CUMBERLAND UNIVERSITY PHOENIX RISING
WINTER 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 Meet the class of 2022
6 Historical Senate
Debate takes place in Baird Chapel
8 Court dedication for Coach Cliff Ellis
10 Homecoming at CU 12 Rise from the Ashes - CU Marching Band Makes a Return
13 Meet Phelix the Phoenix!
14 Rise and Impact
When I first stepped foot on the Cumberland campus, I couldn’t possibly know the impact that this university would have on my life. Now as an alum, I’m ecstatic to be joining Cumberland University during this unique season of growth and vision.
Recognized as one of the fastest-growing liberal arts universities in Tennessee, Cumberland continues to transform to meet the needs of its expanding student body. This year, we have a diverse and inspiring group of over 600 freshman, some of which will be showcased in this issue of Phoenix Rising. As you read about their various backgrounds and their hopes for their futures, remember there are hundreds more like them on campus. Each person in our community, faculty, staff, alumni, supporters and friends plays a role in the success of our students and our university as a whole. As a valued member of our community, your active participation is key to a bright and prosperous future for our students. I thank each and every one of you for your partnership, and I humbly ask for your support during this holiday season. With great appreciation,
Scott Lawrence Vice President for Advancement 2
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BREAKING RECORDS With over 600 students, this fall’s freshman class is the largest in school history. From Kenya, Africa to Mt. Juliet, get to know five of our new Phoenixes and discover what brought them to Cumberland.
2400+ TOTAL ENROLLMENT
600+
FIRST-TIME FULL-TIME FRESHMAN
FULL-TIME UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
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GRADUATE STUDENTS IN 8 PROGRAMS
COUNTRIES
1,694 312
STATES
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17:1
STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO PHOENIX RISING - WINTER 2018
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MEET THE CLASS OF 2022 CORNELIUS KIPCHUMBA “KIP”
Hometown: Kenya, Africa Major: Accounting
How has it been connecting with other students on campus? I have made many friends on my cross-country team and have met other students from Africa on campus as well – one from Nigeria and one from Somalia. One of my great friends is from Nashville, and my roommate is from Kentucky. I really like him. I really enjoy meeting new people.
How do you think CU can help you reach your goals and prepare you for what comes next? Cumberland has helped me so much. My professors are so friendly, and they are so supportive and proud of me. They believe in me, and I love the school because they believe in me. I think I am the first Kenyan to attend CU. It makes me so proud.
JACKSON DECOTE
Hometown: Maryville, TN Major: Education
Why did you choose Cumberland over others schools? I was looking for a small school, and Cumberland fit that criteria. It was in the perfect place for me. Cumberland is not too far from home and not too far from Nashville. Plus, there are a lot of great things in Lebanon too. I was considering other schools closer to home, but this felt like the right fit.
What are you involved in on campus? I’m in campus ministry, and I have started a new group on campus called younglife. Younglife is a global organization that ministers to young people. My goal is to start the Wilson County younglife and have a chapter here that connects with the local high schools in our community. I want to lead a group that goes into their schools, meets them where they are in their daily lives, and shows them God’s love. Creating this new group on campus was a simple process. I never thought I would start a new group while at college, let alone lead one my first year on campus. It has been awesome! I am so proud to be able to help build connections on campus and in community.
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KAITLYN WILKINSON
Hometown: Lebanon, TN Major: Athletic Training
What is your dream career? When I graduate with my masters, I want to work for the USA Gymnastics Team. I would love to be on the sidelines to support the athletes and use my degree to support a sport I love. How have you been able to connect with others and get involved on campus? I’ve been able to meet people easily on campus. Orientation was where I met several new friends, some from around the world. I worked with a couple of friends to form an intramural soccer group that has quickly grown from eight students to over 60 students who want to connect and have fun. I’m excited to be part of creating a group on campus that brings students together.
ISAAC STEPHENS
Hometown: Mount Juliet, TN Major: Sport and Exercise Science Why did you choose Cumberland? I like the atmosphere on campus. It’s close to my home, which makes it easier for my family to attend my basketball games. I really like my coach. He cares about me and wants to see me succeed. How would you describe your first few months at CU? It has exceeded my expectations. I was really shy in high school. Cumberland has been the environment I needed to help me come out of my shell and meet new people. It’s been great. I feel at home here. I’ve found where I belong.
ALEXIA GRANT
Hometown: Nashville, TN Major: Biology What is your dream career? I want to become a Pharmacist. Helping people, seeing different faces – I like that. That is what inspires me to become a Pharmacist. My advisor really pushes me and motivates me just the way she talks to me and helps me.
What is your favorite thing about going to Cumberland? Your professors seeing something in you that you didn’t see in yourself. With this experience, I never thought that I would be in this position. I truly believe that I can build connections with my professors. PHOENIX RISING - WINTER 2018
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HISTORIC SENATE DEBATE U.S. Senate candidates Marsha Blackburn and Phil Bredesen participated in a debate on Sept. 25 in Baird Chapel. The debate brought over 600 community members, media personnel and volunteers to the CU campus. Nearly 100,000 viewers tuned into the live broadcast on NewsChannel 5, and over 25,000 viewers watched the debate online. Cumberland University has played a vital role in Tennessee politics, with 15 past U.S. senators having held degrees from the school. University President, Dr. Paul Stumb, said having the ability to host an event with the magnitude of a senatorial debate provided the opportunity for community members to actively
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participate in significant civic affairs. “Cumberland University is honored to have hosted such a distinguished event as the Senate Debate,” Stumb said. “Events like this promote civic involvement and allow Tennesseans to be well-informed as they effectively engage in our community. We are proud to have hosted a platform that perpetuates open and healthy dialogue on important societal matters.” NewsChannel 5, The Tennessean, Nashville Public Television (NPT) and the League of Women Voters partnered with Cumberland to host the debate.
