2025 Hooding and Commencement Program by Cumberland University

Cumberland University

Hooding & Graduate Commencement Ceremony

May 6, 2022

MAY

2 2025

Lebanon, Tennessee

Founded 1842

Lebanon, Tennessee

Founded 1842

HOODING AND COMMENCEMENT

CUMBERLAND UNIVERSITY

LEBANON, TENNESSEE

5:30 P.M.

FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025

MEMORIAL LAWN AT CUMBERLAND UNIVERSITY

Welcome to the 183rd Hooding and Commencement ceremony of Cumberland University’s 20242025 academic year. Commencement is the most important ceremony in the life of Cumberland University. Cumberland extends greetings to the parents, spouses, relatives, and friends who are attending today’s ceremony in person and virtually

ORDER OF EXERCISES

PROCESSIONAL

Macebearer..................................................................................WILLIAM R. RICHARDSON, M.S.P., M.B.A. Executive Director of Community Relations and External Affairs and Instructor

Announcement of Assembly............................................................................. C. WILLIAM MCKEE, ED. D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Invocation ...........................................................................................................P. AARON BELLAR, M.DIV. University Chaplain and Assistant Professor

“Star Spangled Banner” CUMBERLAND CHORALE AND UNIVERSITY SINGERS

SANDRA L. ELLIOTT, M.C.M., DIRECTOR OF CHOIRS AND INSTRUCTOR OF MUSIC

THE PROGRAM

GREETINGS AND RECOGNITIONS

Administration PRESIDENT, PAUL C. STUMB, PH.D

Board of Trust CHAIRMAN, J. SAMUEL HATCHER, J.D.

Alumni Association.......................................... PRESIDENT, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, PATRICK T. LAWSON, M.A.E.

The Occasion................................................................................................ DEAN, JENNY L. MASON, PH.D. Millard and J.J. Oakley School of Humanities, Education, and the Arts

Meaning of the Symbols PROVOST, C WILLIAM MCKEE, ED.D.

Introduction of the Speaker.......................................................INTERIM DEAN, JASON S. GRINDSTAFF, PH.D. Jeanette C. Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions

Hooding Remarks PRESIDENT, PAUL C. STUMB, PH.D

AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS

Posthumous Distinguished Alumni Award

Posthumous Degree

HOODING AND CONFERRAL OF EARNED DEGREES

VALEDICTORY AND FAREWELL

PRESIDENT STUMB

THE CUMBERLAND UNIVERSITY ALMA MATER

Cumberland Chorale and University Singers

Under the direction of Sandra L. Elliott, M.A.E., M.C.M.

BENEDICTION

MARK E. HANSHAW, PH.D., J.D.

ASSOCIATE PROVOST AND GENERAL COUNSEL

THE PROCESSION

The formal academic procession of Commencement begins with music and fanfare. The flags of Cumberland University are carried. Candidates for the Degrees are led by banners representing each Academic School of the University.

JIM D. SHULMAN, J.D., INTERIM DEAN AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Edward A. Labry School of Science, Technology, and Business

JASON S. GRINDSTAFF, PH.D , INTERIM DEAN AND PROFESSOR

Jeanette C. Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions

JENNY L. MASON, PH.D., DEAN AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

Millard and J.J. Oakley School of Humanities, Education, and the Arts

The Macebearer carries the Mace, the official symbol of academic authority, the meaning of which has evolved from medieval weaponry. The Mace is a symbol of the power of knowledge and the significance of a liberal arts education. At the base is a milkweed pod, representing the many directions the seeds of education travel. At the top is a globe, representing the world of lifelong learning. Cumberland University’s mace also displays a representation of the University’s special symbol, the Phoenix. The mythical bird boldly rises from the fire of ideas atop the globe. Phoenix medallions are also found on the staff of the Mace. The Mace was designed and crafted by Mr. Klaus Kallenberger, a craftsman living in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Made of cherry wood, wrought and cast sterling silver, red jasper, and red enamel, it was a gift to the University from University Trustee Jeanette Cantrell Rudy, who passed away in 2011. It is the tradition of this University to select a person from the Cumberland community to serve as Macebearer. The Macebearer walks with the Faculty of the University and is the last person to enter the commencement chamber before the President. The tradition traces to the Macebearer’s role in protecting the President, but for Cumberland, the meaning is deeper, as it represents the special historical role played by the community in assuring the continuity of this great University.

WILLIAM R. RICHARDSON, M.S.P., M.B.A.

Rusty Richardson has been at Cumberland University since November 2011, first serving as the Vice President for Advancement and later in his current role as Executive Director of Community Relations & External Affairs. He is a seasoned veteran with almost 40 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector.

In his current role, Rusty is responsible for many of the major events held by Cumberland such as the Phoenix Ball, Notes for Nurses, and Founders’ Day celebration. He also serves as the representative for Cumberland University at many local events in the community.

Prior to coming to Cumberland, Rusty served as president of the Phi Delta Theta Foundation headquartered in Oxford, Ohio. Rusty is active with the Lebanon Rotary Club having held the offices of President and Treasurer. He and his wife Kathy belong to the First United Methodist Church. He is an avid racquetball player and fisherman.

POSTHUMOUS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

The Posthumous Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to deceased alumni who had superb records of distinguished career accomplishments and made outstanding contributions to their profession and to their community. This prestigious award is being presented by the Cumberland University Alumni Association to the family of:

A. MARVELL MOORE

Marvell Moore graduated from Cleveland High School before attending Cumberland University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. During his time at Cumberland, he was a Captain on the football team where he played middle linebacker. He was First Team Mid-South Conference in 1994 and 1995 Marvell was a charter member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in 1996, and was an officer in Greek Affairs on campus.

While an undergraduate student at Cumberland, Marvell volunteered with other members of the football team and brothers of Omega Psi Phi to build the Don Fox Park in Lebanon, Tennessee. After graduation, he extended his service to the community by serving as a board member for the Boys and Girls Club, where he helped shape the lives of young people with his wisdom and generosity.

His professional life was distinguished by his career in law enforcement. Lt. Moore served with honor and distinction within the Oak Ridge Police Department and as a dedicated member of the S.W.A.T. Team. One of Marvell's most significant contributions was the development of the Mentor-Mentee Program for the Oak Ridge Police Department. His vision created a legacy of guidance and support that will continue to influence generations to come. Marvell believed in the power of mentorship and invested his time and energy into fostering positive relationships and nurturing potential.

A life-long learner, Marvell was eager to continue his education and returned to Cumberland in 2023 in the Master of Public Service Management program and was set to graduate tonight. He excelled in his studies, as well as working with the other members of his cohort who will be walking across the stage tonight He led by example, showing kindness, humility, and a genuine desire to serve others. His mentorship extended beyond formal programs, as he provided guidance and support to anyone in need, touching countless lives with his unique and personal approach.

An avid sportsman, Marvell found solace and joy in physical activities. He was passionate about running and lifting weights, which not only kept him fit but also served as a metaphor for his approach to life's challenges, facing them head-on with strength and determination. Fishing was another of his beloved pastimes, providing him with moments of tranquility and reflection. Marvell was married to his wife, Terry and had seven children. Marvell’s spirit will forever inspire those who knew him, to be better, do more, and love fiercely.

CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREES

Edward A. Labry School of Science, Technology, and Business

Master of Business Administration

December 14, 2024

Joey Arwood Conyers, Georgia

* Angelise Durham Hickman ..............................................................................Cross Plains, Tennessee

Megan Sheehan Macroom, Cork City, Ireland

Chelsea Desirae Tate East Nashville, Tennessee

* Thomas Kellum West Lebanon, Tennessee

May 2, 2025

Alexis Marie Aylor Watertown, Tennessee

Natasha S. Benton Lebanon, Tennessee

Russel Patrick Chanza Blantyre, Malawi

Sabrina Rosa Ovejas Graziano Georgetown, Ontario, Canada

Amber Green Loretto, Tennessee

Nathanael Lamonte Hall Nashville, Tennessee

Harley Ray Hinshaw Manchester, Tennessee

Andrew David Lena Mt. Juliet, Tennessee

* Aleksandar Milosevic....................................................................................................... Ruma, Serbia

Mariela Annais Arias Padilla Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Mónica Ruiz Pavón Marbella, Málaga, Spain

Teoria Mariah Woods Mt. Juliet, Tennessee

August 16, 2025

Christopher Ruiz Banos Antioch, Tennessee

* Jarred Lynn Fitch Chicago, Illinois

* Justin Casey Ganulin Goldstein Irvine, California

Joseph Hamby Monteagle, Tennessee

Jessica Tatiana Hernandez Becerra ....................................................Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Columbia

Amaya Margarita Herrera Mt. Juliet, Tennessee

Stephen Oghenemaro Itugbu........................................................................................London, England

Gabrielle Grace Jones Thompson’s Station, Tennessee

* Logan William Lowery........................................................................................Birmingham, Alabama

Ashley Taylor Malone Nashville, Tennessee

Malaina Jo Miles Franklin, Tennessee

Allissa Marie Mulaski Lebanon, Tennessee

Morgan Spivey Napier Lafayette, Tennessee

Corey Osborne, Sr. Nashville, Tennessee

Rune Petersen Aalborg, Jutland, Denmark

Diego Rubio Asin Zaragoza, Spain

Rachel Claire Russell Lafayette, Tennessee

Brayden J. Sanders South Pittsburg, Tennessee

Allison Michelle Spring ...........................................................................................Mt. Juliet, Tennessee

Guillaume Simon Swanepoel Cape Town, South Africa

* Micah Monique VanPelt ...................................................................................................Dallas, Texas

Alicia Olivia Sun Wahlberg Stockholm, Jarfalla, Sweden

Terrika Kelis Wiggins Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Master of Science

Engineering Management

December 14, 2024

Mohammed Fayazuddin Vikarabad, Telangana, India

May 2, 2025

Sayed Aamer Mohammed Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Dileep Kumar Nalam Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Apurva Vasudeo Narkhede Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Tarun Kumar Paloju Macherla, Andhra Pradesh, India

Rohit Thakur Gollapudi, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

Hareesh Vanaparthi

Sathyanarayanapuraram, Thripuraram, Telangana, India

August 16, 2025

Sreenilay Yadav Dasari Siddipet, Telangana, India

Yeswanth Reddy Dulam Deebaguntla, Nandyal District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Sri Vathsav Krishna Golla Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Venkata Sai Reddy Ippala Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

* Pranav Chandrasekhar Kadewadi ....................................................................Gokak, Karnataka, India

Mukesh Konatala Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Taiyeb Mohamedali Machhwa Vapi, Gujarat, India

Mohd Waiz Mahboob Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Venkata Maheswara Reddy Manukonda Chilakaluripet, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abdul Faizan Mubeen Mohammed Karimnagar, Telangana, India

Abdul Adnan Mohammed Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Abdul Rahman Mohammed Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Faisal Ali Mohammed Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Bharath Nakka Tadepalligudem, Andhra Pradesh, India

Anish Prasai ...............................................................................................Biratnagar, Province 1, Nepal

Mohammed Anwarullah Quadri Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Lokesh Kumar Rapolu............................................................................. Devarakonda, Telangana, India

Sheraaz Saifuddin Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Alwaaz Shaik...............................................................................................Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Danish Shareef Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Samrat Shrestha Kathmandu, Nepal

Scott Joseph Teed Lebanon, Tennessee

Jaya Prakash Reddy Yempalla Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Information Technology Management August 17, 2024

Prem Kumar Gadegani Paloncha, Telangana, India

Divya Pranathi Kandregula Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Nikhil Paladugu........................................................................................Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

December 14, 2024

Vasanth Kumar Allam Veenavanka, Telangana, India

Sushma Ambala Mancherial, Telangana, India

Sumanth Babu Bodavula Kaikaluru, Andhra Pradesh, India

Sapan Dharmendrabhai Chauhan Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Saideep Reddy Gandra Karimnagar, Telangana, India

Badri Vishal Ghanathe Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Dinesh Reddy Gopannagari Venkata ........................................................Dhone, Andhra Pradesh, India

Pooja Gotety Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Poojitha Krishna Jonnalagadda Virginia Beach, Virginia

Venkateswara Rao Kumpatla Challapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India

Soujanya Maneli Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Naveen Manne Narsapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India

Sai Vamsi Meda Allagadda, Andhra Pradesh, India

Sumaria Ruhi Mohammed Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Venkatesh Nelavalli Gurazala, Andhra Pradesh, India

Spandana Nukala Mahabubabad, Telangana, India

Suresh Pallerlamudi Rajamundry, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abdul Mudassir Abdul Mateen Patel Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

Pranaya Sai Pathipaka Warangal, Telangana, India

Mallesh Putha Badvel, Andhra Pradesh, India

Shaik Rasul...............................................................................................Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Anil Kumar Reddy Sama Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Siva Gangadhar Reddy Sanda Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India

Sai Priya Sheelam Jangoam, Telangana, India

Vivek Sagar Talla Warangal, Telangana, India

Pallavi Telakunchi Hyderabad, Telangana, India

* Danush Chowdary Thulluri Khammam, Telangana, India

Kiran Reddy Venkat Reddy Gari Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Saigopinadh Vutla Khammam, Telangana, India

May 2, 2025

Quddus Abdul Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

* Atmesh Acharya.......................................................................................................Kathmandu, Nepal

Bharath Reddy Aennapalli Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Afreen Anjum .............................................................................................Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Sumasree Anumolu Bheemavaram, Yerrupalem, Telangana, India

Anusha Mangalore, Karnataka, India

Mohana Sai Venkata Lakshmi Appala Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Harshavardhan Bade Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Seshagiri Bandi Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

Vikas Banoth Warangal, Telangana, India

Arun Kumar Bathala Fairborn, Ohio

Srikanth Bathini Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Samreen Begum Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Foramben Hitendrabhai Bhatt...................................................................................Kadi, Gujarat, India

Vamshi Krishna Bodakuntla Peddapelli, Telangana, India

Devaraj Bodige ...........................................................................................Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Rakesh Bogadi Wanaparthy, Telangana, India

Adithya Sai Bongu Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Jyothi Bontha Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

Keerthana Boorgula Kothagudem, Telangana, India

* Venkata Murali Boyina Rayalam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Srimanthini Budigapaka Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Krishna Sai Prasad Reddy Budihal Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India

Ravi Chakali.................................................................................................Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Prem Charan Chegudi Chirala, Prakasam, India

