Summer Magazine 2026

Senior Spotlight

ON THE COVER

Lily Hofstrom '26 made waves across the Cumberlands community during the summer before her senior year with a custom graphic design piece she created featuring the institution’s beautiful Williamsburg campus. In the piece, viewers can spot iconic landmarks like Gatliff Chapel and the updated viaduct. Altogether, Lily did a fantastic job blending the old with the new. Now, her original print can be spotted across campus during major events like orientation!

MAY COMMENCEMENT

Q &A

Macey Furtick, ’25

SPIRIT LEADER

Recognizing Executive Director of Student Activities, Lisa Bartram

HOPE BEYOND THE WALLS

Grant Dople, ’11

RIDICULOUS ATTEMPTS TO ENGAGE STUDENTS

Elizabeth Spires, ’22, MAT ’23

RESPECT. FAMILY. GRIT

Recognizing the Retirement of Baseball Coach, Brad Shelton

CHANCELLOR

Dr. Jerry Jackson, EdD ’11

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FOR MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION

Andrew Powell

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Dr. Leslie C. Ryser, PhD ’22

VICE PRESIDENT FOR PHILANTHROPY AND ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

Tyler Smith

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR ALUMNI RELATIONS

Erica Harris, ’84

YEARBOOK MEMORY

"B-4 Love makes another one of their famous performances at a coffeehouse. Drew Cochran, ’02, Nathan Riner, ’02, Matt McKee, ’00, and Ron Kinzel, ’03, combine their voices to attempt to woo every girl in the crowd."

The Lamp, 1999

ALUMNI DIRECTOR

Paul Stepp, ’12, MSISS ’17

SENIOR EDITOR

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Gabrielle Mellendorf

SENIOR WRITER

CONTENT DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Nellie Griffin, MBA ’25

RESEARCH

Kelsey (Day) Infield, ’13, MACS ’15

PHOTOGRAPHER

William Turner, ’21

DIGITAL CONTENT SPECIALIST

Patrick Blevins

STUDENT WRITER

Hannah Schadler, ’27

The opinions expressed within articles do not necessarily represent the views of the administration but are intended to foster open dialogue and lifelong learning among the Cumberlands community. We welcome your feedback; email alumni@ucumberlands.edu.

OCTOBER

23 & 24

Year after year, generation after generation, alumni return to the place where it all began. It’s the shared traditions, the lifelong friendships, and the unforgettable memories that keep us connected.

Save the date to return to campus, relive your favorite moments, and celebrate the bond that keeps us all Forever Cumberlands.

Save the Date for Homecoming 2026!

For more information and a schedule of this year’s events, scan the QR code or visit ucumberlands.edu/homecoming.

We would love to feature your photos from around the world, highlighting the amazing places you have visited. All alumni are invited to request one FREE pennant so you can show Cumberlands to the world. Share your adventures with fellow alumni.

Joe Salvato, ’04, proudly posted his pennant in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Request your FREE pennant by emailing alumni@ucumberlands.edu and remember to tag @ucumberlands when posting to social.

The SERVE Award

Supporting Tomorrow's Healthcare Leaders

This year, accomplished alumna and community leader Amanda Faulkner ’10 partnered with the Department of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement to establish the Amanda L. Faulkner SERVE Award. The award will be presented annually to a graduating senior who exemplifies the SERVE values—Seeking Excellence and Responsibility through Vocation and Empathy—and is pursuing an MD, DO, PharmD, DDS, or DMD.

Faulkner’s generosity is deeply rooted in her own journey as a first-generation college student from Barbourville, Kentucky. After graduating high school, she chose Cumberlands to pursue a degree in chemistry, valuing the opportunity to stay close to home while receiving a quality education. During her time at Cumberlands, she received incredible support from faculty and staff that helped build the confidence she needed to succeed.

After graduating from Cumberlands, Faulkner attended medical school at the University of Kentucky. She went on to complete her residency and fellowship in neurosurgical anesthesia at Duke, followed by a critical care fellowship at UK. For the past six years, she has served as both a neurosurgical anesthesiologist and an ICU physician in a neuroscience ICU.

Today, Faulkner serves as division chief of neurosurgical anesthesia at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

Though her career has taken her nearly seven hours from home, her connection to Kentucky and Cumberlands remains incredibly strong.

“I never want to forget where I came from. Many people, both in my hometown and at Cumberlands, had a major impact on my journey. The SERVE scholarship is just one way of giving back.”

The SERVE Award is designed to help students bridge the critical gap between undergraduate studies and the start of professional school. Funds are given directly to recipients to assist with expenses that often arise before scholarships and loans take effect, including relocation costs, housing, utilities, school supplies, and groceries.

“One of the things I noticed was a gap in the transitory period from undergraduate to professional school where any scholarship or government loans haven’t yet kicked in,” Faulkner said.

She hopes the award will ease that transition so students can focus on the important milestone ahead. Inspired by the support she received from her own family during medical school, Faulkner created the scholarship as a way to extend that same encouragement to future generations of Cumberlands students.

The first recipient of the award is Jackson Estes, ’26, from Williamsburg, Kentucky.

During his time at Cumberlands, Estes has been highly involved on campus, particularly in the Student Government Association. The organization has pushed him out of his comfort zone and shown him what it takes to be a true community leader. Academically, he says his classes and professors have challenged him to be the best version of himself and to always push closer toward his goals.

Estes is honored by the recognition and support made possible through Faulkner, but he is quick to share the credit. He points to the faculty and mentors at Cumberlands who helped him grow along the way, particularly Dr. Julie Tan and Dr. Lisa Lyford, whose consistent mentorship and encouragement played a pivotal role in his development.

“Cumberlands has helped me accomplish my dream of being accepted into medical school at the University of Louisville. I am forever grateful to the faculty and staff here at Cumberlands who have helped me get here. I believe if you have a dream or goal you want to accomplish coming into college, Cumberlands has the people who can help make that happen.”

As Estes prepares for his next chapter at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Faulkner offers simple but powerful advice:

“Lead the life you want others to emulate.”

“The hours are going to be hard. There will be moments where you may feel like you want to give up, but don’t. You may even get imposter syndrome at some point, but know that Cumberlands gave you the skills and foundation to succeed. So lead by example, never give up, and practice the kind of servant leadership you developed at UC because it will put you on the path for success.”

Through the SERVE Award, Faulkner is doing more than giving financial support. She is extending the same encouragement and belief that once shaped her own path. In doing so, she offers a powerful reminder to fellow alumni that acts of generosity can create a lasting impact for the next generation of Cumberlands alumni.

CUMBERLANDSNEWS

SUPREMEVISIT

In an effort to educate students and the broader community about the judicial system, the Supreme Court of Kentucky visited Cumberlands in April.

They hosted oral arguments on campus, providing a unique opportunity for students to observe the judicial process firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of how legal decisions are made at the state’s highest court. The Supreme Court of Kentucky, the court of last resort in the Commonwealth, consists of seven justices who hear and decide appeals from across the state.

