8/26/2015

The Cumberland University Board of Trust has named Dr. Paul C. Stumb IV as the 26th president of the 174 year old school. The appointment comes after an extensive nationwide search.

Dr. Stumb, 55, has served Cumberland University since 2003, when he became an Adjunct Professor, a capacity in which he served for two years before becoming Dean of the Labry School, a position he has held while the division evolved to its current incarnation as the Labry School of Science, Technology and Business. During his tenure at Cumberland, Dr. Stumb has written successful grant proposals to federal, state and local entities, and secured the second largest unrestricted philanthropic gift in the Labry School’s history.

He will succeed Dr. Harvill Eaton who announced his intent to retire in January after serving 12 years as president.

“Cumberland is fortunate to benefit from the experience and proven success record that comes with Dr. Stumb.” said Mr. Bob McDonald, Chairman of the Board of Trust. “He presented the search committee with exactly what we were seeking in our next president – an inspiring vision and the type of leadership that will continue to advance the University into the future.”

Stumb indicated that throughout his time at the university he has become intimately familiar with the passion of the Cumberland community and that was a major factor in his decision to pursue the position.

“My wife and I are honored and delighted to serve this great university.” said Dr. Stumb. “Cumberland is a remarkable institution of higher learning with an outstanding reputation. I have grown to love this place and the great people who serve our students everyday. I am eager to make a contribution toward its future success.”

Experienced Leadership

Dr. Stumb has played a key role in the University’s overall accreditation process, including overseeing completion of the required institution self-study. Other institution-wide activities have included service on the Executive Management Team and the University President’s Council, engaged in policy development and decision-making for the entire institution. Dr. Stumb has served as an examiner for the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, which accredits business education nationwide, and has been a site visit chair, mentor, and President of Accreditation Council for Business School Programs (ACBSP) Region 3. Dr. Stumb is widely engaged in the Central Tennessee community, and provides consultation services for local and regional manufacturers, municipalities, and nonprofit entities.

Prior to joining Cumberland University, Dr. Stumb enjoyed a successful career in the business sector, serving as Director of Marketing and Business Development and later as General Manager of American Corrugated, in the Containerboard & Packaging Division of the Georgia-Pacific Corporation, and Vice President for Operations/Executive Committee Member and Owner of One Coast Network, Inc, a gift and home decor marketing firm in Atlanta, Georgia.  Earlier involvement included assignments with Curtis 1000 Inc., a commercial printing subsidiary of American Business Products in Atlanta, and Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc., in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Dr. Stumb has served as an Adjunct Professor for the National Security Agency, Georgia State University, Shorter College, and Middle Tennessee State University. He is a graduate of the Navy War College Strategy and Policy Course, and holds a BS earned at Auburn University in Alabama, an MS from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, a Master’s in Education from Cumberland University, and earned his PhD at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is a member of a number of professional and honor societies, deeply involved in civic and professional activities. A prolific researcher, writer and presenter, Dr. Stumb retired from the US Navy Reserves with the rank of Commander, and is the recipient of the Navy Commendation Medal, the National Defense Medal and other awards, commendations, and honors.

Dr. Stumb is married to Dr. Cristy Stumb, a CU alum and former faculty member, who now owns and operates Stumb Healthcare Professionals, a primary care clinic in Carthage, TN.

Dr. Stumb will officially begin his duties as president effective immediately. His official photo, bio, and resume are available at www.cumberland.edu/president.

The Search Process

The Board of Trust appointment of Dr. Stumb followed his selection by a search committee. Upon learning of Dr. Eaton’s intent to retire Chairman McDonald formed a Presidential Search Committee comprised of 8 board members and 2 faculty representatives. Trustee Jacqueline Cowden served as chairman of the committee. The committee was assisted by Williamsport, Penn. based RPA Inc., a firm that specializes in executive recruitment for higher education environments. The entire search lasted 7 months and considered resumes of nearly 200 applicants from across the country. The search process concluded with intensive interviews of 3 finalists.

About Cumberland University

Cumberland University is a private liberal arts institution that specializes in connecting all aspects of learning from traditional classroom lectures, to online, to experiential learning. Whether a student wants to impact the next generation through teaching, demonstrate care and compassion through health care, or be a pioneer of tomorrow’s industries, we provide the resources and preparation to be successful. For those students interested in a professional path, CU also offers pre-professional academic areas of focus such as Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Law, and Pre-Medicine.  Learn what’s possible at Cumberland University.