The Ball is in His Court - University of the Cumberlands

WINTER 2016
ALUMNI MAGAZINE
The Ball
is in His
Court
Save
e
save the dates
2016
Excellence in Leadership Series
“Christian Leadership”
Tuesday, April 12
featured speaker: dr. william graham
7 pm
O. Wayne Rollins Center
•
To reserve free tickets call 606.539.4432
2015-2016
ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Michael Bryant II, ’85-’90
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Dr. Ann Lyttle-Burns, ’91 BS, ’95 MA
PAST PRESIDENT
Tony LeMaster, ’94
SECRETARY
Melanie Mackey Bloomer, ’90
BOARD MEMBER EMERITUS
Mary Doyle Johnson, ’48
Dick Koeniger, ’67
Dr. Ray Lipps, ’70
Bill Lyttle, ’75
TERM EXPIRING 2016
Commencement & Reunions
Saturday, May 7
golden & silver reunions breakfast
8 am
Boswell Campus Center
•
Classes of 1966 & 1991
commencement & golden march
10 am
•
O. Wayne Rollins Center
Homecoming–Alumni & Student Weekend
Friday - Sunday, October 7-9
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ucumberlands
Vacancy
Melanie Mackey Bloomer, ‘90
Rebecca Singleton Ford, ’02
Maureen “Cookie” Henson, ’74
Lanola Haywood Parsons, ’69-’72
TERM EXPIRING 2017
Dr. Ann Lyttle-Burns, ’91 BS, ’95 MA
Tim Henderlight, ’71
Dr. John Hollingsworth, ‘63
Allison Wedding Lay, ’99 BS, ’11 MA
Amber Creekmore Madden, ’07
TERM EXPIRING 2018
Raymond Cox, ’70
Chester “Mac” Gibson, ’64
Kelly Raglin, ’87
Lesley Swann, ’97
Meghan Swope, ’12
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Dr. Larry L. Cockrum, President
Jamirae Hammons, V.P. for Institutional Advancement
Leslie Ryser, Director of Communications & Marketing
Paul P. Steely, ’49, Trustee Liaison
OFFICE OF ALUMNI SERVICES
Paul Stepp, ’12, Alumni Director
Stephanie (Taylor) Freeman, ’10 BS, ’14 MBA, Administrative Assistant
Madi Depp, ’18, Work-Study Student
Katie Johnson, ’19, Work-Study Student
[email protected]
Design, articles and contributions by student and staff members of
2015-2016 Office of University Communications & Marketing.
ALUMNI MAGAZINE
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08
10
17
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27
Campus News
Athletic News
Homecoming 2015
Alumni News
Class Notes
Gifts & Giving
14
COVER STORY
Dr. Cockrum: The Ball is in His Court
UC’s 10th president discusses life and how
coaching basketball prepared him for the
university’s highest office.
08
GIFT DAYS
Athletes Give Back
Patriot student-athletes join forces
with Mountain Outreach for its
annual Gift Days.
17
CONNECTIONS
Carol Ford, ’98
Cumberlands alumnae discuss why
they chose their alma mater and
what UC means to them.
19
Q&A
Emily Coleman, ’01
UC’s Vice-President for Student
Services reflects on her time at
Cumberlands.
TAKE A TRIP DOWN
MEMORY LANE WITH THE
DIGITAL
YEARBOOK ARCHIVE
ucumberlands.edu/alumni/archive
Dear Alumni Family & Friends,
It is a very exciting time here at
University of the Cumberlands as
we introduce our tenth President,
Dr. Larry Cockrum, and enjoy the
largest enrollment in school history!
As your new Alumni Director, I
want to introduce myself. I grew up
and currently reside on my family’s
farm in Corbin, KY. Before taking
my current position in May 2015,
I worked in the Office of Academic
Affairs for five years. In 2012,
I earned a degree in Business Administration from UC as a nontraditional student.
I had the pleasure of meeting many of you at Homecoming this
past fall and hope to meet many more of you in 2016. When you are
in Williamsburg, please stop by the Alumni Services Office, located
on the second floor of the Cumberland Inn. My personal goal is to
keep alive the traditions of this institution. Whether you graduated
as an Indian or a Patriot, we are all part of the Cumberlands family.
Sincerely,
Paul Stepp, ’12
Alumni Director
ALUMNI MAGAZINE
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Provide us with your email address and we will send you
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Visit us at
ucumberlands.edu/alumni
to update your contact information.
Top photo: 1980 Lamp Yearbook
Nursing Program Candlelight
Bottom photo: 1956 Lamp Yearbook
Students in front of Gatliff Administration Building
ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dear Alumni Family & Friends,
Milestones. Life is full of
them. I remember as a young
boy that one of my goals in life
was to play high school football.
Once I got to high school, all I
wanted was to get my driver’s
license. Next, I wanted to
graduate high school. Then it
was on to the goals of finishing
college, getting married, having
children, and the list goes on
and on…
I’ve been blessed! Having accomplished all of the milestones
above, I now find myself with a whole new set of goals and
objectives as I race toward becoming 50 years old (a milestone in
and of itself!) in…er….a couple of years. I have some of my own
goals still, such as retirement, but most of my goals are wrapped
up in other people now. I look forward to my own children
reaching many of their milestones – finishing their education,
getting married, having children (also helps me to reach my
“grandchildren” milestone), their children having children, and
the list goes on and on…
As Cumberland alumni, you and I find ourselves blessed to
have achieved so many of the milestones that ruled the daydreams
of those little girls and boys we were many years ago. Those
daydreams became goals and as we became adults those goals
became accomplishments. Now we have a mental vault full of
fond memories and friendships sustained even to this day with
individuals we encountered at the UC crossroads.
So what’s left? What now? Well, I’m creating a new milestone
for all of us. A challenge to begin giving back to the institution
that helped lead us to and through many of our past milestones.
If you can set a financial goal, to help current and future students
who are striving to complete their college degree milestone, then
do that today. Sponsor a scholarship fund for UC students in
your area through your church or a civic organization; respond
to a giving opportunity you receive in the mail; or simply write a
check. As we reach another inevitable milestone, remember UC
in your estate planning and follow the lead of others who have
made UC a part of their giving legacy.
In addition to giving financially, I would encourage each of you
to bring students to Williamsburg and allow them to experience
for themselves the beauty of this campus and the heart of the
mission here. Also, PRAY. Pray that Heaven’s richest blessings
will be poured out upon UC students, faculty, staff and alumni
all over the world as they serve their fellow man.
Peace to all,
Alumni Family,
Being a graduate of our University
is more than just earning the degree.
For me, it has been tied to wonderful
memories of classmates, professors
and the community. The culture of
UC is rich with tradition! We were
blessed to have faculty and staff who
provided the support that we needed
to help us reach our goals in life.
Upon graduation from Cumberland
in 1991, I felt that I walked away
with so much more than a college
degree! The successes that I have experienced in life had a lot to do
with the support that Cumberland provided to this rural Appalachian
student, and now I have been able to pass on to my children the values
that I learned.
Homecoming Weekend 2015 was a blast! I enjoyed reconnecting
with classmates, old friends, family and faculty from years ago. We
laughed and talked for hours, as if we just saw each other yesterday!
I also had the honor to dine with alumni from the 50’s and 60’s at
the Creech Boswell Luncheon. WOW! Just listening to their stories
about what Cumberland meant to them and how it changed their lives
for the better was so inspiring! I realized that although my collegiate
experience took place in the 80’s, they experienced the same strong
family-like culture that I did then. It reinforced my belief more than
ever that the University is a special place!
The Madrigal Dinner in December is another one of my favorite
events on campus. It is something that I look forward to attending all
year. If you have not been to one, make it a point to go in the future!
It is a great beginning to the Christmas season; a lovely event with
great food as well as talented staff and students from the UC Music
Department.
I am very excited to begin my service as President-Elect of the
Alumni Board of Directors for 2015-2016! If you have not been
to campus in a while, I encourage you to come back home! I look
forward to seeing you here!
