Wilbur “Pete” Peterson, Ph.D.
Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Peterson has been a professor of biology at Cumberland University since 1990 and currently serves as Vice President for Academic Affairs. Before joining Cumberland, he taught biology at Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, TN for 10 years. He also served as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville for two years. Dr. Peterson’s teaching responsibilities at Cumberland include Freshman Biology I and II, Human Anatomy and Physiology, General Ecology and several senior-level field courses.

With degrees from Humboldt State University (Bachelor of Arts in Botany) and the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Ph.D. in Botany), Dr. Peterson has a well-balanced interest in both flowering and non-flowering botany. He has published several papers concerning the classification and distribution of mosses. He also serves at the co-sponsor to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon social fraternity and the Beta Beta Beta Honor Society for biology students. He has served CU as Faculty Senate President (1986-1987) and as Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Dr. Peterson enjoys a number of hobbies, including traveling with his wife, Dr. Anita Peterson. His recent travels have taken him to Antarctica, Australia, China and Ireland. Future sojourns are planned for Africa and New Zealand.

Phone: 615.547.1255
Email: ppeterson@cumberland.edu


 
 

Eddie Pawlawski
Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

Mr. Eddie Pawlawski came to Cumberland University in October 2004 after spending more than 11 years with ACT, Inc. His responsibilities include overseeing the CU Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Team, which includes admissions, financial aid, registration, records, retention, student affairs and student life. Overall, he has 28 years of experience in education and related areas and is active in numerous state and national organizations related to education, counseling and college admissions. Mr. Pawlawski is a graduate of Murray State University with a teaching credential in Music Education. He also holds a M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision from Middle Tennessee State University.

Phone: 615.547.1225
Email: epawlawski@cumberland.edu
 
 

Garvin S. Maffett, Ed.D.
Vice President for Advancement

A native of Philadelphia, Dr. Garvin S. Maffett joined Cumberland University as Vice President for Advancement in the summer of 2006. He has served in numerous development positions at some of America’s top universities, including Yale University, the University of Maryland, Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University. As chief advancement officer, Dr. Maffett oversees the comprehensive development and alumni support enterprise at Cumberland University.

Phone: 615.547.1268
Email: gmaffett@cumberland.edu
 
 

Judy Jordan
Vice President for Finance

Mrs. Judy G. Jordan became Vice President for Finance for Cumberland University in 2001.  She earned the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Accounting and a minor in Economics from the University of North Alabama in Florence.  She became a Certified Public Accountant (Tennessee) in 1985. Her prior Cumberland experience was as Director of Fiscal Services and as an assistant in business services for the University
 
Previously, Mrs. Jordan had been employed in various accounting positions including Controller, Birmingham Nashville Express, Nashville, Tennessee and as an accountant with Tidwell Industries, Haleyville, Alabama.
 
A native of Haleyville, Alabama, Mrs. Jordan is married to local Lebanon resident James Jordan, and they have two children, Bradley (a Cumberland University student) and Lauren (a student at Lebanon High School).
 
Involved in the local community, Mrs. Jordan is a member of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants, serves on the Wilson County Promotions Board of Directors (Fair Board), is Treasurer of the Child Advocacy Board of the 15th Judicial District of the State of Tennessee, is a member of the Rotary Club of Lebanon, Tennessee, has served as Treasurer of the Lebanon High School Band Boosters Club, is a member of the Wilson County History Associates and currently serves on the Finance Committee for the American Guild of Organists 2012 National Convention.

The Jordan family also works with the Wilson County Fair Museum housed in their former log home now located in Fiddler’s Grove at the James E. Ward Agriculture Center.

Phone: 615.547.1249
Email: jjordan@cumberland.edu
 
 

Joseph Gray
Vice President for Administration

Mr. Joseph Gray joined Cumberland University as Vice President for Administration in August 2006. Prior to joining the University, Mr. Gray served as distribution manager for Bridgestone/Firestone North America for nearly a decade. Mr. Gray oversees the development and maintenance of campus facilities, including student housing, offices and classroom facilities. A native of Pennsylvania and a Leadership Tennessee graduate, he is an active member of several local charities and community groups such as United Way of Wilson County and the P-16 Education Council. 

Phone: 615.547.1255
Email: jgray@cumberland.edu