion for serving underserved populations.

Through her career, Brook has grown two dental practices and started one practice at two separate federally qualified health centers in Florida and West Virginia. Following her servant’s heart, she has provided numerous hours of patient care for patients who otherwise would not have received treatment. Additionally, Brook helped organize the first mobile dental outreach program in the Mingo County school system.

Kelsley Wilkinson, ’18, MBA ’20, has taken his love of sports and confidence in front of crowds to a higher level. He is a weekend sports anchor for NBC2 in Nebraska who primarily reports on athletic events. From calling highlights during sports events to conducting interviews with athletes, Kelsley does it all. He also reports on local news stories periodically, interviewing city councilmen and councilwomen. He has even interviewed the governor of Nebraska, an exciting event for Kelsley.

Being a sports anchor for NBC has been "an excellent opportunity" for him, giving him experience and new connections in the field. His hope is to be on ESPN and to be affiliated with an NBA team.

Courtney (Hamm) Azra, ’11, MSPAS ’14, is a physician assistant (PA) at Norton Audubon Hospital. She is also an assistant professor and a member of the clinical faculty within Sullivan University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences physician assistant program.

As a PA in general surgery, Courtney collaborates with supervising physicians in the care of patients, taking histories and performing physical exams, interpreting laboratory and diagnostic testing, and contributing to patients' treatment plans. She also assists her supervising surgeon in the operating room and cares for patients post-operatively in an inpatient and outpatient setting.

In her position as a professor, she teaches and coordinates different courses and helps prepare students for their general surgery clinical experience in their second year of the PA program. She is the coordinator for students' general surgery clinical experience, and she assists in their learning while at this practice site.

Shannon Jones, ’18, has been commissioned as an Army Captain (03) and will soon be a licensed Army psychologist. She is currently an Army clinical psychology intern finishing her final year of clinical work for her doctorate. She has a master's degree in clinical psychology and a master's in psychopharmocology. Shannon provides mental healthcare to service members and their families at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. She gives neuropsych assessments, provides therapy, runs inpatient groups, evaluates for special operations, and works on research.

Shannon was ranked No. 1 for the Army Psychology Health Professions Scholarship Program for her recruiting year; they only accept four people out of 300 per application cycle. She has multiple publications on the neuropsychological effects of Parkinson's disease from her work at Edward Hines VA Hospital in Chicago.

Traci

Bitondo-Stenavage, PhD

’22, has been actively involved in leadership, advocacy, and scholarly pursuits since completing her doctoral degree in counselor education and supervision. She is the new president of the New Jersey Art Therapy Association and is also part of a research team that was recently awarded the American Art Therapy Association's Rawley Silver Research Award. For her advocacy work in New Jersey, Dr. Bitondo won the American Art Therapy Association's Nancy Schoebel Legislative Service Award.

She has presented at the National Association of Creativity in Counseling's annual conference and has three presentations that have been accepted for presentation during the 2023 American Counseling Association's Annual Conference.

James "Clark" Embree, ’11, has worked in the television industry since 2011, serving as a news producer since 2016 and working for WLEX since 2021. He's known he wanted to work in communications since he was at Cumberlands majoring in journalism and public relations.

As a news producer, Clark is responsible for a daily newscast (in his case, LEX 18 News at 11). He works with reporters and executive producers to help decide what stories the reporters will work on each day, and he chooses and writes the other stories in the show. He is also responsible for timing the live show and making sure it ends on time.

Until he arrived at Cumberlands, Clark had no idea he was good at writing, always thinking "writing" meant long-form essays. Professors like Jamey Temple, ’03, and Jeremiah Massengale, ’05, were "hugely influential" in shaping his career.

Dudley Napier, Superintendent Certification ’23, is the principal at Camargo Elementary School in Montgomery County, Kentucky. She provides both instructional and managerial leadership. Dudley has served eight years in administrative roles at the Elementary level.

She is a member of the Kentucky Women in Educational Leadership, a select group of women educators chosen by KASA (Kentucky Association of School Administrators). She was also selected as a member of the Leadership Institute for School Principals through the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Recently, Camargo Elementary was one of a dozen schools in the state named a "Best Practice School" by the Kentucky Department of Education. The best practice awarded is Camargo Elementary's "Vertical Planning," a planning process that Dudley and the school's faculty lead to help improve instructional practices and student achievement at the school.

Dudley's current goals are to finish the doctoral program she has begun at Cumberlands and take the next step professionally into a district leadership role.

Michael Prewitt, ’17, is a full-time touring musician. He currently plays mandolin and sings lead and harmony in an internationally touring, twice Grammy-nominated bluegrass band called The Special Consensus. He also plays shows alone or in collaboration with other artists. Both Special Consensus’ full album and Michael’s solo album are set for release in 2023.

In 2022, Michael was one of six musicians nominated for an International Bluegrass Music Association Momentum Award for Instrumentalist of the Year. Special Consensus’ single that year, “Blackbird,” was nominated for IBMA’s Collaborative Recording of the Year.