Sincerely In Christ,
Dr. Ann Lyttle-Burns, ’91 BS, ’95 MA
President-Elect, Alumni Board of Directors 2015-2016
Alumni S cial
join the conversation
Michael Bryant, ’85-’90
President, Alumni Board of Directors 2015-2016
Find us on Facebook to stay connected to
campus. Keep in touch with old friends and
even make a few new ones.
@ facebook.com/ucumberlands.alumni
Winter 2016
3
CAMPUS NEWS
Health & Wellness
Center Opens
The Ward Correll Health and
Wellness Center is now open on
the campus of University of the
Cumberlands. In addition to serving
students, faculty and staff at UC, the
facility is free and open to anyone over
the age of 18.
The 5,000 square foot facility,
located on the bottom floor of the
Boswell Campus Center, features
brightly colored walls, brand new
exercise equipment, free weights and
fitness classes.
“We’re excited to open this facility
and believe it is a great addition to
the community,” said Josh Hatfield,
director of the Health & Wellness
Center. “We hope it is widely used by
not only those on the Cumberlands
campus, but by community members
as well.”
The Health & Wellness Center
features over 50 pieces of exercise
equipment, including treadmills, free
weights and elliptical machines. The
game room has three pool tables, a
ping pong table, an air hockey table,
couches and video gaming systems.
4CUMBERLANDS Alumni Magazine
According to the Trust for America’s
Health, Kentucky has the fifth highest
adult obesity rate in the nation. Along
with exercise, the Health and Wellness
Center promotes a healthy lifestyle
with the addition of two vending
machines packed with organic snacks
and drinks. The vibrant environment
also welcomes all to exercise and relax.
“We want this facility to be a place
where people from all backgrounds
feel welcome,” said Hatfield. “This
is a place for anyone interested in
improving their health.”
CAMPUS NEWS
SH ES
S UL
FOR
THE
Over 400 children have brand new
shoes and school supplies thanks to an
event organized and hosted by University
of the Cumberlands.
During the fourth annual “Shoes 4
The Soul” event, elementary students
from Pleasant View, Boston, Whitley
East and Whitley North poured onto
the UC campus. More than 200 UC
student-athletes and staff teamed up to
serve children by washing their feet and
fitting them with brand new shoes and
socks.
“Do you know the story of Jesus washing
his disciple’s feet?” asked UC sophomore
Destiny Beattie of Williamsburg. “We
want to humble ourselves like Jesus did
and give back to you by getting down,
washing your feet and giving you a brand
new pair of shoes.”
Student-athletes wash the feet of local elementry school students.
“Looking around, it’s hard to see who is enjoying themselves
more—the volunteers or the kids. It makes the kids feel like
they are a part of something special, which they are.”
Shoes 4 The Soul organizers worked
with local schools to identify children
who would benefit most from the event.
In addition to shoes and socks, each child
received a backpack filled with school
supplies. Children played numerous
games with UC students including tag
and jump rope. Forcht Bank also provided
free ice cream for all students and teachers.
“The best way to serve others is by
showing someone you care, and that’s
what all these volunteers are doing,”
stated event organizer, Wes Chandler.
“This university is blessed with a great
number of people that demonstrate that
characteristic. It teaches our students,
athletes, coaches, and everyone involved
that these kids want to be like them one
day. Looking around, it’s hard to see
who is enjoying themselves more—the
volunteers or the kids. It makes the kids
feel like they are a part of something
special, which they are.”
The Shoes 4 The Soul event was made
possible by generous donations from the
community.
Winter 2016
5
CAMPUS NEWS
t
o
i
r
Pat Professors
Reed Named
PA of the Year
Kenneth Reed
Professor Kenneth Reed,
PA-C,
’85,
was
named
Physician Assistant of the Year
by the Kentucky Academy
of Physician Assistants. The
award was presented during
KAPA’s membership meeting
at its 39th Annual CME
Symposium at the Hilton
Lexington Downtown Hotel on
November 6, 2015.
Reed
graduated
from
University of Nebraska with a
Master of Physician Assistant
Studies degree. He has over 40
years of medical experience.
In addition to family medical
practice, he has served in the
United States Air Force and
Army National Guard as a
Medical Service Specialist and
later as a Physician Assistant.
Currently, he is an Associate
Professor in the PA program
at UC.
Dr. Travis Freeman
Dr. Nathan Coleman
John Varley
On July 4, 2015, 62
individuals participated in
the Inaugural Lights Out
Blindfolded 5K held in
Corbin, KY.
Participants
completed the course in
teams of two, with the
sighted partner leading the
blindfolded partner halfway
through before switching.
The event was hosted by The
Freeman Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded
in May 2014 to promote “the
truth that disability does not
equal inability.”
Dr. Nathan Coleman,
’01, spoke at the U.S. Army
Strategic Broadening Seminar
conducted July 5-6, 2015 by
the University of Louisville
and the McConnell Center
for Political Leadership. This
made the second consecutive
year that Coleman, Associate
Professor of History and
Higher Education, was invited
to speak at the seminar. He
was also recently invited to
attend the Kentucky Youth
Leadership Conference in
Louisville, Kentucky.
Professor John Varley and
UC students recently teamed
up with the Michael H. Minger
Foundation to create Public
Service Announcements (PSAs)
addressing fire safety on college
campuses. Residence Assistants,
Digital Media Studio workstudy students and students
from the Communication
Arts department wrote, filmed
and edited the PSAs with the
help of Varley and the Minger
Foundation.
Top Photo: Lights Out Blindfolded 5K
6CUMBERLANDS Alumni Magazine
CAMPUS NEWS
49th Annual Madrigal Dinner
UC has always impressed with its holiday spirit, lights and elegance during
the Christmas season and its magical musical performances are no exception.
The 49th annual Madrigal Dinner was held December 3-5. The 16 Madrigal
singers, part of the Chamber Choir, were led under the direction of Music
Department Chairman, Dr. Jeff Smoak, and accompanied on piano by Ms. Kay
Dawn McFarland.
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION RECEIVES
NATIONAL ACCREDITATION
The School of Education at University
of the Cumberlands recently received
accreditation through the National
Council for Accreditation of Teacher
Education (NCATE). “NCATE is the
education profession’s measure for highquality preparation programs, so it feels as
if we’ve just received a ‘Seal of Approval’
from our peers,” said Dean of Education,
Dr. Susan Rose. “This process helped us
as a faculty to become more of a team and
it will help our candidates become more
marketable. We are very honored to say
that we are now nationally accredited.”
Cumberlands’ accreditation is good for
five years, running through 2020.
Nursing Program
Holds First Pinning
Ceremony
In December, UC held its first pinning
ceremony for graduates of the new nursing
program. In total, eleven students were
honored and pinned after earning their
Bachelor of Science in Health ScienceNursing (RN-BS) degree.
“As director of the program, I have
never been more proud,” said Dr. Cailen
Baker, Nursing Program Director at
Cumberlands. “Our students worked
hard to achieve their goals and are a true
testament to servant leadership.”
The first class of students in the RN-BS
Program began in the fall of 2014. The
program, which is 100 percent online,
is designed to build on the registered
nurse’s existing knowledge and can be
completed in as little as 12 months.
Graduates of the program are prepared
to assume roles in leadership positions,
in the management of complex clinical
care coordination, and in community/
public health. Successful completion of
the RN-BS program also provides the
academic foundation for graduate study.
For more information on the RNBS program at Cumberlands, visit
gradweb.ucumberlands.edu.
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Winter 2016
7
ATHLETIC NEWS
STUDENT-ATHLETES TEAM UP WITH
MOUNTAIN OUTREACH
In December, UC student-athletes from the football, baseball,
men's wrestling and women's lacrosse teams traveled to three
area elementary schools to become personal shoppers. Joining
with the campus Mountain Outreach Ministry, the Patriots
assisted students in picking out Christmas gifts for parents or
grandparents.
Marc Hensley, director of Mountain Outreach, explained,
"the purpose of Gift Day is to get children involved in the giving
part of Christmas. We want kids to understand the good feeling
that comes from giving, as well as from receiving."
"It's great to get athletes involved, too," Hensley added.