Sowmya Chelamalla Nalgonda, Telangana, India

Ramana Maharshi Chidurala Bellampalli, Telangana, India

Chandrashekar Reddy Daasari Hyderabad, Telangana, India

* Akshaya Dantha Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Bhavana Darapaneni Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India

Jaswanth Dasireddi Rajam, Andhra Pradesh, India

* Siva Kumar Devanaboina Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

* Purnasikha Dey Silchar, Assam, India

Vijay Naik Dharavath Kodad, Telangana, India

Anil Kumar Digumarthi Dharmavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India

Nithin Reddy Dodla Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Syed Fakhruddin Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Abhishek Reddy Gajjela .................................................................................. Jangaon, Telangana, India

Venkatesh Gali Narasaraopet, Andhra Pradesh, India

Aravind Kumar Gandra Rajugudem, Andhra Pradesh, India

Rekha Garipapati Nellore, Indukurpet Mandal, Andhrapradesh, India

Arun Gopi Shadnagsr, Telangana, India

Sachin Goudiperu Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Charan Mohan Gowrneni Tenali, Andhrapradesh, India

Sai Kumar Guntoju Nalgonda, Telangana, India

Jayanth Guntupalli Dekalb, Illinois

Niranjan Reddy Gurrampati Glassboro, New Jersey

Sadaf Imam................................................................................................................. Patna, Bihar, India

Likhitha Janga Khammam, Telangana, India

Revathi Jaya.......................................................................................... Veepangandla, Telangana, India

Prabhu Dasu Jonnalagadda Sattenapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India

Sumanth Jonnalagadda ...........................................................................Thullur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Sridhar Kalyanapu Khammam, Telangana, India

Nikitha Kamsani Kothuru Rampuram, Telangana, India

Santhosh Reddy Kandula Miryalaguda, Telangana, India

Anil Kasa Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, India

Manasa Kasturi Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Pradhyun Reddy Katta Hyderabad, Telangana, India

* Sudheer Reddy Koki Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Keerthana Sri Kolluri Narasaroapet, Andhra Pradesh, India

* Jayakalyani Kommanaboena Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Naga Anil Kommanaboyina ............................................................Karamchedu, Andhra Pradesh, India

Hima Chandra Avinash Konakalla Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Sriram Kondapalli ............................................................................................................Houston, Texas

* Koushik Kontemukkula Khammam, Telangana, India

Sudeepthi Koppaka Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Karthik Koppula Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Vijay Sai Kottapalli Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, India

Venkata Kotireddy Kummetha Vemula, Andhra Pradesh, India

Anil Kunchala Melbourne, Florida

Gowtham Reddy Kusam Vallabhapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India

Bhaavya Mallempudi...............................................................................Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Sri Samantha Chowdary Marupudi Ponnur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Jagadeesh Mathi Cherukupalli, Andhra Pradesh, India

Ruthvi Metical Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Sathya Vamshi Mittakori Secunderabad, Telangana, India

Rehaman Mohammad Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

Shaik Mohammad Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

Ameer Hamza Mohammed Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Mohit Ansari Mohammed Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Shahbaaz Mohammed Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Shoeb Mohammed Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Numair Ahmed Mohammed Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Hima Bindu Muddam Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Prasada Reddy Mukkamalla Darsi, Andhra Pradesh, India

Chandu Sai Muppasani....................................................................... Phanidam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Bhavan Nagandla Khammam, Telangana, India

Vamshi Panaganti Nereducherla, Telangana, India

Abhilash Paripelli Mancherial, Telangana, India

Krishna Vamsi Patcha Tenali, Andhra Pradesh, India

Miteshkumar Shaileshbhai Patel Surat, Gujarat, India

Shreyaben Shankarbhai Patel Kadi, Gujarat, India

* Prasanth Pilli Kanchili, Andhra Pradesh, India

Sahith Chowdary Pinnamaneni Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Santhosh Reddy Punreddy Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Phani Sandeep Raavi .................................................................... Narasapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India

Brahmareddy Ragipindi Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, India

Gopinadh Ravuri................................................................................................ Kodad, Telangana, India

Navyajyothi Sadineni Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Shubham J. Sakhare..................................................................................... Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

Arif Shaik Melbourne, Florida

Sameer Shaik Fayetteville, Georgia

Rahul Shanigarapu Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Amarnadh Tadapaneni Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Chaitanya Talla Wargal, Telangana, India

* Sathish Reddy Tatiparthi Konijedu, Andhra Pradesh, India

Kunal Singh Thakur Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Santhosh Talloju Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Venkata Prasad Thippasamudram Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India

Nalini Uday Timmaraju.........................................................................................Andhra Pradesh, India

Mounika Tippana Visakhapatnam, India

Murali Krishna Vadlamudi .......................................................................Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Sri Sai Naveen Vadlamudi Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

* Bhaskar Reddy Vadlathala Hyderabad, Telangana, India

* Naga Raju Vajja Enugupalem, Vinukonda, India

Manikanta Pavan Reddy Vemireddy Tiruvuru, Andhra Pradesh, India

Durgarao Vudatha Piduguralla, Andhra Pradesh, India

Venkata Dinesh Yarlagadda Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, India

Rohit Durga Venkat Yeluri Hyderabad, Telangana, India

August 16, 2025

Shashank Aitharaju Hyderabad, Telangana, India

* Sai Abhishek Arutla Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Muhammad Awais Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhrunkhwa, Pakistan

Anjan Kaushik Badri Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Aakash Beligiri Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Jaya Prakash Bojanapu Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Rehankumar Madhavbhai Chaudhari Mehsana, Gujarat, India

Chandu Prakash Reddy Chepyala Peddamasanpalle, Telangana, India

* Vasantha Gopi Chintha Vinukonda, Andhra Pradesh, India

* Sai Vishal Desaboina Narayanapuram, Telangana, India

Ram Kumar Devangam Nanjundeswara Hindupur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Manisha Dhornala Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Madhava Dudipalli...................................................................................Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Satya Srihari Varma Gadiraju Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India

Dileep Kumar Gugulothu Nalgonda, Telangana, India

Alkarim Barkatali Jiwani Pandharkawada, Maharashtra, India

Naveen Kadiyala Kykunoor, Andhra Pradesh, India

Sai Kumar Kakarla Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Shivaram Reddy Kanala Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Varij Venkata Vitesh Kancharlapalli Challapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India

Bushra Khatun Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Sai Kiran Kodakanchi Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Vamshi Krishna Reddy Kota.............................................................................Bodhan, Telangana, India

Saipranith Kothagattu Warangal, Telangana, India

Christian Kowal........................................................................................................Lebanon, Tennessee

Tharun Sai Kudhire Mandamarri, Telangana, India

Prudhvi Sai Teja Kuppagiri ..........................................................................Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Anish Lamichhane Parbat, Gandaki, Nepal

Beula Daniel Francis Medabalimi Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Raghu Vamsi Krishna Merugumala Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh, India

Pavan Kishore Mogalla Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abdul Raheem Mohammed Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Asif Mohammed Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Nadeem Mohammed Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Taha Uddin Sami Mohammed Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Aanam Ayyub Mulla Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Sriram Neelakantam...................................................................................Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Pradeep Nelavalli Gurazala, Andhra Pradesh, India

Greeshma Nukala .......................................................................................Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Sai Nikhil Reddy Palle Lingojigudem, Telangana, India