In addition to oral arguments, Cumberlands hosted several educational events designed to connect students directly with members of the Court. During this invite-only event, Justices were paired with small groups of students for informal conversation and Q&A, offering insight into the legal profession, law school preparation, career pathways, and public service.

The opportunity reflects University of the Cumberlands’ commitment to a studentcentered approach, where experiential learning and personal interaction with leaders in the field help prepare students for meaningful careers.

Cumberlands also hosted a panel discussion titled “The Work of Justice: Decision-Making and Service in Kentucky’s Courts.” The panel featured Chief Justice Debra Hembree Lambert and other members of the Court and explored the role of the judiciary, the decision-making process, and the impact of the courts on communities across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

By bringing oral arguments to campus, the Court continues its longstanding commitment to civic education and public engagement, offering students and community members a closer look at the judicial branch in action.

317VOLUNTEERS

Leading up to commencement weekend, University of the Cumberlands hosted its first annual Faculty and Staff Pats Serve Day on Thursday, April 30, bringing together faculty, staff, students, and families to serve the community and surrounding tri-county region.

More than 317 volunteers completed 20+ service projects at local organizations, including the Appalachian Children’s Home, Briar Creek Park, Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter, and the Whitley County Health Department. The initiative reflects Cumberlands’ ongoing commitment to servant leadership.

Despite end-of-semester responsibilities, faculty embraced the opportunity to give back to the community.

“Today is a very busy day for faculty due to grade submission deadlines, but we believed this was a good way to give back to the community, so we are all happy to be here,” said Dr. Julie Tan, chair of the Department of Chemistry.

Dr. Tan and her colleagues volunteered at Briar Creek Park, clearing debris and improving a beloved public space located less than a mile from campus.

Staff members also paused commencement preparations to participate in projects across Williamsburg. Robbie Garvin ’20, internship coordinator, contributed to

a mulching project downtown, at the Whitley County Courthouse.

“This is home, and I don’t mind helping to take care of it,” Garvin said.

Robbie and his wife, Kayla ’20, are both current Cumberlands employees and alumni who came to Williamsburg from out of state. Their student experience was so impactful that they chose to build their lives in the community, continuing to serve the university while forming lasting local connections.

Kayla even brought their toddler and baby along to the project, showing their children what it means to lead with a servant’s heart.

“I’m grateful I feel comfortable enough to bring my family along today. You can’t say that for every place you work, but you can at Cumberlands,” said Robbie. “I hope my children see this and eventually grow into that service mindset as well.”

The spirit of service did not stop with faculty and staff. Students across campus stepped in, taking initiative and finding their own ways to give back.

Dratavyn Barber (Dre) ’27 spent the day at the Williamsburg Health and Rehabilitation Center, helping residents create flower arrangements to brighten

their days. As an Orientation Leader in the Office of Admissions at University of the Cumberlands, Dre remained on campus even after classes had ended. Rather than taking time to relax, he chose to invest his day in serving others.

“I’m really big on serving recently, so when I was asked to help, I was very willing,” he explained. “I know some of the residents are probably in tough spots and going through things we may not even know about, so seeing the smiles on everyone’s face is amazing.”

Working alongside residents throughout the day, Dre helped arrange flowers and share conversations, creating simple moments that brought connection and encouragement to those he served. From faculty and staff to students and families, the 2026 Faculty and Staff Pats Serve Day demonstrated how University of the Cumberlands fosters a culture of service, leadership, and community connection.

Rooted in its mission to develop leaders through service, Cumberlands continues to create opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom and into meaningful, real-world impact.

University of the Cumberlands celebrated its Spring 2026 Commencement on May 1–2, honoring more than 3,170 graduates who earned associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The graduating class included approximately 180 associate degree recipients, 852 bachelor’s graduates, 1,642 master’s graduates, 121 educational specialist graduates, and 379 doctoral graduates.

In his commencement address, President Quentin Young encouraged graduates to embrace the future with confidence and purpose. “Our world needs dreamers,” he said, urging students to pursue excellence, seize opportunities, and recognize that their past does not define their future.

Academic excellence was recognized throughout the ceremonies. The university honored 110 undergraduate students as J.T. Vallandingham Scholars, while 437 graduates earned Latin honors, including 150 summa cum laude, 139 magna cum laude, and 148 cum laude distinctions. Several students also received prestigious awards for leadership and service, including the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, Mary Mildred Sullivan Award, and Gorman Jones Campus Leadership Award.

A hallmark of the Cumberlands experience is servant leadership. Collectively, Spring 2026 graduates completed nearly 35,000 hours of community service—equivalent to more than 4,300 workdays. Eighty-one students earned Hutton Scholar recognition for contributing more than 200 service hours during their time at the university.

The commencement ceremonies also highlighted the impact of student research and professional achievement. Presidential Scholar Ellison Anne Edgar was recognized for her undergraduate research project, "Honor Culture: A Greek Identity", and will continue her studies in international affairs at American University.

Among the graduate honorees was Christopher Rodriguez, DBA ’26, a U.S. Army veteran whose dissertation research on employment practices for disabled veterans was published in the Journal of Veterans Studies. Rodriguez credits his Cumberlands experience with helping him find community, deepen his professional engagement, and create meaningful impact through research that supports fellow veterans.

As they join the university’s global alumni network, the Spring 2026 graduates leave Cumberlands prepared to lead, serve, and make a meaningful difference.

Our world needs dreamers…those bold enough to challenge what is and imagine what could be. I hope your time at Cumberlands has taught you that your past does not limit your future. Whatever this next chapter holds, walk into it with courage and resolve. Strive for excellence, be present where your feet are, and make the most of the opportunities set before you.”

- President Quentin Young

During the undergraduate commencement ceremony, President Young recognized two ROTC Cadets for continuing their military service, Nick Combs, ’26, and Skyler Petrey, ’26.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Picking out a new outfit, catching up with friends after summer break, and heading to your last first day of class are all very typical ways to kick off senior year.

But getting a shoutout from the future president of the university? That’s one way to really start with a bang.

Lily Hofstrom, ’26, made waves across the Cumberlands community during the summer before her senior year with a custom graphic design piece she created featuring the institution’s beautiful Williamsburg campus.

“I work in the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement as a work-study,” Lily explained. “One day, Lilli Vance, young alumni and volunteer engagement coordinator, asked if I could create a Cumberlands mug inspired by Julia Gash’s art style. She’s known for illustrating major SEC schools.”

Eager to take on the challenge, Lily got right to work. She thoughtfully considered the many elements of campus and the broader Cumberlands experience, intentionally selecting visuals that would resonate with a young alumni audience while still honoring long-held traditions.

In the finished piece, viewers can spot iconic landmarks like Gatliff Chapel, the rolling Appalachian hills, the Hutton School of Business, and the Rollins fountain. More recent alumni will recognize Patriot Park, the updated viaduct, and the globe. Altogether, Lily did a fantastic job blending the old with the new.