"Usually their practice and game schedules keep them from
participating in other outreach opportunities, but this specific
opportunity allows athletes to connect with many of the
children who play sports in the local elementary schools."
The Mountain Outreach program raises funds throughout
the year to purchase gifts for 735 elementary students to give
to their loved ones for Christmas.
The giving spirit captivated UC athletes as they spent time
with children. One player held a bright-eyed child up above the
others so he could see the table of gifts to make his selection.
Another made it a point to get each child he helped to laugh
and have the biggest smile possible.
Mathias Brewers, a senior baseball player from Lebanon,
8CUMBERLANDS Alumni Magazine
Ohio, commented, "It's always a good feeling to help out, but
the best part is seeing the smiling faces on the kids when they
leave knowing they'll be able to give their loved ones a gift."
In addition to Gift Day, student-athletes from several UC
sports teams joined Mountain Outreach at the Williamsburg
Walmart at midnight for its annual shopping spree to purchase
Christmas gifts. Students and other volunteers shopped for 366
children this year. Gifts collected during the shopping spree
were given out to parents and guardians of local children at the
Mountain Outreach Gift Day.
“It follows with the university mission of being servant
leaders; it’s a chance to help the community and those less
fortunate,” Kris Strebeck, Head Coach of the UC archery
teams said. “We have been helping with this event for the past
few years and hope to continue to do so. My players really
enjoy running around shopping to help out kids.”
Hensley expressed gratitude and appreciation on behalf of
Mountain Outreach for those who either helped shop or raise
funds for the event. “The event would not have been possible
without those who reached out a helping hand to Mountain
Outreach.”
Women’s golfer, Rachel Pingleton, summed up the event
saying, “This event is a good way we can give back to those who
don’t have the same opportunities and it’s a wonderful way to be
involved to help share the true meaning of Christmas.”
ATHLETIC NEWS
Alice Buswell at a tournament
Archery Program Experiences
Unprecedented Success
The UC Archery program is coming off
its most successful and decorated season
to date. In September 2015, the archery
team competed against 15 teams in the
United States Intercollegiate (USIAC)
3D Championships. The tournament
consisted of a Bowhunter, Compound,
and Recurve division. Each division held
Men’s and Women’s individuals as well as
team rounds. The Patriots were awarded
numerous top finishes, including seven
gold, three silver, and four bronze,
eight Academic All-Americans, 18 AllAmericans and the overall USIAC 3D
National Championship.
"This was the largest collegiate 3D
national tournament in USIAC history,”
said UC Head Archery Coach, Kris
Strebeck. “I’m very proud of how we
competed as a team and were able to come
away with the overall Team 3D National
Championship. This was, by far, our best
showing at a 3D National tournament
since we started the program. We will
continue to build on our early season
success and turn our attention towards
the indoor season."
Lady Patriot Wrestler Qualifies for
Olympic Team Trials
Our Women’s Wrestling team has a
long history of success and freshman
Maya Nelson is working hard to
continue that tradition. Nelson, a
native of Denver, Colorado, recently
competed against the best of the best
at the Senior U.S. Nationals and
Olympic Trials in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Nelson battled her way through the
competition, taking home a third
place finish in the 58 KG weight
class. By finishing in third place,
Nelson qualified for the U.S. Olympic
Trials later this year. Following her
qualification, Nelson gave glory to God
and noted one of her favorite scriptures:
“I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13
Winter 2016
9
HOMECOMING
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Homecoming Festivities
1 Alumni Jazz Ensemble performed at Sunday’s Patriot Pride Picnic
2 Terry Roberts, ‘89, signs copies of his books at the Patriot Pride Picnic
3 Kids enjoying the Patriot Pride Picnic
4 Alumni Chorale performed at Music Department concert
5 Red Boot Run participants
6 Jason Patrick, co-founder of the Red Boot Run Foundation, presents
donation for Norma B. Patrick Scholarship to Alumni Director Paul Stepp
8
7 Alumni & current baseball players at Homecoming reunion
8 Homecoming King Tor Peterson and Homecoming Queen Sophi Suarez
10CUMBERLANDS Alumni Magazine
HOMECOMING 2015
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2
Creech-Boswell
Club Luncheon
1 1940s
2 1950s
3 1960s
4 Class of 1965 celebrates 50th
Reunion
3
5 Creech-Boswell Club Pinning
4
Winter 2016
11
HOMECOMING 2015
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12CUMBERLANDS Alumni Magazine
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HOMECOMING 2015
Calling all 1966 & 1991
class members!
Make plans now to attend your 50th & 25th
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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Alumni Luncheon
Opposite Page:
Class of...
1 1965
6 1990
2 1970
7 1995
3 1975
8 2000
4 1980
9 2010
5 1985
10 2015
reunions and commencement on May 7, 2016!
To register and for more information,
please contact the Alumni Office at
606.539.4355
Support UC Athletics by purchasing 20 oz
PATRIOT PRIDE
TRAVEL MUGS
$4.00
This Page:
1 Brock, Ainsley, and William Patrick accept award on behalf
of their mother, Leslie Grillon-Miller, ‘99, Alumni Appreciation
2 Debbie (Everage) Reynolds, ‘72, Distinguished Alumna
3 Dr. Carolyn (Barnwell) Petrey, ‘71, Alumna of the Year,
and Dr. Dallas Petrey, attended 1960s, Alumni Appreciation
4 Dr. Matt Joyce, ‘00, Young Alumnus of the Year
5 Jason Patrick, Honorary Alumnus, and Dr. Casey Patrick, ‘00,
Alumni Appreciation
6 Reverend David Aker, ‘64, Religious Service
7 Dr. James E. Croley III, ‘72, Distinguished Alumnus
8 Kenny Channels, ‘90, provided musical entertainment
Available in the Alumni
Services office on the
second floor of the
Cumberland Museum.
Or order online at:
ucumberlands.edu/alumni
Winter 2016
13
Q&A
with
President Larry Cockrum
THE BALL IS IN
HIS COURT
What can you tell us about your
childhood?
W
hen Dr. Larry Cockrum first stepped foot onto
the campus of University of the Cumberlands,
he did not know the path that lay before him. Ten years
later, on October 15, 2015, he was officially named
University President. Prior to the presidency, Cockrum
served as Vice President for Academic Affairs where his
vision for expanding online programming led student
enrollment to grow from 1,700 in 2005 to over 6,275
in 2015. A devoted husband and father to four children,
Cockrum spent the early years of his professional career
building and coaching basketball teams. As he settles in
to his new role as the 10th president of Cumberlands,
Cockrum uses those same team-building strategies to
bring out the best in faculty, staff and students.
14CUMBERLANDS Alumni Magazine
I was born in Kansas and spent most of my time
growing up with my parents and two brothers
in Ash Grove, Missouri. It was a rural area so
I did a lot of work around farms growing up. I
made my summer money hauling hay, working
in milk barns and so on. I don’t remember a
time when I didn’t work.
Like many Midwestern kids, you
grew up playing sports. Which did
you like best?
Sports were my life for many years. I enjoyed
playing all sports, but basketball and baseball
were my favorites. I was fortunate enough
to play both in college while pursuing my
undergraduate degree.
Was education important?
My mom and dad were both hard workers
but neither went to college. My mom was a
voracious reader, though. She read all the
time and was an advocate of education. My
dad wasn’t an educated man but he had great
people skills. I was the first in my family to
finish college.
You and your wife, Dixie, have
been married 43 years. How
did you meet?
Dixie and I met when we were teenagers.
We went to different high schools and met
at a science fair. The first time I took her
out we actually had to leave the movie early
so I could get her home before curfew. We
dated a number of years and got married
during my senior year of college. It was
a great decision, at least on my part, you
might have to ask Dixie to see what she
thinks...
“Whether you are
looking to win national
championships
or achieve record
enrollment, recruiting
the right team is always
the first step.”
– Larry Cockrum
After college you were invited
to rookie camp with the Chicago
Bulls. What happened?
I knew I probably wasn’t quick enough to
make the team, but it was a great honor to
be asked. When the tryout came along, I
was also offered a head coaching job at a
small school in Missouri. I was probably
too practical at the time; I wanted the sure
money more than a long shot at the NBA.
