Two Cumberland University students laughing in front of historic Memorial Hall on campus

Let’s Rise Together

Investments from alumni, parents, families and friends help strengthen academic excellence and access at Cumberland University. Join our Annual Giving Campaign and let’s Rise Together.

Request More Information Give to Rise Together Annual Campaign

The Impact of Annual Giving

Annual Giving Funds are the foundation on which other philanthropic gifts are built. They serve as a gateway to achieving the level of giving necessary to advance our mission and sustain our university for generations to come. Annual giving provides critical resources to bridge the gap between tuition and funding revenue and the full cost of delivering on any university’s mission.

The Annual Giving Fund for Cumberland University supports every student, faculty member and program on campus. Your support through The Annual Giving Fund allows us to keep our promise to our students and ensures the continued excellence and affordability of a Cumberland education.

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A Letter from the President

President Paul C. Stumb, Ph.D.

At Cumberland University, we promise to provide a quality, affordable education to students from all backgrounds, including those who cannot afford the cost of a college degree. We strive to eliminate the many barriers associated with a college education by offering tuition assistance.

Jessica Fain

A Word from Trustee Jessica Fain

Annual Giving Chair

I accepted the invitation to join our Board of Trust in June because I believe Cumberland University is one of the greatest treasures of my hometown. As an alumna, it is an honor to be asked to play a role in its stewardship. 

Keeping Our Promise

Our mission promises we will provide a quality, affordable education to students from all backgrounds, including those who cannot afford the full cost of our tuition.

  • By providing tuition subsidy to nine out of 10 students
  • By welcoming 977 Tennessee Promise students, in spite of state reimbursement rates that fall short of our costs to provide an Associate’s Degree
  • By maintaining a robust Financial Aid office to help students identify and secure the additional support they need to overcome the rising costs of a college education 

Leading with Learning

Learning is at the heart of the college experience, and we believe our students deserve access to the best library and technology resources we can provide.

  • Maintain student access to costly research subscriptions and databases that must be acquired by our Vise Library each year
  • Ensure robust internet connectivity across our campus
  • Provide small grants for professors in the summer months to conduct research aimed at helping us advance key priorities and enrich the school-year experience 
  • Attract and retain professors committed to fulfilling our mission 

Preparing Students for Life

We believe one of the things that sets Cumberland apart is our commitment to helping the whole student. We strive to provide wrap-around services that go beyond the academic elements of a college education.

  • Provide ongoing career counseling
  • Ensure access to an advisor even when classes are not in session 
  • Support our student athletes
  • Help prospective and enrolled students navigate complex financial aid issues 

Strengthening Our Foundation

Our 50-acre campus is a first or second home to our students, and we have a responsibility to ensure it’s here for generations to come. We must preserve its historic buildings and boldly shape a campus that will continue to be a beacon in the next century.

Will You Join Us?

Help Me Rise

“I believe the generosity of alumni and friends helps to enhance my experience here at Cumberland and gives me a head start towards my career.”

Loronto Tipton, Class of 2023

Pay It Forward

“I am a regular contributor to Cumberland University so other students will be supported financially as I was during my time at CU. I believe in supporting the institutions that make our communities better. My life has truly been enriched by my Cumberland experience and I will continue to make an annual contribution for the benefit of future students. When we receive abundantly, we should give back.”

June Batsell, Class of 1976 & 1990

CU Changed My Life

“I give back to Cumberland because when I was a first-generation college student, this university changed my life. It showed me who I could be and opened doors for me to become that person.”

Dr. Mark Cheathem, Professor of History and Editor of the Martin Van Buren Papers at Cumberland

Levels of Giving

  • CU Maroon $10,000: Supports student scholarships, tuition waivers, and summer professorships
  • CU Gold $5,000 – $9,999: Provides opportunities to improve and expand The Vise library
  • CU Silver $2,500 – $4,999: Support a student living in on campus for a semester
  • CU Bronze $1,000 – $2,499: Support a student eating on campus for a semester
  • CU Phoenix $100 – $999: A student can go to Cumberland athletic events for a year
  • 1842 Society $18.42: A student receives promotional t-shirts and graduation cords
Make a Gift to Rise Together
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More Impact

There are additional opportunities to support Cumberland University at $10,000 and above. Please call The Office of Advancement at (615) 547-1269 or email advancement@cumberland.edu to learn more. 

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Contact The Office of Advancement

For more information about the Rise Together Annual Giving Campaign and other ways you can impact Cumberland University please call (615) 547-1269 or email advancement@cumberland.edu.

We invite you to join us as we cherish and preserve our history, advance in our mission, and enhance our campus for our students and community. We all share this university and its future. Let’s Rise Together and make a difference today.