Before becoming a touring musician, Michael taught at the University of North Dakota while playing mandolin and banjo for the Flatt Mountain Bluegrass Boys. He then co-founded a band while living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, called Back Up & Push.

Amanda Faulkner, MD, ’10, has been a doctor since 2014 and an anesthesiologist since 2018. She currently works as a neurosurgical anesthesiologist and intensivist at Duke Raleigh Hospital, also serving on faculty at Duke University School of Medicine as an assistant professor. In the operating room, she routinely cares for patients with complex brain tumors, brain aneurysms, or spinal deformities. In the classroom, she mentors medical students and promotes deeper understanding of the nuanced anesthetic implications on neurosurgical conditions.

Dr. Faulkner serves her team and her field as a peer reviewer for multiple publications, a critical care stroke champion at her hospital, a residency application committee interviewer, and a frequent lecturer. Her expert lectures have included talks on the perioperative management of neurosurgical patients, including cerebrospinal fluid diversion, neurophysiologic monitoring, electroconvulsive therapy, and a host of other topics in the critical care realm.

Nathan Barnes, ’06, is an assistant vice president and branch leader at Truist (formerly BB&T) in West Virginia. In his role, Nathan is in charge of managing all aspects of his assigned branch(es). He drives branch performance through leading, coaching and managing, and business development; offers small business expertise and development; ensures compliance with internal controls, operational procedures, and risk management policies; and manages human capital, including interviewing, selection, hiring, conducting performance reviews, disciplinary actions, workforce management, and scheduling.

As a consistent top performer, Nathan has been invited to share insights and counsel with executive leadership of Truist on how corporations can help rural areas like Southern West Virginia. Also, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Nathan was placed in project leadership with the Payment Protection Program (PPP). His goals are to move up into area and regional leadership within the company.

Major Colin Corrigan, ’06, is the assistant professor of military science for the Eastern Kentucky University Army ROTC program and the senior military instructor and department head of Cumberlands’ ROTC program. He handles logistics, training, and staff management for the EKU ROTC program and is senior tactics instructor for EKU. He is also responsible for the administration, teaching, and management of the entire ROTC program at Cumberlands.

Post-graduation, in addition to completing a master’s degree, Maj. Corrigan was commissioned into the active Army as an infantry officer. He served in combat as a platoon leader and operations officer, as a company commander four separate times, and also as the military school's advisor to the Office of Program Management - Saudi Arabian National Guard Modernization Program (OPM-SANG).

Mitchell Mascaro, ’14, is beginning work as an official oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Eastern Tennessee after nine years of post-graduate school and hands-on training.

Previously, Mitchell graduated in the top five of his class in dental school and subsequently worked in oral and maxillofacial surgery in Central Illinois as the chief resident. He was responsible for coordination and on-call schedule of all residents, as well as leading and teaching them through surgeries and best practices for clinic patient care. The clinic supports implant reconstruction, head and neck trauma, orthognathic surgeries, head and neck cancer, and cleft and craniofacial work.

Myriah Snyder, ’14, MACS ’20, started as a news writer for a Kentucky Baptist paper in 2014 and is now a senior level writer and editor for one of the largest missions agencies in the world, the International Missions Board. She received the Baptist Communicators Association's Frank Burkhalter Award for Exceptional Achievement in Religious Newswriting in 2020 for her article "Unholy Tour attendees hear survivors recount 'second chances.' "

In her role as senior writer and editor, Myriah is responsible to pitch, research, and write news and feature articles; handles content and edits for news and feature articles; serves as an editorial resource for greater marketing and communications team; produces a bi-weekly newsletter, Global Highlights; monitors reprints of content in other media (Google Alerts, PR General Channel, etc); incorporates generosity campaigns into written content; and completes various special projects and tasks as assigned. She hopes to become a managing editor within the next few years.

Bailey Mays, ’14, is currently serving as an interim social-emotional counselor in a middle school in upstate New York while completeing a dual degree doctorate for clinical psychology/school psychology. Previously, she worked in a rural East Tennessee middle school where she designed and implemented an evidence-based drug prevention program and served a term on the board of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. She has presented at several conferences on polyvagal theory and school counseling and was a level 5 educator in the state of Tennessee from 2019-2022. Additionally, Bailey served as a Tennessee Achieves mentor for several years to help high school seniors navigate the college enrollment process.

Her goals now are to complete her doctoral program while in New York and successfully defend her dissertation, then focus her work on helping mental health for those in rural communities.

Rebecca (Worrall) Frosch, ’11, is the co-owner and co-founder of Hyperchat Social, a social media marketing agency that has grown to over a million dollars in annual sales. As a co-founder, it's Rebecca's job to inspire and lead her team, keep up with the constant change of the industry, and manage the overall operations, sales, and leadership within the company.