Ultimately, I took the job opportunity over
the playing opportunity.
How did your love of athletics
lead to coaching and teaching?
Coaching was something I always wanted
to do. After college, I had the opportunity
to coach and teach at a number of high
schools, a junior college and Texas A&M
University. Being able to combine my
passion for education and sports was a
great situation for me. I’ve had many good
experiences in both areas.
What kind of advice did you
offer to the athletes you
coached?
I always used to tell my recruits at Texas
A&M that there will come a day when
your legs don’t jump. That means you also
need a brain, you need to use your mind,
because you’re going to need it to make a
living.
What connections do you see
between athletics and life?
One of the great things about playing
sports is that it teaches resilience and
persistence. When you lose, you can’t
throw in the towel, you have to pick
yourself up and keep going. The same is
true in life. When things don’t go your
way, when bad things happen, you can’t
quit, you can’t give up. You’ve got to put
your head down, put in the work and find
a way to move forward.
How did coaching prepare you
for your role as president?
When you’re in the presidency you’re still
coaching. My job is to paint a vision for
the University and get as many people on
board with the mission as possible.
You are a big fan of team sports.
What role does teamwork play
in achieving success at UC?
Whether you are looking to win national
championships or achieve record
enrollment, recruiting the right team is
always the first step. The key to any good
team is hiring the right people, placing
them in a position suited to their strengths
and giving them the freedom to make
things happen.
TOP RIGHT: Cockrum and his wife, Dixie, were high school sweethearts.
RIGHT CENTER: Cockrum front row, right, while coaching for the Aggies.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Cockrum welcomes students to campus at the Patriot Party.
Winter 2016
15
COVER STORY
What makes Cumberlands special?
In my mind, it’s the people. Our faculty and staff are
here to try to help students and our students are here
to better themselves. It’s the people that make this place
special.
UC has experienced tremendous growth.
To what do you attribute this success?
A lot of schools are struggling right now because they
failed to look into the future to anticipate the needs of
students. Cumberlands has continually adapted to new
technologies and the ever-changing world around us.
Our online degree programs are increasingly popular
because we’ve been able to expand our commitment
to academic excellence by offering programs that
are convenient, affordable and flexible. Our online
programs allow busy professionals to work and raise a
family while pursuing a degree from home.
How does technology play into our
mission?
Our methods of delivery may have changed over the
years, but our mission remains the same. We still believe
education has the power to break the chains of poverty.
Technology is a great equalizer because it allows us
to bring an affordable, quality education into small
towns and rural communities throughout Appalachia
and around the globe. Traditional barriers, such as
transportation, cost and time, are removed by online
learning opportunities. ■
Welcome New VPs
Emily Coleman, Ph.D., became Vice President
for Student Services in August 2015. Dr.
Coleman has over 13 years experience in
higher education and enrollment management
administration. In her current role she leads
a team that oversees all aspects of student
life including career services, campus activities and housing.
Coleman holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from
Cumberland College, a Master of Arts in Education with an
emphasis in College Student Personnel from the University of
Louisville and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration
and Leadership from Capella University.
For a Q&A with Dr. Coleman, see page 19.
Jamirae Hammons, MAED, became Vice
President for Institutional Advancement in
September 2015. Hammons has over 13 years
of experience in higher education, previously
serving in the areas of Graduate Admissions
and Undergraduate Admissions. In her current
role, she oversees the coordination of development, alumni
relations, church relations, Mountain Outreach and the dayto-day operations of the President’s Office including gift
processing and correspondence. She has a Bachelor of Arts in
English and Communication and a Master of Arts in Education
Administration, both through Union College.
Jerry G. Jackson, Ed.D., became the Vice
President for Enrollment and Communications in
January 2015. Before coming to Cumberlands,
Dr. Jackson spent over 11 years as a higher
education and enrollment management
administrator serving schools in Tennessee and
Kentucky. Jackson has actively served as a consultant in public
relations and marketing and has held various positions with the
Knox County Board of Education. He has a Bachelor of Arts in
English from Union College, a Master of Arts in Education from
Eastern Kentucky University and a Doctorate in Educational
Leadership from UC.
Verna Lowe, Ed.D., became Vice President
Cockrum was honored on the floor of the Kentucky State Senate
on January 14, 2016, for his dedication to education. Included
in the photo is Senator David Givens.
for Compliance in March 2015. With 40 years
experience in education, Dr. Lowe served as
Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional
Studies at Asbury University and Dean of the
College of Education at Eastern Kentucky
University. Lowe holds a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education
and Elementary Education from Southern Wesleyan University,
a Master of Arts in School Psychology and Doctorate in Special
Education Personnel Preparation and the Mildly Handicapped
from the University of Kentucky.
ALUMNI NEWS
CUMBERLANDS
CONNECTIONS
A Family Tradition
by Carol (York) Ford
As a high school senior, I was
seeking a place to help me find
my life’s calling; to open my
eyes to a world of possibilities
and to prepare me for the life
that lay before me. I vividly
remember feeling that peace
come upon me after prayerful
consideration of Cumberland.
Much like it was for my
mother, Betty (Dodson) York,
’64, Cumberland provided an
opportunity for life beyond the
realms of the ordinary.
It was ever so pleasant to
return to campus in May 2014
with my mother for her 50th
class reunion. She was thrilled
to see those hills once again
and feel the spirit of youth and
hope that she fondly attaches
to her college days. That same
encouraging spirit was present
on campus for me some 30
years later. The actions and
wisdom of so many whom I
connected with propelled me to
aspire, dream, and believe that
I could and would make my
deepest desires come true, if it
was God’s plan for my life.
Today, I continue to share
my Cumberland experience
and returned to campus in
November 2015 for a field trip
with 37 seniors from Wayne
County High School. While
the campus has grown and the
programs offered have been
widely expanded, that feeling
of home, the serenity of God’s
presence, and the congenial
spirit of those who call UC
home was still there, and
lives are being changed and
challenged all for the better.
Top right: Carol and her mother, Betty
Bottom right: The Ford family
Winter 2016
17
ALUMNI NEWS
Juanita (Purvis) Shacklett
As a student at Cumberland, Juanita (Purvis) Shacklett, ‘36, enjoyed being in choir under
the direction of Guy Hague, earned high marks in Physical Geography under Professor P.
R. Jones and excelled in English under Professor Wyatt Wood.
Juanita said, “I was happily surprised when I got to Cumberland College. Professor
Wood opened the door to my appreciation for the classics of literature and I am grateful
for his influence. My classmate, Lula Volena Davis, ’37, sang with me in the choir and we
were in Glee Club together. I appreciated the chapel services where I sang solo in those
services, growing from the experience. I loved it. I felt comfortable and among friends.”
Right: 1936
Cumberland
College Choir
in front of First
Baptist Church,
Williamsburg,
KY. Juanita is
third from left,
on the third
row from the
bottom.
Remembering Rose Marlowe
Missionary to China
Rose Marlowe graduated from the Williamsburg Institute, now known as
University of the Cumberlands, in 1912. Upon graduation, Marlowe, a native
of Williamsburg, Kentucky, taught school for a number of years. In 1921, she
moved far from home, serving as a Christian missionary in Shanghai, China.
Following the Japanese invasion of China during World War II, many foreigners
and American missionaries, including Marlowe, were rounded up and placed
in prison camps. In 1943, Marlowe spent approximately nine months in
Shanghai’s Lunghwa internment camp, a facility later made famous by J.G.
Ballard’s novel, Empire of the Sun. Despite many hardships, Marlowe continued
serving as a missionary in both China and Japan until her retirement in 1955.
Marlowe returned to Louisville, Kentucky, and continued her missionary work
until passing in 1980.
18CUMBERLANDS Alumni Magazine
ALUMNI NEWS
Q&A with Dr. Emily Coleman
Vice President for Student Services
Dr. Emily Coleman, ’01, is an excellent
example of a service-oriented graduate.
