Alumni Greetings

Greetings! I’m Joe Ellison, '01, and I am honored to serve as the president of the Alumni Board of Directors. In this capacity, I serve as a champion for the university and work to provide direction to the board as we seek to accomplish our vision of fostering connections, inspiring generosity, and advancing the missions of the University of the Cumberlands.

Cumberlands has played a significant, driving role in my life. As a Black student from the inner city of Cincinnati – without the funds to pay for a college education – the university removed financial barriers to allow me to attend. When I arrived on campus, I was welcomed into a “family” rooted in faith, compassion, and care. It was at Cumberlands where I received my call into preaching ministry and education, and it was here I met some of the most impactful people in my life. I cannot help but love this school!

God has richly blessed me in every pursuit and throughout every season of my life. I believe He has a purpose for each chapter of my life, including the new privilege of leading the alumni board. Our goal as a Board is to connect alumni back to Cumberlands. Ideally, alumni will make it a point to visit campus. My jaw drops every time I walk on this campus because there’s always something new. I recently drove by the new tennis courts and walked inside the newly renovated library, and it all just blew my mind! Cumberlands continues to evolve in order to meet the changing needs of our students.

So, number one, I encourage you to get back on campus! Come and see the incredible advancement of the university. Number two, know that your contributions help! You might think your contributions are so small that they won’t make a difference, but they do! They support students who do not have the financial means to obtain an education and advance in a lifelong vocation. We, as alumni, have the opportunity to help Cumberlands live out our mission of helping students reach their potential. We love God because He first loved us; we should all support Cumberlands because it first supported us.

I am thankful for the chance to serve as president of the board, and I look forward to all of the great ways our alumni “family” will impact students this year.

In Christ,

DR. JOE ELLISON III, ’01