"When you're managing many personalities in the form of employees or talking to business owners about getting them to invest in their brand, being able to manage conversations and handle objections is crucial," she said. "The interviewing class I took at Cumberlands has really stuck with me. I'm such a crazy judge of résumé because of that class, but I think it helps me weed out a lot of potentially lazy employees."

Rebecca would love to see Hyperchat Social continue to grow in the new attorney vertical they've created, which helps increase brand exposure for attorneys and provides strategy on how to do so.

Ashley Collins Horn, ’07, is a district manager with the United States Railroad Retirement Board, a federal agency that operates similar to Social Security for railroaders and their families. Ashley manages operations of the Cincinnati, Ohio, district office, overseeing the employees in the office and managing retirement, survivor and disability benefits, as well as Medicare, unemployment, and sickness benefits.

She has presented at several pre-retirement and rail labor union conferences and meetings across the Eastern U.S. Most notably, she was the sole presenter from her agency at a training hosted by the Ohio Supreme Court to educate judges and magistrates on various public pension systems.

Recently, Ashley began a podcast with a friend entitled "Rooted Branches" (available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify), where they "branch out to share the wisdom of our roots" by sharing old-fashioned wisdom, old family stories, Biblical truths, and lessons from the past.

Brittney (Becker) Congdon, MD, ’08, is a caseworker for the A21 Campaign, working directly with survivors of human trafficking. Dr. Congdon helps survivors build skills and resources to address the vulnerabilities that put them at risk, helping them become secure in their independence.

“Expanding your perspective outside of your life experiences and the culture you grew up in is important for everyone, and it’s been especially valuable for me in developing my career experiences,” she said.

Dr. Congdon graduated from Northeast Ohio Medical University in 2012, completed a residency in family medicine, and became a board-certified family medicine physician. She then completed an addiction medicine fellowship and became the director of adolescent medical services for a substance use disorder treatment facility. When the opportunity arose for her to work on the front lines of the counter-human trafficking movement, she took it, and she’s grateful she did.

Emma (Kleather) St. Jacques, ’08, owns and operates Kleather's Pumpkin Patch, a seasonal agricultural tourism location, open each fall. "I absolutely love what I do!" Emma said. "When the opportunity presented itself to purchase and grow the family business, I couldn't resist. We've been in business since 1976. I get to work with my father, the farmer, alongside my husband to continue my parents' passion for business. I love building relationships with this community. Whether it's meeting new vendors or seeing new or returning guests in our patch, to us, it is about making a positive impact in the community, building relationships, and making lasting memories."

Since purchasing the business in 2015, Emma has brought in five female-owned businesses and their products to sell in the Pumpkin Patch's shop. The business has grown every year by introducing new products as they try to maintain traditions and engage new generations. Emma is hoping to extend the Patch's typical season and even expand by offering a farmers market in the spring and summer.

Jerrod Johnson, DVM, ’07, is an owner and managing veterinarian with the National Veterinary Associates (NVA) Gateway Animal Care Group in Clarksville, Tennessee. The Care Group has four veterinary clinics. Dr. Johnson is also a national speaker/lecturer on pain management in veterinary patients, drawing from his extensive experience in surgical and pain management cases. He is heavily involved in associate veterinary mentorship programs and works with multiple clinics in this regard across the country. He is also involved in the management of the business, particularly from a medical advisory standpoint.

Dr. Johnson was recently nominated for a national medical advisory board for national veterinary associates (NVA). He has opened clinics, bought clinics, and networked with others in the industry. He has completed post-graduate specialization by the American Board of Veterinary Practice in canine and feline practice. His specialization in veterinary pain management has afforded him the opportunities to lecture/ present on pain management across the country.

Lauren (Howe) Lunsford, DPT, ’09, is a physical therapist at CHI Saint Joseph Berea. She also mentors PT students in clinic rotations, educates caregivers in the safe handling of their loved ones and/or patients, and leads fellow PTs in her department for training, orientation, and scheduling.

Recently, Dr. Lunsford co-led her department in the training of every employee in the hospital on ‘Safe Patient Handling’ to decrease the number of falls their patients experienced. The result of the training was recognized by her quality and risk manager to be presented as a poster at the Kentucky Hospital Association Conference.

On the side, Lauren is a volunteer coach for her daughter’s soccer team and a Bible study/life group leader.

TJ Hurst, ’13, MBA ’15, is the owner and CEO of a State Farm Agency, located in Pikeville, Kentucky, and serves Eastern Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee.

In the past four years owning a business, TJ has been named the Top 25 New State Farm Agent in America (2019), was inducted into the Chairman’s Circle for 2020/21, made the Senior Vice Presidents Club for 2020/21 (both this list and the Chairman’s Circle list the top-percentage performers in State Farm), and was selected to serve on State Farm’s Corporate Agent Marketing Thought Leaders Group for 2022/23.

Outside of work, TJ runs regular marathons and ultra-marathons. In 2022, he completed the Asheville Marathon, the War Hammer 100 (50K race), and the Cloudsplitter 100 (100-mile ultra-marathon race). His running goals are to complete an IRONMAN Triathlon, qualify for the Boston Marathon, and complete another 100-mile race.

