HISTORY

Founded in 1842, Cumberland University holds a unique place in American history as one of the oldest liberal arts universities in the South Cumberland was impacted by The Civil War when University Hall was burned to the ground during Union occupancy After the destruction, a Cumberland alumnus wrote the Latin phrase "E Cineribus Resurgo" which translates to “From the Ashes I 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.

Cumberland University continues to rise and make the world a better place through excellence in teaching, dedication to scholarship, creativity, collaboration, compassion, and outreach

Cumberland's alumni include 21 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 a founder of the United Nations Additionally, influential figures in the Civil Rights Movement like educator, social activist, and founder of the Highlander Folk School Myles Horton graduated from Cumberland

For 180 years, students who attend Cumberland University discover who they are, who they want to become and how they want to leave their mark on the world. The heart of the Phoenix burns even brighter with every graduate who walks across the stage at Commencement. Together, they use their unique Cumberland experiences to shape the world around them. Their legacies reach far beyond their time at Cumberland, and their ongoing commitment to excellence, scholarship and service will continue to inspire and impact the world for centuries to come