Cumberlands’ mission is deeply rooted in a commitment to the students and region it serves. When it comes to Dr. Larry L. Cockrum, the tenth President of University of the Cumberlands, what you see is truly what you get, and his commitment is evident. There’s no facade—just a man deeply dedicated to the well-being of students, faculty, and staff, with an unrelenting devotion to the university’s mission of providing affordable, high-quality education to students from all backgrounds.
Dr. Cockrum leads through everyday actions, big and small. Step into his office, and you might find him poring over enrollment data, manually calculating trends to better understand progress and areas of concern. New employees at Cumberlands are often surprised—at first—when Dr. Cockrum walks into their office, pulls up a chair, and asks for direct insight on an issue to make the best possible decision. But for those who know his leadership style, this level of personal involvement is nothing out of the ordinary.
These scenarios might seem unusual for some, but for the Cumberlands community, they reflect the standard of commitment they’ve come to expect from Dr. Cockrum.
His presidency has been nothing short of transformative— yet he rarely accepts credit. Dr. Cockrum always credits the university’s faculty, staff, and students for those successes. He also never misses an opportunity to thank his wife of more than fifty years, Dixie, often jokingly expressing appreciation for her “putting up with” him. Together, they’ve built a family that includes four children—Jason, Nicholas, Lindsey, and Cassie—and three grandchildren: Cora, Indie, and Louie.
As Dr. Cockrum prepares to transition to the role of President Emeritus in the fall of 2025, he will leave behind a legacy rooted in transparency, vision, and above all, commitment. His actions will impact this university for decades to come, and even so, he has no desire to be placed
on a pedestal (This publication may come as a complete surprise to him. Our sincerest apologies, Dr. Cockrum).
Timeline of Service
2005-2007: Director of Assessment, Assistant to the President
2007-2014: Vice President for Academic Affairs
2015-2025: University President
With over more than two decades at the helm, including a decade as President, Dr. Cockrum has been instrumental in launching innovative online degree programs, introducing new career-driven academic offerings, acquiring and enhancing state-of-the-art facilities, surpassing record enrollment numbers, reducing long-term debt, increasing scholarship and endowment funds, and introducing the groundbreaking Cumberlands Commitment initiative, which has made a Cumberlands’ education one of the most affordable in the nation.
“As I reflect on UC’s remarkable accomplishments and progress, I feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude,” said President Cockrum. “Of all that we have accomplished, I am most proud of the way we have remained focused on our students, committed to providing a quality education at an affordable price and driven to create academic programs matching workforce demands so our students leave Cumberlands with job opportunities in hand.”
Dr. Cockrum's unrelenting focus on student experience and success is a defining hallmark of his historic presidency – a legacy this publication will explore in depth. Commitment is the underlying theme here, indefinitely shaping everything he has touched.
First season of Men's and Women's Lacrosse.
2017
Chick-fil-A opens on campus in the Boswell Campus Center.
Cumberlands receives its first international accreditation: being recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
Programs in the Hutton School of Business granted first-time accreditation from the Board of Commissioners of the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).
Cumberlands purchases Faulkner and Taylor Furniture Store building in downtown Williamsburg. In 2020, Marketplace on Main and 3rd opened as a combination commercial and residential space.
Cumberlands receives nearly $6 million in emergency COVID-19 relief funding, with every dollar redirected to the undergraduate student body.
"Every decision we make is made with our students in mind. During this time of prolonged national emergency, supporting our students is crucial. We care for our students, we want them here, and we want them to be able to focus on their education and extracurricular opportunities." ~Dr. Larry L. Cockrum
Rollins Family Learning Center and Grover M. Herman Library reopens after a $7.3 million dollar reconstruction project, which began in 2020.
ExcEllEncE in lEadErship
Dr. Cockrum established the Excellence in Leadership series in 2006 in partnership with the Forcht Group of Kentucky Center for Excellence in Leadership. The annual event brings nationally recognized speakers to campus to share stories, insights, and experiences with students and the broader community.
The series features world-class speakers and programs that inspire leadership, character, and good citizenship. The goal is to help students better understand leadership and how to use their skills, talents, and influence to make a positive impact on the world. While primarily geared toward undergraduate students, the event also draws community members, business professionals, and government leaders.
Now a signature event at Cumberlands, the Excellence in Leadership Series continues to foster a culture of growth, service, and lifelong learning.
Notable past speakers include: Ms. Laila
Ali
World-class athlete, fitness & wellness expert, and cooking enthusiast who spoke of having a positive attitude no matter how hard you're knocked down.