Josh Frosch, ’11, is the assistant plant manager for The Clorox Company at their largest producing manufacturing plant in Atlanta, Georgia, a plant responsible for about 60 million cases of product and $800 million in revenue annually (per reports for the 2022 fiscal year).

As assistant plant manager, Josh has leadership responsibility for operations, maintenance, and quality of a 9-production line facility that produces items 24/7, with approximately 370 people who report through his role; ensuring the safety of all team members and proper adherence to government OSHA requirements; and production of about 450 active products that are made onsite across these brands.

Josh co-founded the Clorox Southeast Science Education Program, which impacted more than 100,000 elementary students in the Atlanta area in its first year. He has also led an award-winning, STEM-focused partnership between The Clorox Company’s Atlanta plant and a local public high school.

Jared Tackett, ’06, is an architect and project manager for Longwood University Capital Design and Construction Department in Farmville, Virginia. His responsibility is to oversee the management of design/ construction projects for the university. He works with end users at the university level, the Building Official at the Virginia Department of Engineering and Buildings, the architect/engineer during design phase, and finally the design firm and contractor during construction phase of the project. Projects range from mechanical-maintenance replacements to new building construction. He also supervises construction inspectors within the department. Currently, he is managing roughly 15 projects for the university.

Jared has received Acknowledgment of Extraordinary Contribution by LU Capital Design & Construction for work completed in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, prior to moving to Virginia, he served as president of the Kiwanis Club in Jenkins, Kentucky, and was awarded the Governor’s Spirit of Kiwanis Award during that time.

Kendra (McCollum) Rodriguez, ’12, runs her own business, Kendra R. Photography, which specializes in weddings and high school and college senior portraits. From marketing, social media, and emails to photo editing and client experience, Kendra handles all the typical tasks that come with running a small business. What she learned as a business administration major and communication arts minor at Cumberlands has played a key role in her success.

Kendra has done photoshoots nationally and internationally for weddings and other sessions, and her work has been published domestically and abroad in several magazines. Her family just moved to Nashville, so she is at work building a presence in that new market and revising her business’ branding to better fit the clientele.

Victoria Paynter, ’17, MSDF ’18, is a special agent with the United States Secret Service, currently assigned to the New York Field Office where she works as an investigator in the Cyber Fraud Task Force. Victoria works alongside federal, state, and local government organizations and law enforcement agencies, as well as private sector partners, to execute cybercrime investigations. Within the investigations, she works with law enforcement partners to deter, detect, and disrupt fraud schemes. As part of its integrated mission, the Secret Service continues to focus on confronting evolving threats that are targeting the United States' financial infrastructure.

Victoria said, “Throughout undergrad and my graduate programs, I was challenged with every single assignment to broaden the way I think, which has carried over into my current position. I was a biology major with the intent of going to med school. Now, every day I show up to work, I am helping people, just in a completely different way.”

Rubem Rodriguez, ’14, is a performance coach for Nashville Soccer Club in the MLS (Major League Soccer). Rubem assists athletes and the team with training and games, such as warmups, activation, strength, and conditioning on and off the field. He is responsible for GPS data collection and analysis of training sessions and games. Additionally, he helps athletes recover during the post-injury process.

Prior to his MLS position, Rubem played soccer for Cumberlands (where he learned English; he’s a Brazil native), and subsequently rebuilt both the men’s and women’s soccer programs at an NCAA Division III college, achieving record-breaking seasons during the five years he was there. Also during that time, he completed coaching and strength and conditioning certifications, as well as finished his master’s degree in exercise science.

Matthew Reis, ’07, is the sustainability curriculum coordinator at the only NEED Platinum educational institute in South America certified by the U.S. Council of Green Buildings. Students are taught from preschool about water, energy, and waste management; the school’s installations are a living text for it. For instance, the school has a water footprint 47% smaller than similar-sized institutes.

Matthew’s responsibilities include implementing and monitoring the school’s sustainability curriculum, teaching a sustainability course to new teachers, modeling best practices, organizing sustainability summits and events, and teaching a high school environmental sustainability course. As a teacher, he is educating future stewards of the planet to have a holistic approach to sustainability that includes environmental, governance, and social aspects.

Tyler Fruth, ’14, is an optometrist at Abell Eyes in Lexington, Kentucky. He examines, diagnoses, and treats everything related to the eyes, doing everything from regular eye examinations to treating visual disorders, eye injuries, and diseases. In the state of Kentucky, he is able to perform in-office laser procedures to treat glaucoma and is licensed to perform minor surgical procedures. Tyler provides primary eye care as well as pre- and post-operative management for refractive surgeries and cataract surgeries. He also fits patients for specialty contact lenses and leads the dry eye clinic.

Outside of work, Tyler enjoys hunting, gardening, and traveling. He also assists at his church as an audio and video technician.