Once other offices on campus caught sight of the design, they couldn’t get enough. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions even asked Lily to rework the artwork into a backdrop used to welcome incoming freshmen during orientation. Hundreds of students admired the piece, posing in front of it for photos to share with family and friends.

As exciting as that exposure was, Lily’s biggest moment was still to come.

“I was actually working in the admissions office last summer when I got a text from Lilli saying, ‘Dr. Quentin Young just said he loved your design in front of the entire faculty and staff—and he wants a pair of socks with the design on them!’”

Lily was floored.

“To know that then President-elect Dr. Young appreciated my work enough to mention it at the start of his speech was honestly insane to me,” she said. “Someone sent me a video, and I immediately sent it to my mom like, ‘Oh my gosh, can you believe this?!’”

Now that she has graduated, Lily plans to pursue her passion for art through a career in education while continuing commissioned work on the side.

Since then, Lily’s design has appeared all over campus. The artwork has been featured at special events and included in prizes, homecoming gift baskets, and various goodie bags. Unfortunately, we still can’t confirm whether Dr. Young ever got those socks.

“I had an art teacher in high school who helped me grow in my art journey and supported me through challenging times,” Lily said. “He was such a great person, and I hope to be that for someone else.”

Despite her plans to pursue a career in education, commissioned work like her Cumberlands print isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

“I recently created an Instagram page for my art and have started taking commissions,” she shared. “I really enjoy it, and I hope I’m able to continue doing it for a long time.”

As Lily steps into this next chapter, she does so with the confidence that comes from being part of the Cumberlands community. Encouraged by those around her, she recognizes the value of her artistic talent and sees her gift as a way to bring light into the lives of her future students and into the homes of those who commission her work.

To explore Lily’s work or request a commissioned piece, visit her Instagram at @lghcreations.

JAMES CLEAR ATOMIC HABITS

Cumberlands welcomed Atomic Habits author and New York Times bestselling writer James Clear to Williamsburg as the keynote speaker for its annual Excellence in Leadership event, sponsored by the Forcht Group of Kentucky. The event brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members for an evening focused on growth, discipline, and purposeful leadership.

Clear, widely known for his research on habit formation and behavior change, centered his message on the power of small, consistent improvements. He emphasized that daily habits shape long-term outcomes, noting that even a 1% improvement each day can lead to remarkable results over time.

Rather than relying on motivation alone, Clear encouraged attendees to focus on building sustainable systems. “You don’t rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems,” he said, reinforcing the importance of creating routines that support sustainable success.

He also highlighted the role of identity in lasting change, reminding the audience that “every action you take is a vote of the type of person you want to become.” His practical, accessible approach resonated with those in attendance and aligned closely with the values of University of the Cumberlands.

The event also provided opportunities for student engagement. Selected students interacted directly with Clear, gaining insight into how his strategies can be applied in academic and professional settings. Experiences like these reflect Cumberlands’ commitment to hands-on, real-world learning.

As part of the Excellence in Leadership Series, the event continues a tradition of bringing nationally recognized speakers to campus. By connecting the Cumberlands community with influential voices, the series fosters meaningful conversations around leadership, personal growth, and long-term success.

Macey Furtick (pen name Macey Lynn), ’25, never set out to become a poet. In fact, she used to hate poetry. But a single class at University of the Cumberlands changed everything—opening her eyes to how words can untangle emotion and offer hope in the darkest seasons. Now, she’s the author of Seasons of a College Student, a self-published collection of over 100 poems inspired by her journey through illness, depression, growth, and grace. Through raw honesty and unshakable faith, Macey shares her story to help others find the good in the hard seasons and lean into the strength of God’s faithfulness through it all.

Recently, Macey sat down with Cumberlands to reflect on her creative process, her passion for mental health advocacy, and poetry’s healing powers.

First things first: congratulations on publishing your poetry collection! What inspired you to start writing Seasons of a College Student?

This book started in a semester-long poetry class with Professor Jamey Temple. Through prompts and other inspirations, I started writing about all I had gone through during college. At the beginning of my freshman year, I got really sick. It messed up my internal system and started my struggle with depression. I wanted to write Seasons of a College Student because I know I’m not the only person who deals with physical and/or mental health. It can be challenging to accurately and explicitly express one’s feelings and thoughts when dealing with depression, ADHD, and other struggles. I want my book to help people be able to put in words how they are feeling; to pinpoint just one thought or struggle that they can then take to a parent, therapist, counselor, or trusted friend to receive help.

Your collection spans more than three years of your college journey. How did your experiences at University of the Cumberlands shape your writing during that time?

I lived on campus all four years of undergrad. Like most students, I experienced a lot of good mixed with the bad. I met some close friends, whom I still consider family. At the same time, I experienced friendship “breakups” that hurt deeply. I succeeded in academics and won writing awards. At the same time, I struggled with homework and wasn’t part of the ‘in crowd.’ The list goes on. All of those experiences shaped me: who I am, what I like and dislike, and my circle. Life is full of experiences. God blessed me with the ability to clearly communicate my experiences and emotions through writing. Without those events—the good and the bad—my book wouldn’t exist. The experiences inspired my writing.

Faith plays a strong role in your work. How does your Christian studies background influence your poetry?

My faith is my life. As I wrote in my author’s note, I would not be alive today if it weren’t for God. Yes, He saved my soul and spiritually brought me to life, but I mean physically. My sickness and struggle with depression put me in a very dark place. God is the reason I survived and why I continue to fight. My faith influences my poetry because it is the biggest and most important thing in my life; it’s how I see everything. One of the main themes throughout my book is the battle between light and darkness. The light is God and His love; the darkness is my depression. The two continue to fight, but light always wins because nothing can overcome God. The battle between my faith and depression is the exact same.

A fellow Cumberlands alum designed the cover art for your book. Who was the artist, and what’s the story or symbolism behind the artwork?

Her name is Kristen Kirby. She graduated from UC in Winter ’24. Kristen has a real talent for drawing and painting. I enjoyed her work for quite some time before approaching her about my cover. Originally, I wasn’t sure what I wanted for the cover. But once I decided on the title, Seasons of a College Student, I knew exactly what the cover needed to be. Just as a college student goes through various ‘seasons’, so does the weather. Each section of the cover is a different season: fall, winter, spring, summer. Seasons represent change and growth. It’s how God designed nature…and humanity. Everyone goes through hard seasons and experiences change and growth. I know I did; it shows throughout my writing. I wanted my cover to reflect that central theme.

Many individuals struggle with mental health, identity, and direction. What would you say to someone who’s in the middle of their “hard season”?

Don’t give up. It’s tempting, I know. But keep fighting. Find something that is worth fighting for: a significant other, children, siblings, parents, best friends, or pets. Cling to it and remind yourself of that fact every time you want to give up. It is incredibly hard and exhausting, but the battle is worth it. If I hadn’t kept fighting, my book wouldn’t exist, among many other good things in my life. My contact info is available on my website; don’t hesitate to reach out, and we can talk further. I’d love to help encourage you to continue the fight.

As someone who’s been open about mental health in your writing, how can parents or caregivers best support college students going through similar challenges?