Mr. Terry Bradshaw
Hall of Fame quarterback and broadcaster who blended humor and heart in his message on overcoming obstacles and staying grounded.
commitmEnt to thE Futur E
INCREASED ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Since the launch of the online undergraduate, graduate and executive programs, the total enrollment for Cumberlands has grown from 1,700 to over 22,0000 students. The Chronicle of Higher Education recognized University of the Cumberlands as one of the fastest-growing private, nonprofit universities.
ESTABLISHED NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Expanded the university's academic offerings to include more than 180 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs. This included an increase in medical programs that includes Nursing, Physician Assistant, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Doctor of Physical Therapy.
IMPROVED THE CAMPUS EXPERIENCE
Zero deferred maintenance for main campus facilities. Modernization of the 100-year-old Viaduct walking bridge. Renovation of the Rollins Family Learning Center and the T.J. Roberts Dining Hall. Development of key facilities including the Forcht School of Nursing, the Connie Hauser Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, and Patriot Park. Expansion of outdoor wireless access throughout campus .
IMPROVED STUDENT OUTCOMES
Implemented a robust Student Success program that offers students personalized academic advising, academic tutoring, career development services, and wellness support. Increased retention for all student populations. Increased fall-to-fall student retention to a university-high of 80.5%. Increased student retention for first-time full-time undergraduate students to 81%.
ELIMINATED UNIVERSITY DEBT
Built new revenue streams and wisely stewarded university resources. Used enrollment revenue to invest in campus programs and facilities. Took the university’s long-term debt from $38.7 million in 2015 to $0 in 2022. The university announced it was debt-free in June 2022.
INCREASED STABILITY FOR UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES
Granted Employees more than a 46% increase in raises and bonuses since 2015. Ensured no increases in medical, dental, or vision insurance rates paid by employees for 12 years. Increased retirement matching funds to 10% on November 1, 2024. Ensured there were zero employee layoffs during the COVID pandemic.
INCREASED UNIVERSITY ENDOWMENT
Increased Endowment to ensure Cumberlands can continue providing access to affordable education. Raised $200M in funding for the Cumberlands Commitment Endowed Scholarship Fund. Secured a $25 million donation from the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation, the largest single donation in the school’s history. Increased university investments from $40M to $371M. Increased university assets from $216M to $646M.
IMPROVED ATHLETICS ON AND OFF THE FIELD
Significantly advanced athletic programs through strategic investments. Achieved a balanced approach to supporting all athletic teams, culminating in the university's first-ever NAIA Learfield Directors' Cup in 2024. Celebrated landmark victories, including the first NAIA National Championship in university history, by the women's soccer team. Emphasized academic excellence among student-athletes and set records for NAIA All-Americans, MSC All-Conference, and MSC Academic All-Conference honorees.
commitmEnt to cumbErlands
When Dr. Larry L. Cockrum was officially named the tenth President of University of the Cumberlands, he took office with one thing in mind: making college more accessible for anyone with a dream of obtaining a degree.
On September 4, 2018, President Cockrum announced The Cumberlands Commitment–a multi-phase initiative to make a college education more affordable.
The initial phase included a 57 percent reduction in tuition price, ensuring an affordable college education for students throughout Kentucky and the Appalachian region. The Commitment also affirms that no programs or services are reduced to accommodate the tuition reduction.
A year later, President Cockrum announced the Free Textbook program, providing free access to all textbooks for on-campus undergraduate students, so long as they returned them at the conclusion of the course.
In 2023, Cumberlands implemented the One Price Promise tuition model–a comprehensive package extended to all students. The model includes tuition, textbooks, tutoring, and other academic services while excluding all hidden fees.
The final phase of the Cumberlands Commitment was announced in the fall of 2023. The Cumberlands Commitment Endowment campaign raised $200 million to support new student scholarships. Thanks to the campaign's success, students were awarded new scholarships to reduce out-of-pocket costs beginning fall 2024. On average, on-campus undergraduate students now pay no more than $2,000 per semester.
IMPACT OF THE COMMITMENT
• Students immediately saved an average of $1,298 outof-pocket with the Cumberlands Commitment.
• Students have reduced, on average, federal loan debt by $1,500 per year.
• 25 percent of on-campus students are now debt-free. Cumberlands is ranked among the top 100 universities in the nation whose students acquire the least debt.
• One Price Promise program saves students over $1,200 each year in textbook expenses. Students saved a total of $6.1 million in the program’s first year.
• The Cumberlands Commitment Scholarship Program helps to cap out-of-pocket costs at $4,000 per year for on-campus students.
• Cumberlands continues to be ranked among the most affordable universities in Kentucky.
“The Cumberlands Commitment is a powerful part of that legacy, a lasting gift, rooted in his belief that everyone deserves a chance.”
Dr. Leslie Ryser, Executive Vice President
"What makes a person successful in anything they do is focus, unrelenting focus."