Vaggmic Reddy Patel Hyderabad, Telangana, India

* Harish Pinnoju Khammam, Telangana, India

Shukan Nikikumar Prajapati Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Heena Qureshi Hyderabad, Telangana, India

* Ezhilan Rajendran Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Prasanthi Sappa India

Priyanshi Saxena.........................................................................................Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, India

Madiha Sayeed Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Hira Shafiq Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

* Parth Divyesh Shah Vadodara, Gujarat, India

Gopinath Sikhinam Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Nikhil Kumar Sirram Nizamabad, Telangana, India

Arif Syed Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

Krishna Vamsi Chowdary Tatineni Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

* Gowtham Kumar Terli Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India

Tharun Thondapu Khammam, Telangana, India

Brhan Zelalem Tsegaye Omaha, Nebraska

* Purna Satya Sai Tarun Tutaram K. Kothapalem, Andhra Pradesh, India

Mohammed Saif Ullah Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Jay Parashar Upadhyaya Vadodara, Gujarat, India

Pradeep Velpula ............................................................................... Nekarikallu, Andhra Pradesh, India

Raviteja Vindula Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Sidharth Yadav Florence, Alabama

Lakshmi Prasanna Yakkanti Tarlupadu, Andhra Pradesh, India

Hemasundar Yarlagadda Edwardsvilles, Alabama

Vamshikrishna Reddy Yedalla Narsimhulapet, Telangana, India

Jeanette C. Rudy School of Nursing & Health Professions

Master of Arts

May 2, 2025

Harley David Dixon South Portsmouth, Kentucky

Tyler H. Hanes ................................................................................................................Arlington, Texas

Lilly M. Simms Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

August 16, 2025

Demond Riley Franklin, Jr. Helena, Arkansas

Master of Science in Athletic Training

May 2, 2025

Nicole Laba Bott Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil

Nicholas Burge Rome, Georgia

Ma’Kayla Renee Johnson Springfield, Tennessee

Grace Lauren Rittenberry White House, Tennessee

Jaylon Tharpe ....................................................................................................... Clarksville, Tennessee

Henry Tre’Shaun Whitfield Danville, Illinois

Master of Sport and Exercise Science

December 14, 2024

David Lucas Gauss Landau in der Pfalz, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany

May 2, 2025

* Eric James Ribeiro Buffalo, New York

August 16, 2025

* Gunnar Zacharias Helland Stoughton, Wisconsin

Alexandra Leisibach Zug, Zug, Switzerland

Master of Science in Nursing

May 2, 2025

Gary L. Chansler Mt. Juliet, Tennessee

Dana Louise Lefler Mt. Juliet, Tennessee

Savannah Lynn Tompkins Byrdstown, Tennessee

Amanda Marie VanZile White Pigeon, Michigan

Millard and J.J. Oakley School of Humanities, Education, and the Arts

Master of Arts in Education

December 14, 2024

Logan Montana Bell Honolulu, Hawaii

May 2, 2025

Tonya Patrice Beaird Brown Nashville, Tennessee

* Spencer Claypool Columbia, Kentucky

Marcelo Saldana Clovis, California

Brandon Rahshad Taylor Brownsville, Tennessee

Tristan A. Taylor Brownsville, Tennessee

* Maxwell Wood.......................................................................................................... Roanoke, Virginia

August 16, 2025

Rachel Leah Fisher Old Hickory, Tennessee

Michael Todd McCall...............................................................................................Lebanon, Tennessee

Madison Milton Oldknow Cookeville, Tennessee

Master of Arts in Teaching

December 14, 2024

* Wendi Austin Indian Mound, Tennessee

* Kelly Crouch Aiken, South Carolina

Stephen Martin Glenn II Rock Island, Tennessee

* Hope-4 Infinity Hale Lascassas, Tennessee

Ryan Hill Lebanon, Tennessee

Jade Ryan Hollister Rorie............................................................................. Greenwood, South Carolina

Julie M. Mix Lafayette, Tennessee

* Kristen Oldham Sanders ......................................................................................Carthage, Tennessee

* Kaylee Wheeler Lafayette, Tennessee

May 2, 2025

James Lucas Anderson Mt. Juliet, Tennessee

Peyton Ray Grant Scottsboro, Alabama

* Robert Allen Huffines Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee

Taylor Ashton Kees Lebanon, Tennessee

Lacey Jo Norwood ................................................................................................Hermitage, Tennessee

Justin Tyler Oldknow Snellville, Georgia

Amber Michelle Piercey Lebanon, Tennessee

Risa RaeAnne Rieger Hendersonville, Tennessee

Tashayla Warren Mt. Hermon, Louisiana

August 16, 2025

* Shawn Martin Affolter Aarau, Switzerland

Rachel Allison Bauman Lebanon, Tennessee

* Thomas Garrett Curtis Knoxville, Tennessee

* Summer Elizabeth Dickinson Franklin, Tennessee

* Alexis Leigh Elrod Lebanon, Tennessee

* Amanda Kelley Lankford South Fulton, Tennessee

Melissa Sue Mallari Lascassas, Tennessee

Asia Means ..............................................................................................................Lebanon, Tennessee

Anna Grace Merritt Cleveland, Tennessee

Ethan Garner Merritt Cleveland, Tennessee

Ambra Morgan Cumberland City, Tennessee

Darren Jamel Pendergrass Antioch, Tennessee

* Julia Robinson Pleasant Shade, Tennessee

Emma Madison Teed Great Mills, Maryland

* Jessica L. Weaver Rockvale, Tennessee

Walter Barry Williams Union City, Tennessee

Master of Education

December 14, 2024

Kiara Uyantaie Cartwright ........................................................................................ Gallatin, Tennessee

May 2, 2025

Rachel Lane Engel Omaha, Nebraska

Master of Science

August 16, 2025

Aleasha Marie Chaw Tilton, New Hampshire

Perrie Grace Jones...................................................................................................Lebanon, Tennessee

* Natalie Martinez Bronx, New York

Alivia Rowe ..............................................................................................................Lebanon, Tennessee

Master of Public Service Management

May 2, 2025

Aisha Abu-Asaba Nashville, Tennessee

Elizabeth Agustin Felipe Cookeville, Tennessee

Veronica Joy Ashley Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Julia Elizabeth Baynor Old Hickory, Tennessee

Que’Asia Cheyenne Berry Lebanon, Tennessee

Heather Lynn Chalos ..............................................................................................Nashville, Tennessee

Kara Jonell Claybrooks Nashville, Tennessee

Raven Ladae Dyer Knoxville, Tennessee

Sean Thomas FitzMaurice Crystal Lake, Illinois

Clarissa Anne Gadsey Nolensville, Tennessee

Santiago Garcia Castro Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Caleb Wayne Ginnings Kingston Springs, Tennessee

Leland DeShaun Greer, Sr. Nashville, Tennessee

Shamshad Hajizada Kabul, Afghanistan

Allie Marie Haynes Parsons, Tennessee

Victoria Jean Gibbs Linnea Carthage, Tennessee

Luis A. Lopez Bayamon, Puerto Rico

Allen Marvell Moore (posthumously awarded) Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Hayes Rebecca O’Donnell Bells, Tennessee

DeAndera Payne...................................................................................................Union City, Tennessee

Meghan Rose Pope Burnt Hills, New York

Abbey Sawl-Sibley Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Scott Eric Selliers Lebanon, Tennessee

Derek A. Sibley Atlanta, Georgia

Chad Mitchell Wilkinson Elmhurst, Illinois

August 16, 2025

Felicia Lauren Deck Lebanon, Tennessee

* denotes in absentia

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Retiring Faculty

Sandra L. Elliott, M A E., M.C.M., Assistant Professor, Music

Richard M. Storie, Ed.D., Assistant Professor, Exercise and Sport Science

Macebearer

William R. Richardson, M.S.P., M.B.A.