PJ Martinez, ’12, MJA ’13, is a K9 officer-technician with the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division. His job is to create a safe environment for all individuals that fall under United States Secret Service protection and provide coverage to the White House, Naval Observatory, and Foreign Embassies in the Washington, D.C. area.

He said, “Working for the Secret Service was a dream come true in itself, but being selected to the K9 Unit was surreal. I get to travel the world with my best friend and partner. I’m also proud that I still coach wrestling, and this year we had two state champions and were the runner-up in Maryland State Duals."

Elizabeth Whitehouse, ’07, is the chief policy and programs officer at the Council of State Governments. Founded in 1933, the Council of State Governments is the nation’s largest nonpartisan organization serving all three branches of state elected and appointed officials. Elizabeth leads national programming, including communications, leadership development, policy, and research. She also fundraises with a team of 60 or so folks who support state leaders across the nation.

Outside her work, Elizabeth’s family owns a small horse farm in Woodford County, Kentucky, where they live. She also helped create and grow the CSG Center of Innovation. The Center began with herself and an intern fewer than 5 years ago and now has an almost 50 million dollar portfolio of funding and a large team of policy professionals. She led work advocating for CSG to create interstate compacts to support military spouses and families through funding of up to $10 million in the National Defense Authorization Act.

CLASSNOTES

1980s

Jeff Siler, ’80, after earning his MS and PhD in chemical engineering from University of Kentucky, he worked as a research engineer from 1987 to 2005. Following a layoff, he began his business, CSRA Multimedia. In 2020, he rebranded his business to Interactive Display Systems. He has created and developed three patentpending technologies: interactive glass for use in laboratory and firstresponder applications; mobile interactive kiosks and integrated table displays for company events, coaching and training; and cloud software for collaboration and virtual meetings. He and his wife of 43 years, Sherri (Wallick) Siler, reside in Columbia, SC, with their son Jason and two rescue dogs, Pixel and Lily.

Doug Adkins, ’87, was ordained a "transitional" deacon in the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Atlanta, in the Cathedral of Saint Philip, by the Right Rev'd Robert C. Wright, Bishop of Atlanta.

1990s

Amon Couch, ‘91, was recently promoted to associate vice president of PRI (Partners for Rural Impact) Appalachia, a nonprofit striving to improve better outcomes for kids, families, and communities in Appalachian Kentucky.

Elizabeth Duff, ‘98, was selected as Ohio's Environmental Quality Incentives Program manager

with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services.

2000s

Sarah (Lovegrove) McQueen, DMS, PA-C, ‘05, received the 2022 Tennessee Primary Care Association (TPCA) Logan Beasley Leadership Excellence Award.

2020s

Tristan (Gibbs) Hash, ‘22, was accepted into University of Kentucky's Dental School.

Amanda Farris, ‘08, and Andrew Salmons were married on August 26, 2022.

Zach Culver, ‘18, and Lauren (Stokes) Culver, ‘21, were married on November 12, 2022.

Nicklas Nancke, ‘19, and Jennifer (Stein) Nancke, ‘21, were married on July 17, 2022.

Kathryn (Green) Pettigrew, ‘19, and Matthew Pettigrew were married on September 24, 2022.

Clara (Arnold) Woodall, ‘19, MACMHC ’22, and Aaron Woodall were married on November 13, 2022.

oh baby!

Magan Morin, ‘06, PhD, ’21 and Nathan Morin welcomed daughter, Lillian Elizabeth on March 31, 2022.

Jessica (Cox) Cupac, ‘10, and Bosko Cupac welcomed their second daughter, Amelia, on February 23, 2023.

Brent Logan, ‘18, and Mahalia (Lawson) Logan, ‘19, welcomed Brett and Bryson.

Kody

‘14, MAT ’21, and Whitney Baker, ‘17, MBA ’20, welcomed their daughter Rory on December 29, 2022.

Rachel

Shoultz, ’17, and Ben Shoultz, ’17, welcomed their son Oliver Paul Woodson Shoultz on November 7, 2022.

Dr. Emily Hopper, MAT ’13, PhD ’21 and her husband Jimmy welcomed their daughter, Lily Nadine, on January 27, 2023.

Baker,

(Pingleton)

The following members of the Cumberlands family have passed away since the publication of our last magazine. We send our thoughts and prayers to their families and will forever remember their impact on the Cumberlands community.

Alumni

Imogene (Johnson) Balcom, ’52, passed on December 19, 2022.

Rollie J. Harp, ’52, passed on February 20, 2023.

Naaman Nickell, ’52, passed on April 29, 2022.

Rev. Ray Cummins, ’55, passed on March 14, 2023.

Herman Hibbard, ’56, passed on March 4, 2023.

Norma L. (Tackett) Francis, ’55, passed on October 5, 2022.

Dr. James Turpin, ’57, passed on October 16, 2022.

Delmar Eversole, ’62, passed on November 30, 2022.

Dr. Allen F. Harrod, ’62, passed on January 19, 2023.