The best way to support and help somebody who is dealing with mental health is to listen. I was a resident assistant in the female freshman dorm for three years. The biggest thing I learned was that people needed somebody to listen to their problems. That is also the only way you can help them. Listening leads to understanding, which is vital to solving the

problem. It’s okay if you don’t understand what they face. I have people in my life who haven’t experienced the things I have, and I haven’t experienced what they have. I most appreciate their willingness to listen and attempt to understand. This is the most important part; it shows them that you care.

What would you say to someone who’s never read much poetry? How do you hope Seasons of a College Student might surprise or connect with them?

Fun fact: I was that person. I hated poetry growing up…until I gave it a shot. I began reading and writing it in my poetry class. Forcing myself to try it out led to a passion I would have never known otherwise. My book wouldn’t exist. To that person: take a chance and read it. You may surprise yourself and absolutely love the genre. You may hate it, and that’s okay too; the important thing is that you tried and gave it your best shot. I think my book will surprise everyone in different ways. Because it’s based around college, I think it’s relatable. There are Easter eggs left throughout the book—small details for the reader who pays close attention. I’m sure readers will find Easter eggs I didn’t intend to place as well.

You chose to self-publish through Amazon’s platform. What made you decide to go that route, and what did you learn through the process?

Someone close to me chose to publish through Amazon many years ago and had a great experience. Self-publishing allows the author to keep complete control over the work. I chose Amazon because I knew it was a good platform, thanks to my friend, and because I retained all rights. Poetry is a very sensitive and personal genre. I did not want somebody else to control my project or change anything. Using Amazon as my publishing platform allows me to control everything that happens with my poetry book.

How can readers support self-published authors like you in meaningful ways?

The best way to support self-published authors is to buy their book(s). Writers spend years on a book that is usually overlooked on a bookshelf. Buying our writing and helping us advertise/make connections is incredibly helpful. When selfpublishing, authors do not have a marketing team or a publisher that helps sell copies. We are a one-person team doing our best to get our book(s) out into the world. Someone buying it—and hopefully reading it—makes all the time spent on the book worth it.

Spirit

When Lisa Bartram started at University of the Cumberlands in 1998, campus activities meant Kool-Aid houses and “Famous Photos”—simple traditions that brought students together in small but meaningful ways. Today, it’s carnival rides, large-scale competitions like Spotlight, and themed events like Spring Formal.

Though campus looks different today, Bartram’s role at the heart of it has remained the same.

For Bartram, leading the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and Student Activities has always been about more than creating memorable events. It’s about shaping leaders, helping students connect with campus and the broader community, and creating a lasting impact.

“I’m now seeing the children, nieces, and nephews of the students I first worked with come back to serve and get involved themselves,” she said. “To me, that speaks volumes about the kind of impact you can make in this role.”

That impact was recently recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA), an honor given annually to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary long-term service and

leadership in student affairs.

“When I received the call from Eric Lambert, founder and executive director of APCA, I was completely shocked,” Bartram shared. “I am incredibly grateful for the recognition, but also for the opportunities I’ve been given and the connections I’ve made in this role.”

Bartram’s reaction reflects the humble yet profound leadership that has defined her nearly 30 years at Cumberlands. For those who have worked alongside her or experienced her impact firsthand, the recognition comes as no surprise.

From Kool-Aid houses to carnival rides, the events may have changed, but the heart behind them has not. For nearly three decades, Lisa Bartram has helped generations of Cumberlands students find connection, belonging, and joy.

“Lisa is truly amazing. She’s one of the most caring and genuine people I’ve met, and there’s honestly nothing bad you can say about her. She’s always a light to others, never says no if she can help, and consistently goes out of her way to support students and make their experience better. I’m really thankful to have her in my corner. She makes people feel seen, cared for, and important—and that’s something you don’t come across very often.”

Dratavyn Barber, ’27

“Lisa’s impact on Cumberlands goes far beyond her role. She has touched the lives of countless students through the activities and experiences she’s helped create. There is no one more deserving of this recognition.”

Carissa

Fitzpatrick, ’23

student affairs coordinator

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition. Lisa is one of the hardestworking people I know. She’s dedicated to her school, her job, and her students. So many of my favorite memories from Cumberlands include Lisa. Joining CAB was easily one of the best decisions I made—it gave me some of my closest friends, including Lisa.”

Sara Michelle Donahue, ’14

“Lisa’s recognition is a reflection of the heart she brings to our campus every day. For nearly three decades, she has created meaningful experiences that help students feel connected, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves. We are incredibly proud to see her impact recognized on a national stage.”

Dr. Jamirae Holbrook, EdD ’18 vice president for student affairs

"Lisa is the embodiment of servant leadership. She continually goes above and beyond to ensure that our students receive the best campus experience possible. It is an honor to work alongside someone who truly loves what they do. Her passion for our students and her willingness to serve is what really sets her apart."

Emily Couch, director of student activities

How The Four-Seven helps incarcerated individuals rediscover their worth, rebuild relationships and find hope.

Imagine the worst mistake you've ever made defining your entire life, reshaping your relationship, breaking lifelong ties, and forever altering your future.

That’s the reality for many incarcerated individuals across America.

“Prison residents are literally defined by a number that correlates to the worst day of their lives,” explained Grant Doepel ’11.

Now, imagine a ministry that steps into those prison cells to help reunite families, restore connections, and build hope through impactful programs.

A mother sees her daughter for the first time since the child’s birth.

A young man embraces vulnerability, sharing emotional struggles with fellow inmates.

A woman discovers professional skills that inspires her new life passion.

These are the kinds of moments made possible by The Four-Seven, the nonprofit Grant and his wife, Kyla, founded to walk with incarcerated individuals and their families through every stage of the journey.

The Four-Seven takes a holistic approach to rehabilitation. Rooted in Christian community, their programs support growth both inside and outside prison walls— restoring identity, rebuilding trust, and strengthening relationships. Whether through mentorship, family support, or reentry planning, their mission remains the same: to remind people they are far more than just a number.

Though The Four-Seven offers a range of impactful programs throughout the year, one in particular captures the heart of their mission: Christmas Miracles.

For years, The Four-Seven volunteers helped provide Christmas gifts to children with incarcerated parents. But one powerful statistic changed the way they approached the entire ministry.

“Children with incarcerated parents are four times more likely to be incarcerated than children whose parents are not,” Grant explained. “But if that child visits their parent once a year, that number is cut almost in half.”

As the team sat with that reality, one question rose to the surface: What better time for a child to visit their parent than at the Christmas holiday?

“We began to imagine—what would it look like to give an incarcerated parent the chance to be a hero in their child’s eyes?”

It looks like what every parent hopes for on Christmas: to be present, to be seen, and to be part of the joy.

“Christmas Miracles allows the parent to experience the dignity of picking the present, wrapping it, giving it, and feeling the joy of watching their child open the gift,” Grant shared. “One of the most special aspects is that the children actually get to spend Christmas with their parent at an incredible event our volunteers put together.”

