5/4/2017
J. Roderick Heller III and William “Bill” Vallett Jr. have been named to the Cumberland University Board of Trust.
Bill Vallett returns to the Cumberland University Board after serving two terms from 2007-2013. He is a native of Detroit though he moved to Nashville in 1972. He has been married to his wife Anita for 31 years and they have two children. Mr. Vallett received a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He then joined the family business, Lochinvar Corporation, working in engineering and manufacturing, he currently serves as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Vallett also serves as President of WVF Holdings LLC, a commercial real estate investment firm. Other board involvement includes serving on the executive board of the Hydronics Institute, a section of the American Heating and Refrigeration Institute.
J. Roderick Heller III, is the author of three books including his most recent, entitled “Democracy’s Lawyer: Felix Grundy of the Old Southwest.” Mr. Heller and his wife Kay live in Franklin, Tennessee. He is chairman and chief executive officer of Carnton Capital Associates, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University, a Master of Arts in History from Harvard University, and a J.D. from Harvard School of Law. Mr. Heller is a corporate leader with more than 46 years of business, technology and legal experience, having led several companies, including NHP Inc., Bristol Compressors Inc., Financial Passport Inc., as well as being named a partner at the law firm Wilmer, Cutler and Pickering. He has served on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards, including public radio and television station WETA, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Civil War Trust. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Greater Washington Education Telecommunications Association.
Cumberland University has one of the longest, richest histories of any higher education institution in the state. Founded in 1842, the University is celebrating its 175th year and continues to flourish with exceptional faculty and fully-accredited academic programs steeped in the liberal arts, including three distinct schools: the Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions; the School of Humanities, Education, and the Arts; and the Labry School of Science, Technology, and Business. With a student body approaching 2,500, 20 percent of whom live on campus, Cumberland’s unique residential living and learning experience allows students to find their sense of belonging. Cumberland also excels in the area of Athletics, boasting teams in 20 sports, many of which regularly compete for conference and national championships. Its world-renowned baseball team has claimed the NAIA national championship title three times since 2004. At Cumberland University you can Learn What’s Possible!