Robert L. Miller, ’62, passed on January 19, 2023.

Frank A. Burns, ’63, passed on November 8, 2022.

John Dee Wilson, ’63, passed away on March 20, 2023.

Wanda (Saylor) King, ’64, passed on December 18, 2022.

Wilma (Cobb) Ponder, ’64, passed on February 22, 2023.

Donald L. Price, ’64, passed on March 28, 2023.

Donald W. Stidham, ’64, passed on February 28, 2023.

Janice (Caudill) Wolod, ’64, passed on November 30, 2022.

Paul E. Cox, ’65, passed on October 27, 2022.

Jack A. Faulkner, ’65, passed on November 28, 2022.

Jerry L. Lane, ’67, passed on December 11, 2022.

Kenneth Paul Rains, ’68, passed on December 13, 2022.

Mary E. Wilson, ’68, passed away on February 9, 2023.

Joshua "Josh" Burton, MAT, ’69, passed on March 30, 2023.

George G. Karsner, ’70, passed on December 11, 2022.

William H. Ott, ’70, passed on March 30, 2023.

Raymond C. Surber, Jr., ’72, passed on December 9, 2022.

Jerlyn (Freeman) Clark, ’73, passed on December 29, 2022.

Marsha Floyd Partin, ’74, passed on March 24, 2023.

Deanna (Hoskins) Douglas, ’74, passed on February 3, 2023.

Rev. Taylor "T.D." Hooker, ’77, passed on December 5, 2022.

Linda (Hollis) Mattingly, ‘78, passed on December 21, 2022.

Anthony "Tony" Bryant, ’80, passed on October 12, 2022.

Katherine (Harney) Lisenbee, ’84, passed on October 6, 2022.

Ezra Ephrem, ’88, passed on November 29, 2022.

Steven J. Moore, ’88, passed on November 29, 2022.

Otis D. Reeves, ’92, passed on January 26, 2023.

James Matthew Smith, ’98, passed on April 4, 2023.

Meridith Ann (Pitmann) Tharp, ’14, passed on December 19, 2022.

Faculty

Alena "Beth" (Taylor) Wyatt, who worked in the Office of Development, retiring in 2012 after twenty-eight years, passed on March 6, 2023.

Richard "Ric" Rieffer, who served as director of Mountain Outreach from 1987-1995, passed on February 22, 2023.

John "Marc" Hensely, ’05, MACS ’12, age 58, of Blackey, KY, went to be with his Lord, with his family by his side, on Monday, April 3, 2023. Marc was the director of Calvary Campus of Meridzo Ministries and was a member of Jeremiah Missionary Baptist Church. He held a degree in divinity from University of the Cumberlands. For 17 years, Marc served as the director of Mountain Outreach at the university. He loved mission work, and he loved loving people. In addition to being a collector and hunter, Marc was an avid storyteller and fluent in “hillbilly.” He loved Kentucky, music, and birddogs. He was a devoted husband, daddy, brother, son, mentor, and friend.

C umberlands C ouple ^^

Scott Ogle, ’98, hailed from the home city of Dolly Parton (Sevierville, TN), and Lana (Logan) Ogle, ’97, grew up on a beef and tobacco farm in Shelbyville, KY. Lana was a music major her first three years at Cumberlands, then switched to Elementary education. In the rare free time she had, she liked traveling and singing on the weekends with an admissions recruiting group led by Rick Fleenor called “Abundance.” Scott stayed busy with Cumberland Singers, hanging out with some guys in a local Bible study, and traveling back to Sevierville every weekend to lead a youth ministry at a local church.

One day, Lana was playing the piano for Donna Colegrove, ’71, for an elective class called “Cumberland Singers,” and Scott noticed her immediately. After talking with Scott and hearing his testimony, Lana was intrigued. As she says, “It also didn’t hurt that he treated me like a queen – and still does.” Lana loved how tall Scott was (6’ 3”), and Scott loved Lana’s smile. Soon enough, Scott took a chance and strode right up to Lana’s lunch table in the cafeteria (which was full of upperclassman music majors – of which Scott was neither) and asked her to Homecoming 1994. Lana agreed – so long as Scott attended all the events where she had to sing or play an instrument that Saturday. There were multiple events. He came to every one. After, they talked until 3 a.m. and, once the security guard had opened their dorms for them, went back to their own rooms knowing they’d be together forever.

Less than a year later, on June 24, 1995, they were married at First Baptist Church in Shelbyville. They now have two kids in their 20s – Micaiah and Abigail.

Scott has served as the youth pastor and lead pastor of churches in Kentucky, Georgia, and South Carolina. He’s currently the lead pastor of Central Baptist Church in Winchester, KY. Lana taught elementary school for ten years and now enjoys working in an office setting at the College of Health Sciences at the University of Kentucky.

Today, the Ogles are looking forward to a trip to Israel, Scott is excited for upcoming disc golf tournaments, and Lana enjoys singing with their church praise teams and attending Southern Gospel music events.

