2019 Alumni Award Nominations
Awards of Excellence
Awards of Excellence are presented to Cumberland University graduates who have attained a significant level of achievement in their chosen field. Nominees should demonstrate a postive impact on a local, state, or national/international level and be of high integrity and character. These awards are presented in separate categories which represent the three academic schools of Cumberland:
Award of Excellence in Humanities, Education and the Arts Award of Excellence in Nursing and Health Professions Award of Excellence in Science, Technology and Business
Recipient Selection Criteria:
Nominations are considered for three consecutive years beginning with the year of nomination.
Rising Phoenix Award nominees must be under the age of 35 at the time of nomination.
Must hold an earned degree from Cumberland University.
Award of Excellence nominees should represent the school from which they graduated.
Previous recipients are not eligible for consideration.
Current members of the Board of Trust, Board of Directors for the Cumberland University Alumni Association or employees of the Cumberland University Office of Advancement are not eligible for consideration.
Persons currently holding or running for elected state or federal public office in Tennessee are not eligible for consideration.
It is the nominator's responsibility to confirm the nominee meets the above criteria.
Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Cumberland University Alumni Association on an outstanding alumna or alumnus. This award salutes the achievements of outstanding alumni whose personal lives, professional achievements, and community service exemplify the objectives of their alma mater.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is intended to recognize both longevity and consistency of accomplishment over one's professional lifetime and might not be awarded every year.
Rising Phoenix Award
Celebrating emerging leaders, the Rising Phoenix Award recognizes alumni 35 years of age or younger who display outstanding leadership qualities and have exceptional achievement early in their careers, through public service, and/or volunteer activities.
Recipient Selection Criteria:
Nominations are considered for three consecutive years beginning with the year of nomination.
Rising Phoenix Award nominees must be under the age of 35 at the time of nomination.
Must hold an earned degree from Cumberland University.
Previous recipients are not eligible for consideration.
Current members of the Board of Trust, Board of Directors for the Cumberland University
Alumni Association or employees of the Cumberland University Office of Advancement are not eligible for consideration.
Persons currently holding or running for elected state or federal public office in
Tennessee are not eligible for consideration.
It is the nominator's responsibility to confirm the nominee meets the above criteria.
Nomination and Selection Procedures:
Nomination required. Nominees must be living at the time of their nomination.
Nominations must be submitted on nomination forms supplied by the Cumberland University Alumni Association.
Self-nominations are discouraged.
Prior to final selection, supporting documentation may be required to be submitted upon request from select nominees.
The Cumberland University Alumni Association awards committee reviews all nominations and presents the final slate for awards candidates to be voted on by the full Board of Directors.
There are many great ways to stay connected to Cumberland University after graduation. You can be involved, no matter where you live.
Each year, committed alumni around the world generously donate their time, talent and financial resources to advance the vision of Cumberland University. Alumni involvement on every level impacts CU.
Thank you in advance for getting involved and staying connected to your alma mater!
“At Cumberland University, you’re not just a number. You’re part of a family who cares about your success and well-being even after you’ve graduated. The friendships and relationships I’ve made here are ones I will always treasure. I’m proud to be a Phoenix!”
-Nicole Guffey (BBA, Accounting ‘17; MBA ‘18)
Accountant, Premier Parking
Alumni Spotlight
Cooper Corley ('18)
Cooper Corley (‘18), from Dallas, Georgia, graduated from Cumberland University on May 5 with a bachelor’s degree in business management, and you will likely see him rise to the top of his career in record time. Read more.
The student body at Cumberland University continues to grow and thrive. With our enrollment numbers increasing every year, we must actively work to expand and transform our campus to meet the needs of our students. We have the opportunity to enhance the Cumberland experience for all students with Ignite the Vision, a major gifts initiative, with a working goal of $1.7 million to enhance, transform, and inspire Cumberland University.
This strategic program will focus on four key initiatives: The Phoenix Scholars, The Phoenix Marching Band, The Phillips Dining Hall Expansion, and The Memorial Lawn Enhancements. Each initiative will directly impact our students and ensure Cumberland remains a top competitor in the higher-education market.