As Vice President for Student Services
she consistently advocates for students,
welcoming and responding to their
feedback to ensure student voices are
heard. In the evenings - if she’s not
attending a UC event or teaching a class
for the Ph.D. program - you will find her
coaching her daughter’s cheerleading
squad, taking her son to soccer practice
or volunteering for a PTO event at her
children’s school. She’s also a devoted
wife to Dr. Nathan Coleman, ’01, a
history professor at UC. Emily recently
reflected back on her time as a student
at UC and what inspires her to give back
to her alma mater.
The Coleman family
What has changed the most
You were in the last class of since your time as a student?
Cumberland College Indians. Honestly, the campus may have more
What are some of your favorite buildings, academic programs, a new
name and new mascot, but it is still
memories?
the college I fell in love with years
It is hard to pinpoint one favorite
memory, but if I had to narrow it down
it would all relate to the Indian statue
that was in front of the Wigwam Grill
in the BCC. Once the announcement
was made that we were going to be
the last graduating class of Indians,
he ended up in a variety of creative
places around campus our senior
year. My favorite had to be when he
was found on the roof of the Student
Center! Every time I see the Indian in
the Patriot Steakhouse I can’t help but
smile.
You met your husband while
attending UC. Tell us about it.
Nathan said we met at new student
orientation, but I remember meeting
him in a history class. He asked me
out the first time over the sandwich
bar in the dining hall. We both love
reflecting on the many fun times we
had at UC hanging out in the Mahan
lobby watching Friends, attending the
Presidential Inauguration in 2001 with
the History Department and studying
in the Asher Hall computer lab.
ago. What has changed the most is
my perspective. As an undergraduate
student, I had no idea of the true
impact UC made on its students,
alumni and the greater community. I
now see that impact daily.
What similarities do you see
between then and now?
There continues to be a commitment
to providing a quality educational
experience, both inside and outside
the classroom, that equates to student
success. UC still focuses on serving
underserved
student
populations
and still provides quality academic
programs. Also, UC still does an
outstanding job preparing students to
meet their academic and professional
goals.
You studied abroad while at
Cumberland. What can you tell
us about your experience?
It was AMAZING! I spent the summer
going into my senior year of college
studying at Peking University in
Beijing, China. Not only did I have
the opportunity to learn about the
language and culture, I was able to
tour the county. I walked on the Great
Wall of China twice, visited Tiananmen
Square, saw the Terracotta Soldiers
and more. This was my first experience
traveling outside the USA and it was
eye opening. It pushed me outside my
comfort zone and gave me a global
perspective.
What is it like to work at your
alma mater?
UC gave so much to me as an
undergraduate. I met my husband, I
discovered my calling in the field of
Student Services, I became stronger in
my walk with Christ and I received an
education that laid the foundation for
where I am today. To get to come back
and give back to an institution that
gave me so much is a blessing.
What do you like most about
being part of the Cumberlands
family?
The students! I am blessed to work
with our diverse student population
on a daily basis. From first semester
freshmen to doctoral students, providing
opportunities for our students to excel
and make a difference is what it is all
about!
Winter 2016
19
ALUMNI NEWS
Erasing Stigmas One Post at a Time
A
t the start of each school day,
Chris Ulmer, ’13, spends time
complimenting and encouraging the
students in his Jacksonville, Florida,
special education class. Major media
outlets, ranging from ABC News to
The Today Show to USA Today, shared
and highlighted heartfelt videos
of Chris and his students, making
them a national sensation. While at
Cumberlands, Chris earned his Master
of Arts in Teaching and worked as
a Graduate Assistant for the Men’s
Soccer Team. We recently caught up
with Chris to learn more about his
passion for teaching.
What can you tell us about your
project, Special Books by Special
Kids?
I originally had the intentions of starting
a book series in which my students
explained their diagnosis. After
countless rejection letters I decided to
document our days on social media.
Posts included pictures, quotes and
interviews with the children. In 10
months we have over 100 million views
combined on our videos. The children
are treated like celebrities.
One of your goals is to help erase
stigmas about people with special
needs. Please tell us more.
Stigmas are the false presumptions
made before becoming aware of the
facts. Many adults never have the
opportunity to interact with individuals
with special needs. Special Books
by Special Kids offers a social media
platform where everyone can gather
and learn in a safe environment.
What is it like having so many
people taking note of your work?
It is great, humbling and confusing at
the same time. Every follower of Special
Books by Special Kids is a person who
will learn that individuals with special
needs are amazing humans.
How can we get involved with
your project?
I would love to have alumni of UC follow
this journey through our social media
platform. You can find us on Facebook.
Follow us, like our posts, share our
videos. The only way Special Books by
Special Kids will leave a lasting impact
is through the collaboration and unity
of many. Our social media platform
is an interactive community where
people from around the globe learn
daily.
How did UC prepare you for
what you are doing today in the
classroom?
I was a graduate assistant for the Men’s
Soccer team during my time at UC.
Coaching at the collegiate level was
an experience that has forever shaped
my teaching style. I highly recommend
for every new teacher to also gain
coaching experience. The two crafts
complement one another and are
transferable.
UC S cial
Learn
more
about Chris and his students
join the
conversation
@
/specialbooksbyspecialkids
ucumberlands
20CUMBERLANDS Alumni Magazine
CLASS NOTES
was selected by the National
Defense University for the 2015
Kiley Award for Best Features
Article.
1950s
1990s
Larry Freeman, ’75,
earned his real estate
license in June 2015.
Dr. Betty Lentz Siegel,
’50, serves as President
Emeritus at Kennesaw State
University and Endowed
Chair of the Siegel Institute
for Leadership, Ethics and
Character. On September
10, 2015, a ribbon-cutting
ceremony was held for the
Dr. Betty L. Siegel Student
Recreation and Activities
Center.
Steve Karnehm, ’75, is the
founder and owner of Christian
Counseling Associates.
Alex Ceruzzi, attended
’64-’65, released Christmas
Holiday: CD and Song Book on
November 7, 2015.
Hugh Spradlin, ’64, served
in the US. Army from January
1965-1968 in the Medical
Service Corp and is a Vietnam
veteran. He was employed
by the Tennessee Department
of Revenue until retirement in
1996.
1970s
Martha (Bostic) Dossett, ’70,
taught in Kentucky and Virginia
and retired from the Campbell
County School System. She has
two daughters, two grandsons
and two granddaughters.
Pamela Bennett, ’73, is a legal
secretary at Dinsmore & Shohl
LLP law firm.
Rebecca (Walker) Briggs, ’93, Is
a Licensed Clinical Social Worker
for Family Court Services in Harris
County, Texas. She and her
husband, Timothy, were married
on May 3, 2014.
UC
1960s
Leon Alder, attended ’62-’64,
retired from the state of Virginia
and U.S. Army.
Adam Ward, ’90, is employed
by Process Plus, LLC consulting
Industrial Engineers as the
Electrical Technology Leader for
the Electrical/Power Engineering
Group. He has been a senior
member of the Institute of
Electrical and Electronic
Engineers (IEEE) since 1988.
He and his wife, Kathy (Perkins)
Ward, ’84, have two children.
Hunter Barber, ’94, has been
working at Black Forest Academy
in Southwest Germany for
seven years. He has taught high
school science, PE, worked in IT
support, and coached soccer,
track and cross country. His wife
is the Science Department Chair.
Joy (Kinman) Sparks, ’94
B.M.Ed., ’15 MAE, accepted
a new teaching position at
Lexington Christian Academy as
the 8th grade English teacher.
Thomas Scott, ’95, became
the Dean of Libraries, College
Testing and Curriculum
Innovation at Georgia Highlands
College on July 1, 2015.
Tina (Brooks) Croley, ’96, works
at the Secretary of State Office in
Trenton, MI.
Jessica (Mullins) Rumsey, ’96,
and her husband, Steven, have
three children. She is a teacher at
Mt. Vernon Elementary School.
ON THE
MOVE
Dr. William D. “Bill”
Henard III, ’77, was
elected Executive Director
and Treasurer of the
West Virginia Baptist
Convention. Prior to this
position, Henard served as
pastor of several churches
in Kentucky, Alabama,Texas
and Tennessee.