Instead of taking the incarcerated parent out of the picture, Christmas Miracles places them at the center, providing an unforgettable visit and opening the door to healing.

For one mother, this Christmas marked only the second time she had seen her baby girl since the day she gave birth.

“She was pregnant when she was incarcerated and was only allowed to hold her daughter briefly after delivery,” Grant explained.

When her four children, including her oneyear-old daughter, came to participate in Christmas Miracles, she was overwhelmed with nerves. Her greatest fear: Will she even remember me?

What followed was a moment marked by tenderness and grace.

“It was a very emotional reunion for her because, in the end, her daughter knew that it was mommy,” said Grant.

“The joy on both their faces was a great reminder of God’s love for us—a reminder that, no matter how many times we mess up or fall, He still has that love for us.”

More Than a Moment:

The Year-Round Mission of The Four-Seven

Christmas Miracles shines a bright light, but it’s just one example of The Four-Seven’s ongoing work. Throughout the year, dedicated volunteers walk alongside incarcerated individuals and their families, offering mentorship, relationship-building, skill development, and reentry support.

No matter the season, the mission remains the same: to meet people where they are and remind them they are not forgotten.

Programs making a difference year-round:

Resident Programs

Building Success

The first course in The Four-Seven curriculum—a 20-week journey focused on developing professional, personal, and spiritual skills.

Undivided

A five-week spiritual journey designed to foster honest conversations, build understanding, and help heal racial divides.

Real Marriage

A relationship-building program that equips couples with tools for healthy communication, conflict resolution, intimacy, and long-term momentum.

Reentry Programs

Personal Growth

An interactive journal experience that prepares individuals for transition, helping them build healthy relationships and navigate the early months post-release.

Managing My Life

Covers essential life skills—like financial literacy, time management, legal awareness, employment readiness, and emotional coping—culminating in a personalized transition plan and ten healthy habits for community living.

Relapse Prevention

Equips participants with strategies to recognize and interrupt relapse cycles, while building a customized prevention plan to support long-term responsible living.

Family Support

Support Group

A safe space for families of incarcerated individuals to gather, share experiences, and process their pain together.

Hope Summit

An uplifting event where families explore the impact of incarceration, engage with Scripture, and find encouragement through themes of forgiveness, understanding, and hope.

Family Photos

Family photos are a tradition in many homes. Growing up, it meant getting dressed up and heading to JCPenney for a portrait session. Today, it might mean coordinating outfits for a photoshoot in a picturesque field down the road. Whether you love the process or dread it, the end result is the same: a memory you'll cherish for years to come. It's a simple tradition many of us take for granted.

For incarcerated individuals and their loved ones, participating in that tradition is rarely possible. Recognizing this need, The FourSeven brings in a professional photographer to capture family portraits for the families they serve.

The results are raw, authentic, and deeply meaningful. For a brief moment, the weight of incarceration fades into the background. What remains is a family doing what families do—encouraging reluctant smiles, wondering if everyone's eyes were open, and laughing as the photographer calls out, "Cheese!" In front of the camera, they are no longer defined by their circumstances. They are simply a family, creating a memory together.

Moments like that are beautiful, but they also reveal just how much is at stake. Incarceration doesn’t just separate people physically; it strains family relationships and emotional bonds.

The Four-Seven works to counter that. Through family support groups and intentional space for reconnection, they help loved ones begin to rebuild trust and restore relationships, one step at a time.

“Events like Christmas Miracles create space for loved ones to say, ‘You know what, I’m doing this for my grandchild or niece or cousin so they can have Christmas with their parent.’ I think that makes it easier for them to start considering the rehabilitation of that relationship with their incarcerated loved one,” shared Grant.

This year, The Four-Seven provided more than 13,000 gifts across events in every prison in Ohio—a scale of outreach far beyond what Grant and Kyla ever imagined when they first began. What started as a simple desire to bridge the gap between incarceration and reentry has grown into a movement rooted in grace, dignity, and deep, relational care.

Still, for all the growth and impact, Grant remains just as energized as ever. Because for him, it’s always been about something bigger than himself.

“The grace that exists in those walls, in some of the darkest places, is unfathomable,” he shared.

“It’s been a blessing to be part of it, and I know God has so much more in store.”

For Grant and all of those dedicated to advancing the mission of The Four-Seven, the work isn’t just about programs or progress—it’s about people. It's about showing up in places the world tends to overlook and reminding every man and woman behind bars that they are not alone, not forgotten, and definitely not defined by a number. They are known. They are valued. And with the right support, they can step with hope, beyond the walls.

Ways You Can Support The Four-Seven

Donate

Every gift helps fund programs that reconnect families, offer practical support, and share the message of God’s grace.

Volunteer

As the organization grows and expands into new states, they’re in need of volunteers—from event helpers to mentors and more.

Pray

You can join The Four-Seven in prayer for:

· Incarcerated individuals

· Their children and families

· Prison staff and chaplains

· Volunteers and organizational leaders

To learn more about The Four-Seven’s mission, browse stories of impact, or explore how to get involved, visit thefourseven.org or scan the QR code.

Ridiculous Attempts to Engage Students

"

I just want my scholars to know I’m an adult who really cares for them and their future."

A funeral, wearable artwork, and Kendrick Lamar—all powerful tools Elizabeth Spires, BA ’22, MAT ’23, has used to connect with her fifth and sixth grade students in her first few years of teaching.

Bury Your Bad Thoughts

While working at Williamsburg Independent as a 5th grade English teacher, Spires quickly noticed that many of her students didn’t enjoy reading. But instead of seeing that as a roadblock, she saw an opportunity—and she had an idea.

“I knew they hated reading, so I had a grand idea,” she said.

“Let’s have a funeral for reading.”

Spires handed out index cards and told students they could write down all their negative thoughts about reading (school appropriate, of course).

“They loved it,” she laughed. “A lot of them wrote, ‘I hate reading,’ ‘It’s so hard,’ ‘It’s a waste of time,’ and things like that.”

She then had them place their cards inside miniature caskets she’d purchased online. While her students thought they were finally getting rid of reading for good, Spires had a twist.

“I said, ‘Okay, here’s the twist. We’re not laying reading to rest. We’re putting your negative thoughts and feelings about reading to rest,’” she explained.

Instead of dismissing their frustration, Spires gave students space to express it, then guided them toward a healthier mindset.

“We buried our bad thoughts and then got to business,” she said.

The exercise was both liberating and effective.

“One scholar in particular was known for being a troublemaker and for being very negative,” Spires recalled. “Thanks to the funeral exercise and similar work throughout the year, his attitude completely changed. He even shared his excitement about a particular unit with me.”

On the last day of school, that same student asked Spires about her favorite things. She listed a few, and later he gifted her a handpainted collage featuring each one. “It was such a big moment for both of us,” she said.

After two years of teaching in Williamsburg, Spires relocated to New York City.

Extra Motivation

A career opportunity for her spouse led to her transitioning from teaching in rural Kentucky to an urban school environment as a sixth-grade English teacher at Unity Preparatory Charter School in Brooklyn, New York.