Celebrating 100 Years

Barbara Carnes, beloved professor at Cumberlands, turned 100 in February 2023. Her son Frank, '75, who is her caretaker, worked together with his mother to share her Cumberlands story and the secret to living a long, wonderful life. Barbara's husband, Frank Sr. (nicknamed "Ferrell" and "Prof"), also taught at the college, and Frank's brother and sister are alumni as well – Cathy (Renfro), '76, and Robert, '83.

What first brought you to Cumberland College (now University of the Cumberlands)?

Ferrell* and I came to Kentucky during the summer of 1954 to begin our life-altering association with Cumberland College. He had recently completed a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University, and I had previously attained a Master of Education from George Peabody College for Teachers (which officially became a prized addition to Vanderbilt in 1979).

He had accepted an instructor’s position within the English department (having earned his initial master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Mississippi a few years earlier) and was also given the somewhat daunting task of being the Dean of Men from 19541959. Our half-decade spent at Mahan Hall was actually the first of many truly unforgettable experiences as we embarked on what would transpire (unbeknownst to us…) as a three-decades-plus odyssey of educational system pride and professionalism.

*Frank F. Carnes, Sr., her loving, devoted, and reciprocally inspirational husband of 66 years, who was also a distinguished professor at the college in the English department from 1954-1989. He was simply – though most affectionately – known as “Prof,” a moniker which he much preferred in deference to “Doctor.”

What were your job titles at the college while you worked here?

I began my teaching duties during the fall semester of 1957 as an instructor of English composition classes, and by the early 1960s I had been assigned a full-time didactic schedule within the education department.

I continued to teach in the education department until my retirement in May 1988, providing instructional preparedness for our future teachers in the following array of foundational classes: Teaching of Reading, Children’s Literature, Early Childhood Education block: Methods and Materials class of particular importance.

Subsequent to my original instructor title came the award of associate professor (by 1968), assistant professor designation (by 1974) which I valued very highly, and, ultimately, the distinction arising from the bestowal of full professor status (by 1981) was a tremendously memorable achievement for me.

The highest honor, however, over the entire course of my 30 years at Cumberland College came upon the surprising revelation of being chosen as recipient of the 1983 Honored Professor Award. My selection to become enshrined as a member of such an illustrious hall of dedicated, selfless, brilliant, and incomprehensively influential teachers was the unquestionable apex of my career! A truly serendipitous event: monumentally joyful, yet profoundly humbling conjointly.

What did you enjoy most about your time in service to the college?

Oh, goodness, that is a difficult query to ponder! I would probably have to say that the most enjoyment which I experienced continuously arose from observing the progression of each group of education majors, as they matured both academically and intellectually (as well as spiritually and professionally) during any four-year period, from Day One freshman registration to late May commencement as a graduating senior.

Also, a very close second, the acquisition of indescribable lifelong friendships which were forged with fellow teachers and staff within the college community, provided a profoundly positive and supportive network of camaraderie.

And, lastly (though in an incomparable category all itself), what truly brought me greatest pride and joy was to teach hand-inhand for 30 immensely wonderful years with the love of my life, dedicating ourselves to the undying pursuit of excellence for the benefit of our students.

What advice could you offer as to the secret of how to live a rich, full life of 100 years?

Oh, my, that’s another tough question, though very generally I might be able to suggest a simple guideline… In no particular order:

(1) Possess and steadfastly practice an abiding, unconditional faith and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, adhering to his teachings and principles daily throughout the entire course of your life.

(2) Discover a longitudinal purpose in life, one which will not only richly benefit others as a result, but will reward yourself with the inner peace and personal satisfaction of having lived a deeply impactful life toward your fellow man.

(3) Find and partake in the simple pleasures of everyday life, while thanking the Lord at the end of each cycle that you were able to enjoy them.

(4) Having a local network of priceless, thoughtfully kind and supportive friendships, plus an incredibly dedicated, devoted, immediate, and extended family whose precious love is felt by me every second of every single day.

(5) University of Tennessee football games in the fall on the SEC network + University of Kentucky basketball games during winter!!

(6) Riding my stationary bicycle for exactly one hour (though at a leisurely speed...!) at least five or six times every week. Plus, I count the cars through the hallway window as they pass by on Main Street to help keep my mind sharp!

Why does your house have a maple leaf sign hanging from a pole near the front entrance?

“The Maples” house was originally built in 1918 and was given its iconic name due to the several maple trees which adorned the property. At some point thereafter, the dwelling was converted into a quaint roadside inn, with the entire backyard developed into a picturesque rock garden (which subsequently became a popular venue for local and regional wedding ceremonies, as well as a summertime tourist attraction along old U.S. Hwy 25). The neon sign (“The Maples”) was meticulously crafted by a gifted, unknown artisan to crown the property.

What are some of your hobbies? Or, what is your favorite way to spend a day?

A favorite hobby always has been scrapbooking family photographs and other cherished artifacts/memorabilia; I must have accumulated at least 15 to 20 of them dating back to the late 1940s.