Executive Director of Community Relations and External Affairs

Presentation of the Hood

Laura H. Bechard, Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Outgoing Faculty Senate President and

Sheridan W. S. Henson, Ed.D.

Executive Director of Academic Support and Assistant Professor

Candidate Readers

Jenny E. Ballard, M.F.A.

William R. Richardson, M.S.P., M.B.A.

The Program lists the names of candidates who anticipate completing all degree requirements. Inclusion of an individual’s name in the program does not necessarily mean that all the degree requirements have been met. This program is believed to be correct as of April 25, 2025.

Marvel Abdelmalak

Hussain Al-Turaihi

Brayden Nolan Anderson

Jackson Tyler Anderson

Deijanaye Yemoley Denyce Andrews

Alexandra Rose Baccus

Jacob Gregory Bachert

Ethan Scott Baird

Haley Elizabeth Baker

Ally Kate Barnett

Emma Kate Bass

Hailey Star Bell

Hayden Nicole Bell

Madeline Grace Bittle

Ava Rose Bockweg

Calli Cheyenne Boles

Catherine Lois Booth

Elliana Marie Bornhorst

Isabella Paris Bouch

Hayley Rae Ann Brassard

Miranda Elexus Brawner

Addasyn Maclain Brewington

Hope Britt

Alec Joseph Brown

Jocelyn Cristine Buchannan

Nicholas Immanuel Burge

Brandon O’Neal Byrd

Addyson Lynn Caldwell

Katie Claire Campbell

Aiden James Caron

Jacycee Paige Carver

Meylin Abigail Castro-Hernandez

Alexander Jordan Chansler

Alana Key Cheeves

Sameer Abdur’ Rahman Chowdhury

Emma Grace Clemmons

Carley Clinard

Lily Neveah Marie Coffey

Caitlyn E. Compton

Emily Nicole Cotton

Aubrey Lyn Croslin

Evan Zachry Dodson

Danielle Irene Dunaway

Callie Grace Dunham

Gavin Elkins

SCHOLASTIC HONOR SOCIETIES

Alpha Lambda Delta

First Year Honor Society

Dr. C. William McKee, Sponsor

Graduating Members

Dylan T. Ely

Marina George Fekry

Austin Draper Felts

Jordan James Ficklin

Michelle L. Firestone

Kell Ann Fisher

Fernando José Flores Cea

Valentina Izoleth Forero Salinas

Emily Elizabeth Foster

Isabelle Frizzell

Cameron Alexis Fuller

Clarissa Gadsey

Ashley Marie Gamboa

Anahi Garcia

Olivia Katherine Gessford

Ann Lucille Goode

Karla Ariana Guerra

Brody S. Hall

Kayla Renee Hamlet

Raine Hanvy

Diamond M. Harding

Morgan Elizabeth Harlin

Tye Anthony Harper

Madison Lucille Harrell

Jacob Scott Harzbecker

Mohannad Hassan

Gaines Haussin

Niklaus Heimdal

Amaya Margarita Herrera

Lilly Hibdon

Bryson Lee Higgins

Cuyler Slade Hilliard

Elizabeth Nicole Hooper

Joslyn Violet Horning

Rebecca Sue Hoyt

Dylan Connor Hudson

Emily Lane Hudson

Wyatt Cole Hurt

Luke Allen Irby

Jenna Tylee Jacobs

Christian Jenkins

Sharon Jerop

Perrie Grace Jones

Sierra Rose Jones

Kailyn Alyse Jordan

Felicity Jane Keen

Brianna Katherine King

Layce Makyah King

Dalton M. Kniola

Cassidy Marie Koch

Hazel Rae Konkel

Kaden Lane Kuehler

Takiah Pauline Ledo

Andrew David Lena

Jazlynn Danell Lewis

Madelyn Elizabeth Leyhew

Kaylee Nicole Lowe

Savannah Mae Lowrey

Jordan Makenzie Luster

Sara Elizabeth Magana

Mary Climath Massey

Nathan Chandler Mathis

Tyler Alan Mattone

Faith Ann Mayfield

Austin Michael McCleeary

Matthew Evan McGill

James Patrick McNinch

Ella Cate Miller

Ambra Morgan

Joseph William Mullins

Cruzsita Maurica Navarro

Alexis Netherton

Justin Tyler Oldknow

Catarina Polly Parker

Fatima Esmeralda Perez-Guzman

Carson Andrew Posch

Carter Davis Pruitte

Diana E. Ramirez

Andrew Grant Ramsey

Haylee Marie Reece

Alicia Rogers

Evin Dillon Ross

Luke Samuel Rounsaville

Brooke Marie Russell

Farid Rodrigo Saldivar

Abigail Mae Scoggins

Laina Michelle Scott

Karleigh Alexis Scruggs

Hailee Campbell Servais

Claire Elizabeth Shelton

Morgan Jade Shortt

Mark Evan Sims

Kristah D. Singleton

Isabella Kristine Source

Alexeus Cheyane Stacey

Brianna Paige Stacy

Reed Christine Steplowski

Abigail Grace Stevens

Madalyn Grace Storie

Isabella Rose Taylor

Kylie Alyse Taylor

Alyssa Joy Teigen

Alexis Kaye Tomlinson

Ashli Townsend

Brooke Madison Turner

Sawyer T. Vaught

Alberto Enrique Villa-Rios

Emily Ruth Wallace

Preston Drew Wallace

Addison Lorrine Warren

Alpha Chi

Lambda Chapter

Mary Ann Marie Waters

McKayla Dai Watts

Matthew Allen Webb

Ashlee Kate Welbern

Addison Kohl White

Samuel Stephen Wood

Cody Austin Woodham

Teoria Maria Woods

Sarah Ann Young

Top Ten Percent of Juniors and Seniors Honor Society

Dr. Sheridan W. S. Henson, Sponsor

Graduating Members

Natalie Danielle Babin

Jocelyn Buchannan-Marquez

Emma Grace Clemmons

Cristian Kevin Dunn

Perrie Grace Jones

Sara Elizabeth Magana

Alexis Chyann Netherton

Chelsea Taylor Odom

Erin Taylor Rheinscheld

Brooke Russell

Alpha Phi Sigma

Beta Tau Chapter

Criminal Justice Honor Society

Ms. Suzann Lafferty, Sponsor

Graduating Members

Jesse Cochran

Logan Cripps

Aaron Fulcher

Kaden Kuehler

Jocelyn Buchannan

Marina Fekry

Emily Foster

Morgan Harlin

Abigail Grace Stevens

Ashli Nicole Townsend

Brooke Madison Turner

Denesha Nicole Whitley

Alexandra Wright

Erica Olade

Bailey Pope

Taylor Watkins

Alexandra Wright

Beta Beta Beta

Pi Sigma Chapter

Biological Honor Society

Mr. Michael Fulbright, Sponsor

Graduating Members

Ian Krump

Abigail Minchey

Isabella Source

Alexus Stacey

Jonathan Tune

Cody Woodham

Delta Mu Delta

Iota Iota Chapter

Honor Society in Business Administration

Dr. Valerie King, Sponsor