It was a major shift in lifestyle and surroundings.

City life brought hectic traffic, horns instead of crickets, and more distance from family. But one thing didn’t change: the way she is teaching students.

"

Kids are kids. Yes, they have different experiences and styles, but at the end of the day, they all face similar struggles or have similar interests."

Whether in Williamsburg or Brooklyn, students sometimes need extra motivation. And, as always, Spires found a way to tap into their energy and make learning fun.

At Unity Prep, students participate in an annual end-of-year pep rally to build excitement around standardized testing. Last year, Spires saw it as a chance to take things up a notch.

“All my scholars loved Kendrick Lamar,” she said. “I had the idea to rewrite the lyrics to ‘Turn the TV Off’ during my commute.”

She turned the song into a test-prep anthem, even weaving students’ names into the lyrics. When she shared the idea, her class jumped on board and started planning the skit.

To her surprise, they wanted her to be part of the performance. Spires didn’t hesitate.

“This is the song where Kendrick Lamar yells out ‘mustard,’” she said, laughing. “So I said, okay—matter of fact, I’ll be mustard on

the beat.”

At the pep rally, two students opened the skit. The crowd was quiet at first, but when the music kicked in, the rest of the class flooded the stage. The gym exploded with energy. Students jumped to their feet, shouting, “YES, LET’S GO!”

As the beat shifted, all but the original two students exited. One paused dramatically, then shouted:

“MUSTARD!”

Enter Spires, in a full mustard costume.

“The kids threw me out onto the stage and we started dancing together,” she said. “Me and one of my female scholars even had a dance battle—I learned how to do the splits just for it.”

When the two of them hit the splits on beat, the gym went wild. One student threw her hands on her head in total disbelief.

“It was really exciting,” Spires said.

But the performance wasn’t just for fun. It was another example of how Spires goes out of her way to make students feel seen and to keep education relevant in their lives.

Ridiculous Attempts

“In this day and time, school is kind of put on the back burner for a lot of kids and their families,” she said.

“Some of them have much more pressing concerns than passing a reading quiz. So you have to frame it differently. You have to say, ‘Hey, I care about you, and you care about me—so do this for me,’ or ‘This matters because it shows what you and your peers are capable of.’ That reframing helps them see they’re part of something bigger than themselves, and that’s what pushes them to try a little harder.”

So how do students know she cares enough to inspire that shift?

Through costumes that spark joy, music that resonates, and activities that invite them in.

What she jokingly calls her “ridiculous attempts to engage students” are, in reality, creative expressions of her commitment to making learning meaningful—and memorable.

One of her favorite traditions? The “smarty pants.”

“It’s something I’ve done in New York and Kentucky,” Spires said.

Each year, before a major test, she brings out a pair of white pants and invites students to decorate them—adding their names, doodles, and words of encouragement. On test day, she wears them with pride.

“I tell them, ‘Everyone whose name is on these pants is so smart, and I know you’re going to succeed,’” she said.

Spires knows her methods are unconventional.

“I know they’re probably thinking, ‘What in the world is going on? This teacher is crazy,’” she laughed. “But they love it. They always ask if I’m going to wear the pants again before the next big test.”

In the end, she doesn’t measure success solely by test scores or content mastery—though she’s proud when those results come. What matters most is that her students leave her classroom with one lasting truth:

They were taught by someone who truly cared.

Because for Spires, education has never just been about curriculum. It’s about connection. Whether she’s holding a funeral for negative thoughts, dancing in a mustard costume, or sporting pants covered in student doodles, her goal is always the same: to make learning feel personal, joyful, and worth showing up for.

And from Kentucky to New York, her students have shown time and time again that when they feel seen, supported, and celebrated, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.

PATRIOTS SHINING MOMENTS

Archery

The Patriots captured 12 gold medals and 26 podium finishes while scoring 223 points to win the Mid-South Conference Outdoor Archery Championship. The team swept all three legs of the conference championship to secure its eighth consecutive overall conference title. Caleb Kirby, ’16, MBA ’19, MSC ’20, was named MSC Assistant Coach of the Year for the fifth time, while Lidia Quezada ’25 captured the women’s recurve title with a 4-0 record. Ceridwyn Salyers ’25 and 10 additional Patriot archers earned firstteam honors.

Cumberlands closed out the indoor season with a runner-up finish at the 2026 USA Archery Collegiate Indoor Championship, totaling 126.83 points behind 12 podium finishes and four national titles. Cammie Shuman ’26 secured the Patriots’ lone individual title. The team later recorded one national championship and two national runnerup finishes to claim national runner-up honors at the 2026 Collegiate Target Nationals.

Baseball

The Patriots captured their fourth consecutive MSC regular-season title with a 12-1 win over Campbellsville. Ten members of the baseball team earned Mid-South All-Conference honors, including three major conference awards: Player of the Year (Derick Andiarena ’26), Pitcher of the Year (Wesley Culley ’25), and MSC Coach of the Year (Brad Shelton).

Basketball

Cumberlands Men’s Basketball advanced to the Mid-South Conference Tournament semifinals with a 70-66 win over sixthseeded Cumberland University. The Patriots secured their third consecutive trip to the NAIA National Championship Final Site with a 95-68 victory over William Carey. The No. 4-seeded Patriots concluded their season in the NAIA National Championship Round of 16.

Kyle Duke ’26 earned NAIA Second-Team All-American honors and was named to the 2026 CSC Academic All-America First Team. Duke became the third player in program history to earn CSC Academic AllAmerica honors.

Cumberlands Women’s Basketball advanced to the Mid-South Conference Tournament semifinals with a 59-47 victory over No. 11 Lindsey Wilson. The Patriots qualified for the NAIA National Tournament for the sixth consecutive season, marking their 20th appearance.

Joy Kendrick ’26 earned NAIA Third-Team All-American honors, marking the fourth straight year a Patriot received NAIA AllAmerican recognition.

Bowling

The Men’s Bowling team opened MidSouth Conference Tournament play with a 2-0 victory over Union Commonwealth before advancing to the quarterfinals. Austin Hale ’26 was named to the MidSouth Conference Men’s Champions of Character Team.

The Women’s Bowling team opened conference tournament play with a 2-0 win over Midway University and advanced to the quarterfinals. Paige Frantz ’26, along with four additional Patriots, earned MSC Academic All-Conference honors. Frantz was named UC’s Champion of Character.

Cheer

Cumberlands Cheer captured the MidSouth Conference Championship with a program-record score of 95.08. Head Coach RJ Conroy earned MSC Coach of the Year honors, while Phebe McHargue ’20 was named MSC Assistant Coach of the Year. Kylee Neace ’26 was named Cumberlands' Champion of Character.

The conference title secured a berth in the 2026 Nfinity NAIA Competitive Cheer National Championship, where the Patriots placed fourth nationally with another program-record score of 91.73.

Dance

The dance team competed at the America Midwest Conference Championship for the first time in program history and posted a score of 66.72. Six Patriots earned Academic All-Conference honors.