Danny Davis, ’78, became the
new director of missions for the
Tates Creek Baptist Association
in September 2015. He
previously served as pastor of
Mount Hermon Baptist Church
in Danville, Virginia.
1980s
Carl & Susie Roberts Compete in Chicago Marathon
Carl Roberts, ’07 BS, ’09 MAT, and Susie (Norris) Roberts, ’07
BS, ’09 MAT, competed in the Chicago Marathon on October
11, 2015. In addition to completing the race, the Roberts raised
$2,107 for the American Cancer Society. Having really enjoyed
the experience, the couple is registered for another marathon in
the spring of 2016.
Pam (Adler) Cornett, ’80
BS, ’89 MA, works for The
Children’s Reading Foundation,
promoting their Ready! for
Kindergarten program.
During their time at UC, both Carl and Susie participated in
cross-country and track. Susie stated, “Carl and I have so much
in common, but all of our commonalities can be traced back to
Cumberland. UC has been so good to us through the years and
we think of it fondly and often.”
Col. Christopher V. Herndon,
’86, co-authored an article that
They have two children, Mason and Mallory.
Winter 2016
21
CLASS NOTES
2000s
Anna Lufi, ’02, now works for
Price Waterhouse Coopers.
Marsee (Williamson) Huffman,
’05, teaches biology at Corbin
High School in Corbin, KY.
UC
ON THE
MOVE
Melisa (Laurence) Lee, ’14
MAT, is now teaching in Dayton,
TX.
Justin Ladd, ’15 MBA, was
promoted to Director of
Corporate Compliance at
Eidetik, Inc.
Joshua Watkins, ’09 BS, ’15
MAE, is married to Sarah
(Whitaker) Watkins, ’09 BA,
’14 MAE and they are both
social studies teachers at Corbin
High School in Corbin, KY.
Ben Clayton, ’10 BS, ’11
MACS, is the program director
at Springs of Life Recovery
Center in Jellico, TN.
Mollie Creech, ’11 BS, ’14
MAE, is now teaching 6th
grade at Corbin Intermediate in
Corbin, KY.
Dr. Robbie Dell, ’11 Ed.D.,
became the new superintendent
for Hickory Public Schools in
North Carolina on September
14, 2015.
Clark Embree, ’11, is now
working as a Technical Media
Producer at WKYT-TV in
Lexington, KY.
Jessica (Rose) Gibson, ’11 BS,
’14 MAPC, is a school based
therapist at Boston Elementary
in Williamsburg, KY.
Lillian (Pennington) Helton,
’11 MAE, became the
Administrative Assistant for
the Educational Leadership
Department at Eastern Kentucky
University in January 2015.
Mike Fiers Pitches No-Hitter
Former UC Patriot Mike Fiers pitched a no-hitter August 21,
2015 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fiers, who attended UC
in ‘06-’07, was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2009 and
now plays for the Houston Astros. Way to go Mike!
Michael Carr, ‘14, has played
the electric guitar in his One
Man Electrical Band, aka
OMEB, for over a decade.
He is also the owner of the
OMEB School of Rock. Carr,
who has three albums available
on iTunes, has opened up
for a variety of musical artists
including Motley Crue, KISS,
Journey and Pat Benatar.
and assistant softball coach at
University of Minnesota Morris.
Dr. David Guess, ’15, was
named Kentucky’s Safety
Director of the Year by the
Kentucky Trucking Association.
PAINT THE TOWN
HOMECOMING
OCTOBER 7 - 9
Jake Brock, ’12 BA, ’14
MBA, became the Senior
Pastor at Swiss Colony
Baptist Church, London, KY
in March 2015.
Abbey Cherry, ’15, now
works as the Social Media
Coordinator at University of
the Cumberlands.
Brittney Gadd, ’13 BS, ’15 MAT,
is the assistant women’s soccer
22CUMBERLANDS Alumni Magazine
Brook (Blackburn) Moak,
’11, graduated with a DMD
from University of Kentucky
College of Dentistry in May
2015. She is a National
Health Corps Scholarship
Recipient and is serving a
three-year commitment.
Jacob Moak, ’11,
graduated from University
of Kentucky College of Law
in December 2014 and
was admitted to both the
Kentucky and Florida Bar
in 2015. Jacob accepted a
Federal Judicial Clerkship
with the Honorable Mac
R. McCoy in the United
States District Court for
the Middle District of
Florida. Jacob and Brooke
now reside in Fort Myers,
Florida.
submit a class note
ucumberlands.edu/alumni
CLASS NOTES
MARRIAGES
BIRTHS
1980s
Alyssa (Harmon) Dax, ’05,
announces the birth of her
daughter, Holland, on August
8, 2014.
James Moore, ’84, and his
wife, Elizabeth, were married in
September 2015.
Kaci (Hina) Smith, ’07, and
Nathan Smith, ’09, announce
the birth of their daughter,
Sadie Mae.
2000s
Erin (White) Wells, ’10 BS, ’15 MAE, and Phillip Wells,’13,
were married on June 27, 2015. Erin is an English and Spanish
teacher at Corbin High School and Phillip is an assistant
football coach at University of the Cumberlands.
Stephanie (Taylor)
Freeman, ’10 BS, ’14
MBA, and Dr. Travis
Freeman were married in
Gatliff Chapel on July 25,
2015. Stephanie is the
Administrative Assistant in
Alumni Services and Travis
is an adjunct professor in
the Missions and Ministry
Department at University of
the Cumberlands.
Stacey (Smith) Reichenbacker,
’00, and John Reichenbacker,
’98, were married on October
25, 2014.
Alex (Robertson) Madden,
’10, and her husband, Matthew,
were married on October 3,
2015.
Alicia (Wren) Haley, ’12 MAE,
and her husband, Tyler, were
married on June 20, 2015. She
transitioned from math teacher
to school guidance counselor at
Barren County Middle School on
July 1, 2015.
Jessica (Johnson) Butler, ’12,
and Logan Butler, ’12, were
married on June 20, 2015.
Eugenia “Genia” (Vickers)
Isaacs, ’12, and her husband,
Robby, were married on
October 10, 2014.
Wendy (Poynter) Caldwell,
’14 MAE, and her husband,
Michael, were married in May
2015.
Monica (Huey) Logan, ’13 BS,
’15 MSPAS, and her husband,
Brian, were married on April 11,
2015.
Katelyn (Lay) Davis, ’14, and
Clint Davis, ’13, were married in
July 2015.
UC
Shonda (Wood) Powers, ’09,
and Joshua Powers, ’12,
announce the birth of their
son, Elijah, on April 24, 2015.
Shonda is the Director of
Graduate Admissions and an
adjunct professor in the Health,
Exercise and Sport Science
Department at University of the
Cumberlands.
Katie (Smith) Bell, ’11, and
Bradley Bell, ’08, announce
the birth of their daughter,
Elisabeth Alem on December
4, 2014.
Travis Goodin, ’11, announces
the birth of his daughter on
February 12, 2015.
William Marshall, ’12, and
Cheri (Reed) Marshall, ’11,
announce the birth of their
daughter, Juleah.
Jonathan Bowman, ‘13, and
Amy (Roberts) Bowman,
’12 BA, ’15 MAE, announce
the birth of their son, Easton
David, on August 29, 2015.
Jonathan is the Assistant
Director of Mountain
Outreach at University of the
Cumberlands.
ON THE
MOVE
Harrison Leads KY League of Cities
Stephanie (Lawless) Pollitt, ’12, and Josh Pollitt, ’08, were
married on June 20, 2015. Stephanie is a language arts
teacher at Williamsburg High School and Josh is the Children
& Families’ pastor at Central Baptist Church in Corbin, KY.
Roddy Harrison, ’84 BS, ’89
MA, was sworn in as president of
the Kentucky League of Cities on
October 1, 2015. He served on the
executive board for eight years and
as the interim president for one year
prior to becoming president of the
organization.
Winter 2016
23
CLASS NOTES
FOND FAREWELLS
1940s
Mary (Rickett) Johnson,
attended ’41-‘42, passed away
on July 29, 2015. She worked
for Lyon Uniform for nearly 20
years while running a small farm
with her husband.