Graduating Members

Natalie Babin

Austin Felts Valentina Forero

Wyatt Hurt

Gamma Beta Phi

Cumberland University Chapter

Honor Society and Service Organization

Dr. Cindy Conley, Sponsor

Ms. Dixie Rury, Co-Sponsor

Graduating Members

Hussain S. Al-Turaihi

Natalie Danielle Babin

Megan Blackwell

Mariaelena M. Bradley

Hope Britt

Brandon O’Neal Byrd

Ebony Alisha Carey

Jaycee Carver

Alana Cheeves

Emma Grace Clemmons

Kaitlyn Braneé Clemons

Jesse Cochran

Emily Nicole Cotton

Bailey Mai Cutrell

Michelle Lynn Firestone

Carolina Garcia

Kayla Renee Hamlet

Kyler Ashton Hankins

Mark E. Hanshaw, Jr.

Raine Hanvy

Dylan Connor Hudson

Wyatt Cole Hurt

Christian Alexander Jenkins

Gabrielle Grace Jones

Kaylynn Lee Jones

Sierra Rose Jones

Brianna Katherine King

Cassidy Koch

Hazel Rae Konkel

Kaden Lane Kuehler

Takiah Pauline Ledo

Allexus Grace Leftwich

Tyler Mattone

Alyssa Nicole Mayberry

Faith Mayfield

Natalie Rae McCormac

Ella Miller

Natalie Irene Nichols

Catarina Parker

Bailey Sophia Pope

Iota Tau Alpha

Delta Nu Chapter

Athletic Training Honors Society

Dr. Whitney Graves, Sponsor

Graduating Members

MaKayla Johnson

Grace Rittenberry

Diana Evelyn Ramirez

Benjamin Robert Reinsch

Alicia Jayne Rogers

Emily Helen Rouse

Brooke Russell

Hailee Campbell Servais

Claire Elizabeth Shelton

Isabella Kristine Sorce

Allison Michelle Spring

Abigail Grace Stevens

Walter Kiptoo Tanui

Isabella Rose Taylor

Alexis Kaye Tomlinson

Savannah Tompkins

Brooke Madison Turner

Annabelle Mae Vanhook

Preston Drew Wallace

Cody Woodham

Lara Zugasti Esteban

Bailey Cutrell

Callie Dunham

Stephen Glenn

Natasha S. Benton

Vaibhav Singh Bisht

Jocelyn Buchannan-Marquez

Emma Grace Clemmons

Cristian Kevin Dunn

Austin Draper Felts

Clarissa Anne Gadsey

Santiago Garcia Castro

Leland DeShaun Greer, Sr.

Dylan Connor Hudson

Kappa Delta Pi

Upsilon Omega Chapter

Education Honor Society

Dr. Whitney Matthews, Sponsor

Graduating Members

Lilly Hibdon

Allexus Leftwich

Abigail Stevens

Omicron Delta Kappa

Cumberland University Circle

Leadership and Scholarship Honor Society

Dr. Sheridan W. S. Henson, Sponsor

Graduating Members

Takiah Pauline Ledo

Madelyn Elizabeth Leyhew

Luis A. Lopez

Morgan Spivey Napier

Alexis Chyann Netherton

Hayes Rebecca O’Donnell

DeAndera Payne

Jean Jeobu Peter

Laina Michelle Scott

Scott Eric Selliers

Order of Omega

National Greek Leadership Honor Society

Dr. Sheridan W. S. Henson, Sponsor

Graduating Members

Caleb Christopher Brown

Danielle Irene Dunaway

Owen Evon

Jesse Cochran

Niklaus Heimdall

Joshua Maxwell

Brooke Turner

Sarah Young

Arsheen Shroff

Allison Michelle Spring

Abigail Grace Stevens

Madalyn Grace Storie

Kelsey Rae Suddarth

Alexis Kaye Tomlinson

Ashli Nicole Townsend

Ella Grace Tuplin

Cameron Alexis Fuller

Brianna Katherine King

Phi Alpha Theta

Altpha Xi Tau Chapter

History Honors Society

Dr. Natalie Inman, Sponsor

Graduating Members

Alexis Netherton

Kelsey Suddarth

Alexis Tomlinson

Ashli Townsend

Jocelyn Buchannan-Marquez

Marina Fekry

Austin Felts

Emma Bedree

Heather Lynn Chalos

Kara Jonell Claybrooks

Jesse Cochran

Mark Compton

Madeline Davis

Raven Ladae Dyer

Aaron Fulcher

Clarissa Anne Gadsey

Ashley Gamboa

Ivan Carruyo Finol

Zoe Collyer

Ashley Gamboa

Carolina Garcia

Cristian Dunn

Avery Guffey

Lana Lowe

Philomathian Society

Dr. Sean McDaniel, Sponsor

Graduating Members

Valentina Forero

Emily Foster

Ashley Gamboa

Pi Gamma Mu

Tennessee Lambda Chapter

Social Science Honor Society

Dr. Tara Mitchell Mielnik, Sponsor

Graduating Members

Leland D. Greer

Avery Guffey

Shamshad Haji Hajizada

Lillian Hibdon

Alyssa Hicks

Danielle Logan

Sara Magana

Joshua Maxwell

Alyssa Mayberry

Alexis Netherton

Psi Chi

Honor Society in Psychology

Dr. Chelsea Sterne, Sponsor

Graduating Members

Sarah Hazen

Halie Lane

Jordyn Luster

Arsheen Shroff

Sigma Tau Delta

Alpha Delta Mu Chapter

English Honor Society

Dr. Michael Rex and Dr. Sara Hays, Sponsors

Graduating Members

Sara Magana

Tyler Mattone

Alexis Netherton

Arsheen Shroff

Zack Stroebert

Brooks Tune

DeAndera B. Payne

Meghan Rose Pope

Alivia Rowe

Breona Sanchez

Arsheen Shroff

Kelsey Suddarth

Ashli Townsend

Annabelle Vanhook

Joshua Alan Wilson

Annabelle Vanhook

Taylor Watkins

Alexis Tomlinson

Ashli Townsend

Caleb Tyus

Sydney Nicole Bell

Megan Blackwell

Alivia Boles

Sabree Carling

Rachel Corlew-Hodges

Delaney Grace Eldred

Kristina Elizabeth Mae

Francis

Sigma Theta Tau

Alpha Alpha Kappa Chapter

Nursing Honor Society

Dr. Beth Chatham, Sponsor

Josephine Grace Harris

Dana Lefler

Nathan Chandler Mathis

Addison Melton

Joseph William Mullins

Chelsea Odom

Isabella Ann Perry

Haylee Reece

Gracie Ann Faith Rivas

Latray Speight

Jasma Taylor

Denesha Whitley

Kristin Winter

Amanda VanZile

Yuliya Zerfas

2024-2025 UNIVERSITY AWARDS

Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award – Community Lucy Lee

Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award – Student Austin Draper Felts

Faculty Award of Excellence Hazel Rae Konkel

President’s Award.................................................................................................... Vaibhav “V.B.” Bisht

President’s Award for Teaching Excellence S. Christopher Fuller, Ph.D.