E-Sports

The Cumberlands Esports program collected victories across NECC and MidSouth Conference competition in Rocket League, Super Smash Bros., Valorant, and Overwatch. The Patriots later captured a Mid-South Conference championship in

Super Smash Bros. while earning runnerup finishes in three additional titles.

Golf

Cumberlands Men’s Golf placed fourth at the Mid-South Conference Championship with a three-round total of 886 (+22).

Pedro Morgado, ’26, led the Patriots with a third-place individual finish and totaled nine birdies during the championship. Morgado, Eli Fischer ’26, and two additional Patriots earned MSC AllConference Second-Team honors. After qualifying for its first NAIA National Championship since 2022, the team finished 20th nationally.

The Women’s Golf team won the MidSouth Conference Championship with a three-round score of 933, edging Cumberland (Tenn.) and Lindsey Wilson in a tightly contested field. The conference title earned the Patriots an automatic berth to the NAIA National Championship.

Ginevra Capo ’26 was named to the MSC Champions of Character Team, while Capo, Jenna Pike ’26, and three additional Patriots earned MSC Academic All-Conference honors. Cumberlands closed the season with a fifth-place finish at the NAIA Women’s Golf National Championship, the program’s best national finish since 2019.

Lacrosse

Cumberlands Men’s Lacrosse qualified for its eighth consecutive NAIA Tournament appearance before concluding the season in the quarterfinals. Ty Grooms ’26 earned repeat NAIA First-Team All-American honors after another standout season and was also named to the AAC First Team AllConference squad.

The top-seeded and No. 2-ranked Cumberlands Women’s Lacrosse team defeated No. 4 Reinhardt 15-4 to capture the 2026 AAC Tournament Championship. The title marked the Patriots’ fourth tournament championship in program history and second consecutive AAC tournament crown.

Koral Hadac ’26 earned three IWLCA Defensive Player of the Week honors during the season. The Patriots concluded their season in the NAIA semifinals.

Softball

Cumberlands Softball finished runnerup at the Mid-South Conference Championship with a 2-1 tournament record. The Patriots advanced through the NAIA Opening Round to secure the program’s fourth NAIA World Series appearance. The season concluded in the World Series elimination bracket following weather-related delays.

Swimming & Diving

The women’s swimming and diving team recorded seven All-American performances to finish third at the 2026 NAIA National Championships while totaling a program-record 414 points. The Patriots also secured their 14th consecutive Mid-South Conference championship with a conference-record 969 points.

Filippa Malmstrom ’26 earned a seventhplace finish in the 200 fly and was one of 15 Patriots named to the MSC Academic All-Conference Team.

The men’s swimming and diving team captured its eighth consecutive Mid-South Conference title while setting another conference championship record with 978 points. The Patriots later secured a program-best national runner-up finish at the 2026 NAIA Swimming and Diving National Championship with 397 points.

Ruthiik Satti ’26 earned All-American honors in the 200 back and was named the 2025-26 CSC Men’s Swimming and Diving Academic All-America Team Member of the Year.

Tennis

The Women’s Tennis team advanced to the MSC Championship with a 4-0 sweep over Cumberland before finishing as conference runner-up. The Patriots earned the highest national seed in program history and advanced to the NAIA Quarterfinals. Marina Nagai ’26 earned NAIA All-American honors.

The Men’s Tennis team also advanced to the MSC Championship after a 4-0 win over Bethel and concluded the season as conference runner-up. The Patriots earned the highest national seed in program history before advancing to the NAIA Quarterfinals.

Track & Field

The men’s track and field team captured its third consecutive MSC Indoor Championship in record-breaking fashion with 340.5 points. Head Coach Bradley Sowder earned MSC Coach of the Year honors and Assistant Coach Derek White

earned USTFCCCA Outdoor Assistant Coach of the Year.

The Patriots later secured their second straight NAIA Indoor National Runner-Up finish before capturing the 2026 NAIA Outdoor National Championship. Sowder was also named NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Coach of the Year. The season included several program firsts, including national championships in the 4x100meter relay and 400 meters.

The women’s track and field team claimed its fourth consecutive Mid-South Conference Indoor Championship. MaQuoia Raglin ’26 captured the conference title in the 200 meters while hitting the NAIA A standard.

The Patriots earned a national runner-up finish at the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championship, marking the highest outdoor finish in program history. Raglin and the Patriots’ 4x100-meter relay team earned All-American honors with a third-place national finish. Alina Boshchuk ’26 earned her ninth career AllAmerican honor, tying the program record.

Wrestling

Women’s Wrestling placed fourth at the Mid-South Conference Tournament, with five Patriots earning All-Conference honors. Cumberlands qualified 10 wrestlers for the 2026 NAIA National Championship and finished 12th nationally.

Men’s Wrestling captured back-to-back Mid-South Conference Tournament championships. Matteo Vargo ’26 and Weston Melvin ’26 each earned MSC titles and First-Team All-Conference honors, while Ty Lehman ’26 secured Third-Team honors. The Patriots qualified 12 wrestlers for the NAIA National Championship, and 10 wrestlers earned NAIA Scholar AllAmerican honors.

RESPECT A FAMILY GRIT

A dew settles on Terry Stigall Field. The steady thut, thut, thut of baseballs meeting players' gloves fills the air. A child's laugh cuts through the rhythm. Two worlds collide. While a team sharpens its skills in pursuit of the next win, a family grows along the sidelines, its steady support forming a quiet but essential piece of the puzzle.

Coach Brad Shelton is the winningest coach in Cumberlands baseball history, compiling 961 victories and an overall record of 961-419 during his 31 years at the helm. Yet the most defining aspect of his legacy is not in the record books. Instead, it lies in the culture he built, one rooted in respect, family, and grit.

“Our boys, Clay and Tyler Shelton, were raised at the baseball park,” shared Shelton’s wife, Candy. “They took naps under the shade of the bleachers. They played at a water table we kept at the field and rode scooters around the stands.”

The Shelton boys grew up immersed in Cumberlands baseball because Coach Shelton intentionally created an environment that welcomed it—cultivating a family atmosphere not only for his own children, but for everyone connected to the program.

“It seems kind of funny to say it as his son, but Coach really loves us all like we are his kids,” said Clay Shelton, ’26, now a former player on the team. “Creating a family atmosphere has always been so important to him, and I think it has helped us play better on the field. He has taught us not only to love the game, but to love each other.”

“Coach Shelton is one of the best men I’ve ever met. He taught me a lot outside of baseball. He taught me to be a better person, grow in my faith, and value family over anything else,” added fellow former player, Bryan Juarez '21, MS '23.

A truly great coach doesn’t just teach players how to improve their game; they model how to become better people.

“Brad is a man of integrity,” shared Candy. “Through the years,

he has consistently demonstrated to his players how to carry themselves, how to put the important things first, and how to be someone who can be depended on.”

As a new chapter begins and Coach Jared Martin, '14, MAT '16, takes the lead, the team is focused on carrying Coach Shelton's legacy into the next generation of Cumberlands baseball.

