Campus News

Viaduct Update

Construction on the viaduct began in December 2021 and is still underway, currently on track to be finished by the time students arrive for the fall 2022 semester.

After decades of wear and tear and several repairs to the original viaduct, professionals concluded that the safest plan was to completely reconstruct the structure. The new viaduct – still located in the same location – will feature the old structure’s iconic arches with the same dimensions, to the inch. The viaduct will be a similar gray color to the original structure but will feature black steel beams as the “railings” on the sides of the walkway.

“If you ever strolled across the viaduct holding hands with your sweetheart, laughed your way across it with a friend, or raced across it because you were late to class, you know the uniqueness of that structure,” said Erica Harris, ’84, executive director of Alumni Services. “The old viaduct will not easily be forgotten, nor should it be. But the new one will serve current and future students just as well as the old one served us. Who could ask for more?”

The university is thankful to Kay & Kay, contractor for the structure, as well as Contech for the design and construction. The structure is expected to be complete by the beginning of August.

IBM Partnership

Cumberlands and International Business Machines (IBM) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining the intent to integrate IBM course content into Cumberlands classes within the school’s Department of Computer Information Sciences.

The strategic partnership will benefit the university’s undergraduate IT programs as well as its Master of Science in Information Technology and Master of Science in Information Systems Security programs. Students will have the option to complete one or more certificates from IBM in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, security, Internet of Things, or data science, and also have the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in information technology, cyber engineering, security, or blockchain.

Among other benefits, IBM will collaborate with Cumberlands to deploy the IBM Skills Academy to students, which will allow students access to online learning resources, Cloud access for hands-on labs, curated content, and new industry assets. Additionally, Cumberlands will be able to compete in IBM University Award Programs. At the end of each course students complete in which IBM Skills Academy has been integrated, students will receive an IBM Digital Badge, automatically generating a digital résumé with verified achievements embedded with links to real-time labor market data and job postings. Cumberlands will provide updates to IBM regarding research or curriculum development and invite qualified IBMers into opportunities for industry feedback.

Physical Therapy

Cumberlands is launching a new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in January of 2023. This full-time graduate program will feature an accelerated curriculum that takes two years (six semesters) to complete. The DPT program will be delivered in a blended format that includes instruction online, on-campus, and in physical therapy settings.

On average, physical therapists in the U.S. make approximately $44 per hour, with some PTs earning more than $108,000 per year. The occupation is expected to grow by 21 percent, much faster than the national average. Physical therapy is currently one of the top 10 healthcare jobs in America. University of the Cumberlands is one of fewer than a dozen universities in the U.S. to offer a hybrid accelerated DPT degree program.

During the first full year of Cumberlands’ DPT program, students will participate in online classes and early integrated clinical experiences and will attend intensive lab immersions held on Cumberlands’ main campus in Williamsburg, Kentucky. During the second year of the program, students will participate in online classes, on-campus lab immersions, and three full-time clinical experiences. Full-time clinical experiences will be held throughout Kentucky and across the United States.

Appalachian Institute

The purpose for the building which housed the Cumberland Inn has shifted dramatically in recent years in order to fill the needs of current students. The west wing of the building is now the Adams Center, and the east wing is Templeton Hall. What used to be hotel rooms are now dorm rooms; the dining area is now Pete’s Eats (named after Patriot Pete); and the previous museum spaces are now much-needed office space for Cumberlands staff.

In addition, the first floor of the Adams Center holds the Terry and Marion Forcht School of Nursing, one of Cumberlands’ newest programs. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program began in January 2020.

“I feel like the program is preparing me for success in the field,” said Gabriel Griffin, who is earning his ADN at Cumberlands. “My instructors have prepared and pushed me to be confident in myself and give everything my best. I am grateful for the support that I have received.”

There is a complete career pathway within the Forcht School of Nursing. Students can become a Certified Nurse Aid (CNA), receive their associate degree in nursing, obtain their RN to BSN degree, and pursue a Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP). The RN to BSN and MSN-FNP degrees can be completed online, allowing students to work while pursuing their education.