Dorothy (Lawson) Carr, ’44,
passed away on September 21,
2015. She was a teacher for over
40 years in the Whitley County
School System.
Charles Edward Croley, ’55,
passed away on February 28,
2015. He worked for 40 years at
Standard Oil and Chevron.
Floyd Scott, ’55, passed away
on June 29, 2015. He served in
the U.S. Navy during the Korean
War and worked as the office
and accounts payable manager
for International Paper formerly
Saalfeld Paper in Cincinnati, OH.
1960s
Harold Gant, ‘44
James Edward Rains, ’48,
passed away on February 28,
2015. He was a veteran of the
United States Army and a retired
civil engineer for CSX Railroad.
Orie Perkins, ‘49
1950s
Jimmie (Faulkner) Lane, ‘50
Luther Gerald “Luke” Wyrick,
’50, passed away on August 25,
2015. He was a U.S. Air Force
veteran and retired from Floyd
Memorial Hospital after 25 years
in administration.
William Smith, ‘51
Imogene (Hill) Schoch, ‘52
Katherine (Moore) Strunk, ’52,
passed away May 7, 2015. She
was a teacher and established
the “Morris and Katherine Strunk
Scholarship” to give students
the ability to attend college. She
also built a retirement village
called Edge Wood Acres.
Nancy (LeForce) Utterback,
’52, passed away on October
30, 2015.
James L. Davis Jr., ‘53
Helen (Smith) Parks, attended
’53, passed away October 16,
2015.
Barbara (Bell) Grant, attended
’54-’55, passed away on
October 29, 2015. She was
a teacher and worked as an
Information Specialist for the
Texas State Government in the
General Land Office in Austin.
2015. He served as pastor of
Hall Street Baptist Church in
Owensboro for 10 years, and
then served the Sweetwater
Baptist Church of Thomson from
1974 to 1979. He also served
as Associate Pastor, Church
Growth, at Florence Baptist
Church in Florence, KY, until his
retirement in 2004, when he
returned to Thomson, eventually
accepting the call as pastor of
Blythe Baptist Church.
Clyde Tiller, ’55, passed
away on May 18, 2015. He
was a former football coach
and teacher for Jellico High
School.
Betty (Lawson) Williams,
attended ’56-’57, passed away
on November 4, 2015.
Dorothy (Tidwell) Powers, ’57,
passed away on September
6, 2015. She worked as a
telephone operator for Southern
Bell in Jellico, Knoxville,
Memphis and Clinton, TN. She
also worked with her husband
in his optometric practice for 45
years.
Clarence Davis, ‘58
Dr. C. Richard Dendler, ’58,
passed away on August 15,
Pleas David Jones,
attended ’61-’63, passed
away on September 25,
2015. He coached football
and taught at Whitley
County High School (19661969). He also worked
at American Greetings in
Corbin, KY (1969-2001).
Virginia (Pritchard) Holmes
Shepherd, ’61, passed away
on July 19, 2015. She taught 28
years in the McCreary County
School System and substituted
for 10 years after retiring.
FACULTY, STAFF & FRIENDS
Josephine “Jo” Cochran,
Friend, passed away on
August 12, 2015.
Rebecca Kartalia, Friend,
passed away on July 31,
2015.
Ed Freeman, Former Staff,
passed away on July 14,
2015.
Lois Jones, Former Faculty,
passed away on June 6,
24CUMBERLANDS Alumni Magazine
2015. She retired from
Cumberland College
after 28 years as a music
professor and also taught
music in the Knox County
School District.
Thomas H. Stokes Jr.,
Former Faculty, passed
away on July 7, 2015. He
taught modern foreign
language at Cumberland
from 1986-1987.
Edgar B. Bryant, ’64,
passed away on August
11, 2015. He was co-owner
of W.D. Bryant & Sons in
Corbin and Williamsburg,
KY for 40 years.
Jerry R. Kersey, ’64, passed
away on October 2, 2015. He
was employed by the Harlan
County Board of Education for
34 ½ years and was a basketball
coach for numerous county
schools.
Arthur McKeehan, ’64, passed
away October 2, 2015. He was
a Navy WWII veteran. He taught
for 32 years in the Whitley
County Elementary Schools and
eight years in adult education.
He also coached football and
basketball. After retirement, he
had his own painting business
for years.
Victor Morris, ’64, passed away
on January 3, 2016. He was one
of the first Cumberland College
athletes to be named an NAIA
All-American and was inducted
into the Alumni Athletic Hall of
Fame in 2002. He retired from
Cumberland Elementary and
High Schools, where he taught
history and coached baseball.
Charles Rose, ’64, passed away
on March 23, 2015.
Ray D. Foley Sr., ’65, passed
away on September 4, 2015.
He was the former owner and
operator of Western Auto in
Lenoir City, TN and was retired
from Oak Ridge National
Laboratory.
CLASS NOTES
UC
Judy (Barrett) Sparks, ‘70
ON THE
Judy (Frazier) Angel, ‘71
MOVE
Dennis Faulkner, ’71, passed
away on July 17, 2015.
Joel Helton, ’71, passed away
on July 4, 2015.
M. Lincoln Patrick, ’71, passed
away on August 8, 2015.
Oscar House, ’74, passed away
on August 28, 2015.
Dr. Terry Phillip Dixon, ’68,
passed away on July 11, 2015.
Alexander Plays Basketball for the Army
Second Lt., Jackie Alexander, ’14, a former lady Patriot
basketball player, was recently selected to play for the
prestigious All Army Basketball Team. Alexander is
honored to be able to wear a uniform for her country
both on and off the court.
William S. Kimsey, ’65, passed
away on April 27, 2015.
Virgie (Croley) Thomas, ’65,
passed away on May 12, 2015.
She was a retired school teacher.
Margaret Jane (Hall) Brock,
’66, passed away on August 13,
2015. She was a retired school
teacher for the Clay County
Board of Education.
Bessie (Jones) Couch, ’66,
passed away on June 12,
2015. She taught 33 years and
substituted numerous years after
her retirement.
Ernie Fuller, ’66, passed
away on November 6, 2015.
He taught in Harriman, TN
for 38 years and coached the
basketball teams at South
Harriman Middle School and
track at Harriman High School.
Jerry Lee Poynter, ’66,
passed away on March 9, 2015.
He started a lifelong career
in plumbing when he was a
teenager working with his father.
He and his brothers formed
Poynter Plumbing Supply in
the early 1970s, which he later
solely acquired and operated
for 34 years as a family-operated
business.
Paul Combs, ’67, passed away
on April 20, 2015.
Willburn Grimes, ’67, passed
away on June 30, 2015.
Denny Daugherty, ’68, passed
away on February 20, 2015.
After graduation, he joined the
U.S. Army and served with the
military police. He later moved
to Sharonville, OH and began
his life’s career as a chemist,
becoming vice president of
research and development
for Diversey and DuBoise
Chemicals.
Dr. Kenneth Head, ’68, passed
away on September 11, 2015.
He served as pastor in many
churches in several states
for nearly 60 years and held
offices in many professional
organizations, including the
Southern Baptist Convention
and local conventions. He also
served as the Assistant to the
President at University of the
Cumberlands.
Harold Moses, ’68, passed
away on August 29, 2015. He
was a Vietnam War veteran.
He had a 25 year career with
Bell South before retiring
in 1998 and also served
as a commissioner for the
Cumberland Falls Water District
for 32 years.
1970s
Wanda (Creekmore) Buhel,
’70, passed away on October
12, 2015.
Judy Ann (Smith) Cobb, ’70,
passed away on February 2,
2015. She taught second-grade
at Morrow Elementary in the
Little Miami School District for
29 years.
Dr. Jimmy Kamso- Pratt, ‘75
Mabel Eileen (Castro)
Holderfield, ’76, passed away
on March 20, 2015.
Bill Perkins, ’78, passed
away on July 24, 2015. He
was a teacher and coach
at Whitley County High
School from 1978-1988
and Williamsburg High
School from 1998 until his
retirement. He also served
as athletic director and
principal of the alternative
school at Williamsburg.
