This year was full of challenges. From natural disasters to a global pandemic, our Cumberland family came together to rise above the challenges. While many of us are excited to see 2020 come to an end, it is important to reflect on the good things this year has brought.
Here’s a look back on the events that made up Cumberland’s 2020. We’re proud of how the CU family has come together and is entering 2021 stronger than before.
January 2020
Cumberland University and the Journey Church closed on the property on the corner of Leeville Pike and South Maple, which we now call Alumni Hall. The space is now being used as additional classroom, lecture and meeting space, which expands our campus footprint. Read more here.
February 2020
Cumberland’s Education Preparation Program received high scores on the Annual State Board of Education Educator Preparation Report Card. The program met all state expectations in each category and exceeded the expectations in the employment category, with a first year employment rate in TN public schools 8% higher than the state average. Read more here.
March 2020
In March the world as we knew it shifted. First, a tornado ripped through our home of Wilson County and then the global pandemic of COVID-19 sent all classes to virtual learning for the remainder of the spring semester. Cumberland moved all classes online and worked to make sure students could successfully complete the semester. Check out the virtual resources guide here.
April 2020
Cumberland announced a new program offering, the Master of Science in Athletic Training beginning in Fall 2020. This new program came as a response to the change in degree level requirement for the athletic training profession. Read more here.
May 2020
In May, Cumberland announced the plan to resume on-ground classes in the fall semester to give our students the college experience they want and deserve. Classes would resume in a hybrid format, to limit the volume of people on campus at any given time. Read more here.
June 2020
In June, Cumberland celebrated the largest graduating class in the school’s 178 year history with an in-person commencement ceremony. In the socially distanced ceremony 615 graduates were honored for their tremendous accomplishment. Read more here.
July 2020
In July, the Cumberland administration finalized plans for the reopening of the campus for the fall semester. The plan included a modification of the academic calendar, a hybrid class model and additional virtual resources available to students. Read about the plan here.
August 2020
In August, President Stumb celebrated five years as University President. Prior to becoming President, he was Dean of the Labry School of Science, Technology and Business. In his five years of presidency, Stumb has increased Cumberland’s enrollment by nearly 65%. Read more here.
September 2020
In September, Cumberland announced another year of record student enrollment, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Cumberland welcomed 2,704 total students in Fall 2020, an increase of 6% from Fall 2019 and a 74% increase since 2015. Learn more here.
October 2020
In October, Cumberland students organized a march for racial justice through the Cumberland campus. Over one hundred students, faculty and staff joined in on the march, with the purpose of including everyone in the fight to eradicate racism in all aspects of life. Learn more about the march here.
November 2020
In November, Cumberland hosted its seventh annual research colloquium. The event looked different this year with the pandemic, but the colloquium was held virtually and students, faculty and staff made posters and video presentations all available on the Cumberland website. Read more about colloquium here.
December 2020
In December, Cumberland announced the Fall 2020 Dean’s List honoring 571 students. These students earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher, even amidst the challenges of hybrid learning and the COVID-19 pandemic. View the list of students here.