During the past 2.5 years, my life has been infinitely blessed since the birth of my first great-grandson, and it is such an immense joy to catalog his utterly priceless collection of pictures!!

A favorite day’s activities would be to watch two SEC football games on cable (plus the first half of a third game…) or three SEC basketball games. Bonus enjoyment if UK or UT are victorious!

THE favorite day(s) are the 3-4 occasions each year during which our family has celebratory events locally, and I get to revel for several hours in jubilant familial fellowship with my loved ones!

THEN & NOW

Since Cumberlands’ founding in 1888, many things have changed about this institution in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. In this section, we peel back the layers of time for a glimpse at what life was like “back in the day” to see what is different – and what has stayed remarkably similar – from then to now.

Most high school students can’t wait to start college because they believe being in college will bring them more freedom. This is mostly true, but there have always been limits on what Cumberland students can and cannot do. Let’s take a look at how these rules have changed throughout the decades.

1912 - 1913

Gentlemen entering their dormitory in 1912 needed two dollars to deposit with the matron. The money covered the cost of articles broken or missing from his room or other damage. This money, or what was left of it after paying for damages, was returned to him once he moved out of the hall. What’s a matron, you ask? Matrons were female heads of the dormitories. These ladies were usually married or widowed, mature in age, and well respected. The ladies also had a matron who watched over them in their dormitories and enforced things like visitation rules. The 1912 academic catalog explained that ladies were “allowed company now and then unless their parents object.” Another rule was that “Any pupil having five unexcused absences from school appointments in one term, leaving school or town without permission of the officer in charge, or avoiding an examination, shall be subject to suspension at the discretion of the faculty.”

young man except when a member of the Faculty is in charge.” Any secret or unapproved meeting between a young man and a young woman resulted in expulsion. Students living at Cumberlands at the time were also required to attend both Sunday school and church services. Students chose their church; however, after the selection was made, they had to attend the same church unless the dean of the dormitory granted permission to change.

1969 - 1970

Cumberlands students in 1969 did not have the option to slip on some stretchy pants before they ate Sunday dinner. Women were required to wear hose and heels at all Sunday meals. Men were expected to wear coats and ties to Sunday dinner. The only exception to this was that in unreasonably hot weather men could slip off their coats. There were also strict limits upheld on all days of the week. For instance, showering was not allowed between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. If students got bored of campus food, they could only visit approved nearby restaurants and had to limit their stay to two hours.

1994 - 1995

The 90s was the time of songs like "Cotton Eyed Joe" and the "Macarena," so Cumberland students must have been burning up the school dance floor, right? Wrong. The Cumberlands was a “no dance” zone for decades, and it continued to enforce its rules against dancing during the 90s. Cumberlands students also had to be particular with their tanning habits and could only sunbathe in designated areas wearing modest clothing.

2020 - 2021

1939 - 1940

Going on a date as a Cumberlands student in 1939 was highly complicated, and not in the romantic sense. There were many hoops that one had to go through to court someone. If a young lady decided to go on a date to the movies, a ball game, picnic, etc., with a young man, she had to get the approval of the Dean of Women. These dates, or even simple pickup tennis matches, were carefully supervised. The 1939-1940 academic catalog said, “No young lady boarding at the dormitories may be in company with a

Students can forget cheesy declarations of love via holding a boom box on their shoulder outside of someone’s window; the amplification of sound inside or outside a building, or even inside a car, to the point that others can hear it is not allowed. And while all dorms offer Open House hours for students of the opposite sex to visit your dorm room, don’t be surprised when a resident assistant (RA) pokes their head into your room to check on you. (Sometimes they switch their walk-by schedule mid-shift, just for fun.) Oh, and students these days have never had “convocation.” Instead of attending convocations in Gatliff Chapel, students must attend one specified campus event per semester and perform community service.

Your will is your legacy. It reflects your kindness and values. It also dictates how you will be remembered. That’s why, no matter your age or wealth status, we hope you will consider this important document this year.

Open Doors of Opportunity

Ensure your love for University of the Cumberlands continues after your lifetime with a gift in your will to support quality education for our hard-working students.

Advantages of a Gi in Your Will

• Simplicity. As little as one sentence in your will or living trust is all that is needed to complete your gift.

• Flexibility. Until your will or trust goes into effect, you can alter your plans to reflect life’s changes. This lets you balance your generosity with concerns about living expenses, future medical costs, and loved ones.

• Versatility. You can give a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events, or a percentage of your estate.

Take the Next Step

We are happy to provide sample language an attorney can use to make your gift. Please contact William L. Stohlmann at plannedgifts@ucumberlands.edu or 606.539.3571 for no-obligation help. Or visit our planned giving website at ucumberlands. planmylegacy.org to get started today.

“I am grateful the Cumberland College Academy (forerunner to University of the Cumberlands) was there for me many years ago…I am happy the college is there for those who have come after me.”

–Pearl Brown Forth, ’38