Alumni Awards

Distinguished Alumni Award .............................................................................................Wayne Starks

Rising Phoenix Award Karlie Odum Cunha Award of Excellence - Labry School of Science, Technology, and Business........................ Taylor Porch Award of Excellence - Oakley School of Humanities, Education, and the Arts Dr. Ranesha Shipman Award of Excellence - Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions .....................Tasha Walker Irby

Posthumous Distinguished Alumni Award Lt. Marvell Moore

Athletic Awards

Lindsey Donnell Scholar-Athlete Award Daniel Wessels

President’s Award for Excellence in Athletics Luke Holloway

Student Affairs Awards

Ms. Cumberland...............................................................................................................Arsheen Shroff

Mr. Cumberland Austin Felts

Most Outstanding Faculty Member ...............................................................................Dr. Jim Shulman

Most Outstanding Staff Member Libby O'Guin

Most Outstanding Support Staff Member...................................................................... Ms. Rose Odom

Holcomb Award Kerry Ann Moore

Student Development Appreciation Award............................................................. Sigma Chi Fraternity

IMPACT Award Erin Morris-Benson with TAL

Distinguished Student Award ..................................................................Arsheen Shroff & Carissa Lurie

International Student Award (Undergraduate) Kaede Hatano

International Student Award (Graduate)................................................................... Monica Ruiz Pavon

Multicultural Inclusion Award Max Crumbley

Outstanding Intern Award...............................................................................................Maddie Husted

Career Services Award Apurva Narkhede

Excellence in Peer Tutoring ......................................Abdul Abdul Kadir & Jocelyn Buchannan-Marquez

President Ambassador of the Year Hope Britt

Residence Life

Resident Assistant of the Year.................................................................. Hope Britt and Bilham Caitlyn

Residence Life Coordinator of the Year Monica Ruiz Pavon and James Anderson

Resident Assistant Distinguished Service Award ..................................... Nicole Bott and Teoria Woods

Greek Affairs

Greek Affairs President’s Cup Sigma Chi

P. Henry Meadows Award ................................................................. Abby Howard of Alpha Sigma Tau

P. Henry Meadows Award Owen Evon of Kappa Sigma

Greek New Member of the Year ......................................................................................Topanga Scism

Charles Monty Pope Phoenix Rising Award Alpha Sigma Tau

Chapter Leader of the Year

Abby Howard

Owen Evon

Greek Affairs Honorary Membership Dr. Jim Shulman

Living Your Ritual Award

CU Spirit Award

Student Organizations

Alpha Omicron Pi - Cameron Fuller

Alpha Sigma Tau - Elizabeth Davis

Kappa Alpha Psi - Braxton Caruthers

Kappa Sigma - Owen Evon

Phi Beta Sigma - Tylan Orr

Omega Psi Phi - Jaden Jobe

Sigma Chi - Alex Planas

Zeta Phi Beta – Sabrina Anderson

Austin Felts & Robbie Polidan

Community Service Award Sigma Chi Fraternity

Best Campus Event Homecoming Glow Golf & Novelty Night

Best Community Event

Never Alone Awareness Event w Wilson County Health Council

Organization Award for Programming & Participation

The Art of Life

Rising Phoenix Organization Award AFRO & CU ASL

Edward A. Labry School of Science, Technology, and Business

Most Outstanding Performance Award Mylene Leshchenko in Business Administration

Most Outstanding Performance Award in Accounting Austin Draper Felts and Fernando José Flores Cea

Jack E. Forrest Marketing Award Piercey Steele

Most Outstanding Performance in Management ...........................................................William Spence

Most Outstanding Performance Award Lofton Gallaher & Heidi Hall in Health Care Administration

William McShain Award Richard Presley Freshman Biology Award....................................................................................... Haley Eleese Mitchell

Wilbur “Pete” Peterson Most Promising Biologist Award Jocelyn Cristine Buchannan

Most Promising Student in Biomedical Science ..................................................Cody Austin Woodham

Most Outstanding Performance in Biochemistry Emily Elizabeth Foster

J.O. Baird Chemistry Award ...................................................................................Stephanie Diana Stilts

Outstanding Calculus Student Emilia Nowak & Ning Ying Phailin Liew

Outstanding Mathematics Student .................................................................................. Brooke Turner

Robert H. “Bobby” Nichols, Jr. Jean Jeobu Peter Outstanding General Physics Student

Outstanding Information Technology Student Lara Zugasti Esteban

Most Outstanding Award in Project Management................................................................ Wyatt Hurt

Pre-Professional Society Award Alexus Cheyane Stacey

Most Outstanding Performance Award in MBA.......................................................Harley Ray Hinshaw

Most Outstanding Associate of Science Student Hailey Lynn Hawthorne

Most Outstanding Performance in Associate of Arts in Business..............................Deijanaye Andrews

Most Outstanding Performance Award Kyler Moheit by a Freshman in Business Administration

Jeanette C. Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions Awards

Jeanette C. Rudy Award in Nursing (December)

Walter Tanui

Jeanette C. Rudy Award in Nursing (May) Addison Melton

Leadership Award in Nursing (December) Joseph Mullins

Leadership Award in Nursing (May) Rachel Williams Corlew-Hodges

Outstanding Nursing Clinician Award (December) Nathan Mathis

Outstanding Nursing Clinician Award (May) Alivia Boles & Summerlyn Hysell

Horizon Nursing Award (December) ................................................................................. Kristin Winter

Horizon Nursing Award (May) Alicia Dillon

Achievement in Nursing (December) Zachary Hill

Achievement in Nursing (May) Denesha Whitley

Outstanding Achievement in Exercise and Sport Science Cade Leddon

Outstanding Student in Sport Management (Undergraduate) Cathryn Arch

Outstanding Student in Sport Management (Graduate) Tyler Hanes

MSN Distinction Award for Excellence Amanda VanZile

Outstanding Student in Athletic Training Grace Rittenberry

Nathan Johnson Award for Professional Engagement Nicole Bott

Casey McGee Award for Clinical Excellence Nick Burge

Excellence in Attitude, Demeanor, Engagement Ma’Kayla Johnson

Millard and J.J. Oakley School of Humanities, Education, and the Arts Awards

Future Educator Award (Undergraduate) ............................................................................Sarah Young

Future Educator Award (Graduate) Maggie Snyder and Samantha Reinoehl

Irvin F. Bass Excellence in Education Award.................................................................Houston Stafford

Mary Argo McKee Award (Undergraduate) Madison Harrell

Mary Argo McKee Award (Graduate).....................................................................................Risa Rieger

Sam Finch Special Education Award (Undergraduate) Anna Whitehead

Sam Finch Special Education Award (Graduate)..................................................... DeShena Halliburton

Future Leader Award Cory Freeland

Outstanding Secondary Educator Award (Undergraduate).............................................. Brooke Turner

Outstanding Secondary Educator Award (Graduate) Chance Gallardo Freshman Award in English ................................................................................................ Joey Johnson

