It's no secret that Nashville has easily established itself as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Booming healthcare, tourism, and music industries appeal to many who are looking to call Nashville 'home' and put down new roots. Subsequently, suburbs of Nashville have been feeling the growth and are quickly expanding into and even connecting with those music city lines. One could argue that, in some cases, it's hard to know exactly where Nashville ends and a new city begins. However, Lebanon, TN, has had the distinctive ability to maintain its unique identity throughout many years of continued growth thanks in large part to its most iconic landmark, Cumberland University.
Established in 1842, Cumberland University is no stranger to change- even withstanding the hardships of the Civil War and the World Wars, among others. For more than 180 years the historic institution has proven time and time again that it has staying power. And with recent record-breaking enrollment, you can rest assured that there are no signs of stopping. Sam Hatcher, Cumberland University Alumnus and current Chairman of the University's Board of Trust and his wife Teresa bear witness to some of the rich history, fortitude, and continued success that its students and the community have enjoyed over the years. Hatcher, who has served on the board since 1980, recalls a board decision in 1982 to once again make CU a four-year college, "We weren't sure what the result of that was going to be. We felt like, for the school to prosper and grow, that it was going to have to go back to its roots of being a four-year university. And as I look back on that, that was a major decision for Cumberland University." Indeed, Cumberland has benefited from such decisions. The Hatchers noted that the university has attracted not only local residents, but students from 39 states and 48 countries have also stepped through Cumberland's doors looking to further their education. And the steadily growing institution now offers more than 80 accredited academic programs for minor, major, and graduate studies.
For students of the 2024-25 academic year, a welcomed decision was made by Cumberland University to not raise tuition costs. A recent press release cited "a period of uncertainty and financial strain for many navigating the college search process," as a motivating factor behind this crucial decision. Hatcher explains, "I think the board was trying to send a message. The University sent a message that says, 'We are aware. We recognize the challenges being faced by so many families in this current economic environment and that we want to be supportive in some way.' And we felt like perhaps the best way to do that was to maintain the current tuition and not increase [...] We feel like it's important that we've held the line on that."
Its student-centered focus truly sets Cumberland University apart, effectively positioning itself to thrive in nearly every department. Community outreach traditions like the annual community Easter egg hunt or the Symphony on the Lawn Concert Series are a few of the many ways CU brings the community and student body together. Mrs. Hatcher notes, "When you step on the campus, you just feel that it's a community in itself." At a time of seemingly infinite change and growth in Middle Tennessee, it's important that our cities try and maintain their uniqueness while enjoying each success. For Lebanon, TN, Cumberland University stands at the helm with the power to do just that. And it's not only the building itself that aids in preserving this singular town, it's the people you'll find within its doors.
www.cumberland.edu