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COURT DEDICATION FOR COACH CLIFF ELLIS This semester, the playing surface in the Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena was named in honor of former Cumberland and long-time Division I men’s basketball coach Cliff Ellis. The university held a naming ceremony to unveil the court on August 17. Among those in attendance at the event were Ellis and his family members, former players and colleagues from throughout Ellis’s career. Ellis coached three seasons at what was then Cumberland Junior College from 197375, compiling a 78-12 mark along with two league championships. Following his career at Cumberland, Ellis went on to coach at South Alabama, Clemson and Auburn. Currently, Ellis coaches at Coastal Carolina, where he has collected a pair of Big South regular season championships and two conference tournament titles.
Ellis is one of only 12 coaches in NCAA Division I history to lead four different institutions to the NCAA Tournament. He is also one of four coaches in NCAA Division I history to make multiple NCAA Tournament appearances with four separate schools and has been named conference Coach of the Year six times during his career. With a victory in February 2015, Ellis became the only coach in NCAA Division I history to tally 150-plus wins at four institutions. Additionally, he is one of only two coaches to win championships in both the ACC and SEC. Ellis completed his 43rd season as a collegiate head coach in 2017-18, posting an overall record of 826-496.
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2018 HOMECOMING
CU THROUGH TH Alumni returned to campus for 2018 Homecoming festivities, which took place Oct. 1 through Oct. 6. Over 3,000 alumni, students, faculty and staff attended the Homecoming football game on Oct. 6, which included performances from the Phoenix Marching Band, the cheer team and the dance team. Jenna Sullivan and Binh Ngo were crowned 2018 Homecoming Queen and King.
3000+
FACULTY, STUDENTS, ALUMNI, STAFF
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HE AGES
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SCHOOL SPIRIT
RISE FROM THE ASHES THE CU MARCHING BAND MAKES A RETURN
This fall, the newly reestablished Cumberland University Phoenix Marching Band participated in its inaugural season. The 34-member marching band is the result of efforts from band director Wayne Ray, a Cumberland alumnus, who spent the past year traveling to high schools recruiting student musicians. Throughout the fall semester, the band performed at athletic events including football, basketball and volleyball games. According to Ray, the band members’ dedication to making the marching band thrive is already evident. “We have worked really hard this year to make something great here at Cumberland,” Ray said. “We have a very dedicated group of students who have really stepped up and made this marching program happen.” As the new CU Phoenix Marching band continues its season, Ray said he hopes the band’s development flourishes well into the future. “In a few years, I think the marching band here at Cumberland will be a driving force in the marching band culture of middle Tennessee,” Ray said. 12
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MEET PHELIX THE PHOENIX! For over 150 years, the phoenix has personified the spirit of Cumberland University. The rising bird appears on the institution’s official seal and adorns the stained glass of Baird Chapel. Now, the Phoenix is an integral part of instilling spirit and pride on campus. Cumberland debuted Phelix the Phoenix, the athletic department’s new mascot, during the football team’s home opener on Sept. 1. You can keep up with all of Phelix’s exciting appearances by following @ phelix_phoenix on Instagram!
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RISE & I
THE POWER OF MANY DONORS MA
“At Cumberland University, you’re not just a number. You’re part of a family who cares about your success and well-being even after you’ve graduated. The friendships and relationships I’ve made here are ones I will always treasure. I’m proud to be a Phoenix!” - Nicole Guffey (BBA, Accounting ‘17; MBA ‘18) Accountant, Premier Parking
“I give to Cumberland because it helps our students. They are the reason I give in any way to the University, financial or otherwise. I care very much for my students and giving is just another way that I can demonstrate my love for them.” - Dr. Richard M. Storie II Assistant Professor of Exercise & Sport Science, Cumberland University
We have the opportunity to enhance the Cumberland experience for all students with Ignite the Vision, a major gifts initiative, with a working goal of $1.7 million to enhance, transform, and inspire Cumberland University. CUMBERLAND.EDU/IGNITETHEVISION
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This strategic program will focus on four key initiatives:
IMPACT
AKES A TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT
“I contribute and support Cumberland University because I am so proud of the university and everything that it stands for. I feel that we are very blessed to have this university in our county. I also feel, as citizens and business owners, we have a responsibility to support Cumberland University so that we can be assured that it will always be here for generations to come.” - Debbie Melvin Broker/Owner, RE/MAX Exceptional Properties – Mt. Juliet
PHOENIX SCHOLARS
PHOENIX MARCHING BAND
“For over a decade, I have invested in Cumberland because the university has invested in me. Cumberland gave me a family, an opportunity to earn a degree, a profession that supports my wife and two children and allows me to show my gratitude for these gifts through alumni giving and service.” -Sheridan Henson Executive Director of Academic Support, and Assistant Professor of Leadership Studies, Cumberland University
PHILLIPS DINING HALL EXPANSION
MEMORIAL LAWN ENHANCEMENTS
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1 Cumberland Square Lebanon, TN 37087
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@cumberlandu