Research Award in English Libby Knight Award in English ..................................................................................................................... Lana Lowe

Cale Young Rice Award for Poetry Cristian Dunn

Richard and Virginia Lawlor Award for Creative Non-Fiction .............................................. Ebony Carey

William Bowen Campbell Award in American History Kelsey Suddarth

History Associates of Wilson County Award...................................................................Kelsey Suddarth

Cavett World History Award Alexis Netherton

James P. Dressler History Award ..................................................................................September Greer

Charlene Kozy Award in Criminal Justice Megan Wilkinson

John W. Burgess Award in Political Science....................................Ashlee Bankston & Avalynn Smullen

Thomas H. Shriver Outstanding Senior Award in Criminal Justice Kaden Kuehler

Carl Rogers Humanitarian Award in Psychology.....................................Ashley Gamboa & Carissa Lurie

William James Psychological Sciences Award Ivan Carruyo-Finol

Cumberland University Concert Band Award......................................................................Luke Lawson

Cumberland University Jazz Ensemble Award Madelyn Leyhew

Instrumentalist of the Year Award ..................................................................................... Scott O’Brien

Vocal Performance Award MaryAnn Waters

Cumberland Chorale Award

Melody Keith

University Singers Award Alex Sain

Excellence in Theater Performance Award

Ally Barnett

Excellence in Theatre Production Erin Rheinscheld

June Heydel Award for Drama

Shelby Rogers

Award in Fine Art Sasha Dishman

Al Ashworth Award in Photography .............................................................................................Zoe Vlk

Alice Hegan Rice Award for Fiction

The Phoenix Award for Sociology & Social Awareness

Abby Scoggins

Jesse Cochran

The NOVUS Outstanding Editor Award Libby Knight

The Mitchell Mielnik Award in Public History

Ashli Townsend & Jesse Cochran

Aaron S. Crawford Award for Research and Documentary Editing Alexis Tomlinson

Tommy P. Thompson Award in Criminal Justice

Aaron Fulcher

Resurgam Award Stanlee Bradley

ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNIVERSITY

Paul C. Stumb, Ph.D. President

C. William McKee, Ed.D

Reggie R. Blair, M.S.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Vice President for Enrollment Services

Mark E. Hanshaw, Ph.D., J.D......................................................Associate

Ronald P. Pavan, M.A.

Provost and General Counsel

Vice President for Athletics and Vice President for Facilities and Services

David A. Runyan, M.B.A Chief Financial Officer

Courtney K. Wheeler-Biggs, J.D. ...........................................................Vice President for Advancement

James D. Shulman, J.D.

Interim, Dean, Labry School of Science, Technology, and Business

Jason S. Grindstaff, Ph.D........................Interim, Dean, Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions

Jenny L. Mason, Ph.D.

Dean, Oakley School of Humanities, Education, and the Arts

Stephanie R. Davis, M.S.P. ............................................................................................Dean of Students

Sheridan W. S. Henson, Ed.D.

Abby H. Pitts, Ed.D.

Wiliam R. Richardson, M.S.P. M.B.A.

Leslie L. Steele, M.S.P.

Executive Director of Academic Support

Executive Director of Student Support

Executive Director of Community Relations and External Affairs

Executive Director, Office of the President

THE BOARD OF TRUST

Mr. J. Samuel Hatcher*, Chairman

Mr. Michael Moscardelli, Vice Chairman

Mr. J. Frank Rudy, Secretary

Mr. William Joseph Adams

Mr. Matthew Ashwood

Mr. Hal Bone*

Mr. Winstead P. Bone, III*

Dr. André Churchwell

Ms. Laura Daily

Dr. Teresa Chasteen Dunn

Ms. Jessica Fain*

Ms. Cathy F. Gracey*

Mr. J. Roderick Heller, III

Ms. Patricia Hunt

Justice William C. Koch, Jr.

Mr. Jack D. “J.D.” Lowery

Mr. John McDearman

Honorable Robert N. Clement

Mr. J. Randall Clemons*

*Cumberland Graduate

Emeriti

Chairman Emeritus

Dr. Edward L. Thackston

Mr. Robert L. McDonald

Ms. Cecelia Moore

Mr. Thomas P. Pate

Dr. C. Wright Pinson

Mr. Justin Pitt

Mr. Rob E. Porter

Dr. G. Edward Powell, Jr.

Mr. Lewis W. Rankin*

Mr. Mark G. Riggins*

Dr. Heather Stafford*

Mr. Marc Suarez*

Mr. Bill L. Vallett

Mr. David A. Vise

Dr. Robert N. Vero

Honorable Albert A. Gore, Jr.

Honorable AC Wharton, Jr.

A

Founded in 1842, Cumberland University holds a unique place in American history as one of the oldest liberal art universities in the South. Founded by leaders of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Cumberland established a Law school, the first in Tennessee west of the Appalachian Mountains, a school of Engineering, and a school of Theology during the mid-1800s.

Cumberland was impacted by The Civil War when University Hall was burned to the ground during Union occupancy. After the destruction, a student wrote across a ruined Corinthian column the Latin word Resurgam, which translates to “I will arise.” Thus, from the ashes, the mythical phoenix became Cumberland’s enduring symbol which inspires the university to rise, endure, prosper, and illuminate the world. In 1892, Cumberland moved to its present location.

In 1946, The Tennessee Baptist Convention assumed control of the University, ending a century of operation under the Presbyterian Church. In 1956, the Board of Trust secured an amendment to the Charter, changed the institution to a private, independent corporation, and reopened the College of Arts and Sciences as a two-year institution, known as Cumberland College of Tennessee.

The Board of Trust expanded the academic programs of the Junior College in 1982. This expansion returned Cumberland to a four-year, degree-granting institution known again as Cumberland University. Its alumni include 14 governors, more than 80 members of the United States Congress, two United States Supreme Court Justices, three United States Ambassadors, a United States Secretary of State and founder of the United Nations.

Cumberland University draws on its enduring spirit of excellence to provide students from all backgrounds with a rounded education that is intensely personal, intellectually challenging, future focused and dedicated to preparing every individual for a meaningful career and fulfilling life.

Today, Cumberland continues to evolve to meet the needs of a diverse and expanding community while providing a transformational higher education experience through more than 100 fullyaccredited academic programs of study in three distinct schools.

In Case of Emergency

If at any time during the outdoor program a weather emergency arises, please move to an adjacent building. Once inside, stay away from all windows and move to the lowest level. The safe areas in each building have been marked with a yellow tornado emergency sign.

If the ceremony is held in the Farm Bureau Expo Center and an emergency arises in which the building needs to be evacuated, guests should exit through the nearest door and make your way to an adjacent building for safety.

Please remember that in any an emergency, patience, and orderliness are key to a safe evacuation.

Cumberland University

Alma Mater

Cumberland University

Alma Mater

Hail, All Hail to Cumberland, Sing her praises ever To her mem’ry ever true, We’ll forsake her never Like the Phoenix from the ashes, She arose to live again Ever glorious as before, Both today and ever more.

Hail, All Hail to Cumberland, Sing her praises ever To ever We’ll forsake her never Like the Phoenix from the ashes, She arose to live again Ever glorious as before, Both today and ever more.