Frank “Rick” Hall, ’79, passed
away on July 24, 2015. He was
an employee and co-manager of
Kroger from 1976 to 2012.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Updating your information with the
Alumni Association is now easier than ever.
ucumberlands.edu/alumni
[email protected]
606.539.4355
Winter 2016
25
CLASS NOTES
1980s
Christopher Seale, ’81, passed away
on October 20, 2015. He worked as an
executive at USF&G in Baltimore, MD for 10
years before owning and operating his own
business in Maryville, TN for 16 years with
his brother.
Vada Hampton, ‘82
John D. Blankenship, ’86 AS, ’10 MBA,
passed away on August 25, 2015.
Beth Jackson, ‘86
Bill Ellison Sr., ’88, passed away on June
24, 2015.
2000s
Nathan Farrington, ’00, passed away
on August 28, 2015. With his interest in
baseball, he began a career of umpiring with
his father.
Kimberly (McFarland) Enix, ’02, passed
away on October 28, 2015. She was a social
worker at Beverly Park Place in Knoxville,
TN.
Stan Bramblett, ’11 MACS, passed away
on July 2, 2015. He was a commissioned
missionary, working with prison and
job corps ministries and on the Navajo
Reservation.
CAMPUS
SNAPSHOT
PURCHASE A PIECE OF
UC HISTORY!
PAINT THE TOWN
HOMECOMING
OCTOBER 7 - 9
2016
The Office of Alumni Services is offering a UC diploma frame with a Gatliff
Memorial Chapel print, a framed print of the Indian Mascot and framed prints
of the Gray Brick, Roburn and Viaduct.
Items can be purchased on the Alumni website by visiting
ucumberlands.edu/alumni. Additional postage and
handling charges apply to all shipped orders. If you have any questions,
please contact 606.539.4355 or [email protected].
26CUMBERLANDS Alumni Magazine
GIFTS & GIVING
NEW ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
In July 2015, the Dr. John P. Duke, Jr.
Endowed Scholarship Fund was created
to assist students seeking careers in
athletic coaching. Members of Duke’s
family presented the initital $10,000 to
fund the scholarship.
Mrs. Henrietta Duke, ’64, and Mr.
Robert F. Duke, ’85, are responsible
for establishing the fund while family
members Grant Duke, Lea Duke and
Taylor Duke, a high school senior, took
an assisted tour of campus and visited
UC’s Patriot Park in front of the Hutton
School of Business. Additional family
support has been provided to the fund
since July.
The late Dr. John P. Duke, Jr. was a
long-time UC employee from 19591995. His service to the university
included: Head Coach of Track & Cross
Country 1960-1965, Instructor of
Physical Education & Health, Dean of
Student Affairs, Dean of Men, Associate
Professor of Education and Psychology,
Dean of College Personnel, Director of
Placement, Dean of Student Services,
Director of Graduate Program, Chair
of Education Department, Professor
of Education, Professor of Military
Science, Assistant Professor of Religion,
Athletic Committee Member, Basketball
Team Video Taping and was named
Dean Emeritus of Student Personnel
Services by the Board of Trustees prior
to retirement.
The Duke family wishes to
encourage all former colleagues
and students to make memorial
donations to the Dr. John P. Duke,
Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund by
sending gifts to:
Taylor, Lea, Robert, Henrietta and Grant Duke
Office of the President
University of the Cumberlands
6191 College Station Drive
Williamsburg, KY 40769
606.539.4201
Please Make support payable to University of the Cumberlands
SHOW YOUR PATRIOT PRIDE
WHEREVER YOU DRIVE!
If you are a resident of Kentucky,
you can stop by your County
Court Clerk’s Office to request
a UC license plate. The cost to
purchase a plate is $44 with
an annual renewal fee of $31.
Even better, $10 of your plate
purchase goes to fund UC
student scholarships.
For more information, please visit ucumberlands.edu/alumni/drive
Winter 2016
27
TRIBUTE PROGRAM
HONOR OR MEMORIALIZE
A FRIEND OR LOVED ONE
TRIBUTE GIFTS
June 6, 2015 through December 10, 2015
Tribute Gift
A Tribute Gift shows love and respect for the person
being honored or memorialized. It says to others that the
world is a better place because of this person. Through
this generous gift to University of the Cumberlands, a
memory of the past or an honor of the present is tied to
the future as it is made to live on in the lives of students
who are in need of financial assistance.
IN HONOR OF
In Honor Of:
Bill and Wanda Freeman
Given By:
Colonel & Mrs. Donald Brooke Jones
Honor Gift
An Honor Gift is a gift which shows admiration and
respect for a loved one or friend on a significant day
in their life such as a birthday, anniversary, etc.
Memorial Gift
A Memorial Gift is a gift in memory of a departed
loved one or friend. It is a wonderful way to express
sympathy and high regard or as a means to remember
birthdays, anniversaries, or other special days of a
deceased loved one.
Who Your Gifts Help
Your gift will provide a lasting legacy for our students
in need of financial assistance as they work to earn a
degree and further their education. This gift is used
to help provide scholarship and workship assistance,
books and supplies, food and housing and many other
supportive services our students need.
HOW ARE TRIBUTE GIFTS
ACKNOWLEDGED?
Gift Acknowledgment
For an Honor Gift, the person being honored is sent
an appropriate card listing the honor giver as well as
the occasion for the honor. Then, the name of the giver
and the name of the honoree will be listed in the next
issue of the University’s newsletter.
For a Memorial Gift, the family of the one you wish to
memorialize is sent an appropriate card the same day
the gift is received by the University. Then, the name
of the giver and deceased will be listed in the next
issue the University’s newsletter.
In Honor Of:
Given By:
Bob Merritt
Mrs. Jackie Merritt
IN MEMORY OF
In Memory Of: Tekaligne S. Berhanu
Given By:
Ms. Ayen Alem T. Berhanu
In Memory Of: J.W. Boswell
Given By:
Ms. Mary Caroline Bowlin
In Memory Of: Nell Yancey Carroll
Given By:
Ms. Carolyn Siler
In Memory Of: Terry P. Dixon
Given By:
Mrs. Patsy R. Howard
In Memory Of: John Faulkner, II
Given By:
Mr. & Mrs. John E. Faulkner
In Memory Of: Opsy R. Hummel
Given By:
Mrs. Mary S. Hummel
In Memory Of: Norma Brock Patrick
Given By:
Dr. & Mrs. James Taylor
In Memory Of: Dr. Willie Estil Waters
Given By:
Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Waters
In Memory Of: Dorothy Siler White
Given By:
Ms. Carolyn Siler
*In Memory Of: Mr. Larry Snellings
Given By:
Mr. & Mrs. Sonny Lee Snellings
*This entry included misspellings in the last edition of the
magazine. We apologize for the error.
In preparing this list, every effort has been made to
ensure accuracy and completeness. If a mistake was
made in the way you are identified or if your name was
omitted, we apologize. You can help set the record
straight. Please notify the President’s Office regarding
any changes in the way your gift should be recorded in
future reports. Thank you.
GIVE ONLINE AT UCUMBERLANDS.EDU/GIVE
Alumni Nostalgia
41
800.315.0286 • 606.539.4100
cumberlandinn.com
Williamsburg, KY
Located in the Cumberland Inn
OPEN
Sunday-Thursday
11:30am-8pm
Friday-Saturday
11:30am-9pm
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649 South 10th Street • Williamsburg, KY 40769
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Office of Alumni Services
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ucumberlands.edu
The
11
th
Excellence
annual
LeadershiP
s
“
e
r
i
e
in
s
Christian Leadership”
Tuesday
pril 12, 2016
A
7
pm at the O. Wayne Rollins Center
To reser ve your free tickets call 606.539.4432 or visit
ucumberlands.edu/tickets
DR. WILL GRAHAM
Vice President,
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Dr. Graham is the grandson of Billy Graham
and the oldest son of Franklin Graham.
Since beginning his evangelistic ministry
he has spoken to audiences across North
America, Australia, India and other parts of
Asia and South America.
**UC also welcomes special musical guest, Mark Christian.
presented by University of the Cumberlands • sponsored by Forcht Group of Kentucky