Martin and his wife, Brandy, '14, MAT '16, PhD '21, attended Cumberlands together and have served the university for more than a decade. The upcoming season will mark Martin's 12th year with the Patriots baseball program and his first as head coach.

Like the Shelton family before them, the Martins have made the baseball field an extension of home. Their two sons, Duncan, 3, and Noah, 9 months, have already become familiar faces around the program, growing up surrounded by practices, games, and everything in between.

The sight is a familiar one. Years ago, Clay and Tyler Shelton were those same boys, spending afternoons at the ballpark while their father built a program defined by more than baseball. Today, that culture continues to shape the next generation.

“Our program pillars are honor God and family, be a great teammate, and pursue excellence. We are a family. The men who’ve been part of our program have meant the world to me. If it weren’t for them, I would not have been able to have my dream job for 31 years. I have always needed them worse than they needed me. There are so many memories of wins, championships, and moments on the field, but what I’ll remember most are the bus rides, the laughs in the dugout, the weddings, the families, and the alumni reunions.”

- Coach Shelton.

CLASSNOTES

1980s

Cathy “Cat” Rhoden Goguen, ’85, was recently selected as the winning playwright chosen to write the Ruth Hunt story. The Sweet Life: The Ruth Hunt Story was performed at the Actor's Theatre of Louisville in April.

Kevin White, ’87, completed his PhD in Religious Studies at the University of Salzburg, Austria in 2024. He currently serves as a Research Fellow and Central Asia Representative for the Center for Eastern Christian Studies at the University of Salzburg. His dissertation was published by Gorgias Press (Piscataway, New Jersey). The work, entitled "The Rediscovery of a Lost History of Central Asian Christianity."

1990s

Christina (Bright) Iman, ’99, earned National Board Certification in Adolescent and Young Adult English Language Arts Education at her alma mater Ripley High school.

Elizabeth (Duff) Holbert, ’98, and Tim Holbert were married on May 31, 2025.

2000s

Matthew Holbrook, ’02, was promoted to the rank of Colonel in the US Army Reserve July 2024. In September of 2025, he assumed command of the 926th Engineer Brigade of the US Army Reserve. Taking the responsibility to command one of the largest brigades in the Army.

Michelle (Helton) Gross, ’03, MA ’04, a math teacher at Spencer County Middle School, has been named the 2026 Kentucky Teacher of the Year.

2010s

Jaime (Bengie) Dyer, ’13, joined Franklin Bank and Trust as the HR Training Coordinator.

Jackie Alexander, ’14, has been name women's basketball head coach at Morehead State University. Alexander most recently was an assistant coach at Big 10 school Illinois.

Jacob Ratliff, ’15, has been named full time faculty for the Hutton School of Business at University of the Cumberlands.

2020s

Amanda Kelly, ’17, MBA ’23, was promoted to Director of Communications at the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce in October 2025.

Kaitrin (Miller) Parrett, ’20, MBA ’23, has been named Director of Internship Programs at University of the Cumberlands.

Cassidy (Howard) Blankenship,’21, is starting a new job as Corporate Communications and Marketing Coordinator with Intuitive Research and Technology in Huntsville, Alabama.

Michael Davis, PhD, ’21, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar fellowship to teach abroad at the college level in Warsaw Poland beginning in 2027.

Elizabeth Underwood, ’22, is now working in Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine as a PA-C in Springfield, Tennessee.

Jordan Zecchini, ’22, MBA ’24, is now a business teacher through University of the Cumberlands' MAT Option 6 program at Boone County High School.

Shaylea (Dabney) Curtis, ’24, and Dale Curtis were married on December 13, 2025.

oh baby!

Zach Austin, ’13, and Brandy (Balkenbusch) Austin, ’13, welcomed their daughter, Vivian Christine, on July 23, 2025.

Devon McMillin, ’20, and Jayla (Smith) McMillan, ’20, welcomed their son, Shepherd William on July 15, 2025.

Noah Phelps, ’21, and Miranda (Feltner) Phelps, ’21, welcomed their son Foster Nathaniel on June 24, 2025.

Kristy (Stanley) Bloy, ’19, and Ramsey Bloy welcomed their daughter Novella Joy on October 14, 2025.

Jeremiah Behnke, ’26, and Abigail (Skeen) Behnke, ’26, welcomed their son Koa on April 22, 2026.

Evan Dunaway, ’25, and Sophia Dunaway, ’26, welcomed their daughter Charlotte Mae on April 19, 2026.

Shaylea (Dabney) Curtis, ’24, started a job as a Program Manager at TriGenerations.

Rafe Keyes’ 24, and Kristin (Smith) Keyes, ’24 were married on April 25, 2026.

Shuma Sasaki, ’25, has signed a oneyear professional contract with the New England Revolution II for the remainder of the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro campaign, with a club option for the 2027 season.

Tyler Erickson, CMHC ’25, is provisionally licensed counselor and now works in private practice, seeing 20–25 clients weekly. He has also published a therapeutic book, Listening to Yourself: How to Hear Your Own Wisdom.

Rajesh Soma, MSIT ’26, is a product architect with more than 14 years of experience modernizing large‚ Äëscale CPQ, CRM, and integration platforms for global enterprises. His current role is as Business Systems Analyst at NetApp.

IN MEMORIAM

eThe following members of the Cumberlands family have passed away since the publication of our last magazine. We send our thoughts and prayers to their families and will forever remember their impact on the Cumberlands community.

alumni

Paul P. Steely, ’49, trustee of the university, passed on April 28, 2026.

Robert L. Gross, ’53, passed on April 5, 2026.

Billy L. Moore, ’53, passed on March 4, 2026.

Shirley (Blair) Newton, ’55, passed on March 24, 2026.

Susan (Tinsley) Faulkner, ’56, passed on October 3, 2025.

Duell Lester, ’56, passed on April 21, 2026.

Delores F. Morris, ’56, passed on January 28, 2026.

Donald I. Carnes, ’59, passed on March 4, 2026.

Mary H. (Leach) Roberts, ’59, passed on December 23, 2025.

Enoch J. Gibbs, ’60, passed on February 5, 2026.

John Edmond Faulkner, ’63, passed on January 11, 2026.

David Ridner, ’63, passed away on April 5, 2026.

Sierra (Davenport) Langley, ’64, passed on December 23, 2025.

Rev. William M. Thomas, ’64, passed on January 16, 2026.

Alice F. Weiland, ’65, passed on February 25, 2026.

Sonny D. Boring, ’66, passed on January 29, 2026.

William R. Hinton, ’67, passed on April 19, 1944.

Ronald M. Ball, ’68, passed on January 13, 2026.

Van Hudson, Jr., ’68, passed on January 30, 2026.

Hollis Smith, ’68 passed on April 18, 2026.

Michael Bryant, ’69, passed on April 3, 2026.

Jack Conley Morgan, ’69, passed on December 19, 2025.

Janice (Hall) Eaton, ’70, passed on December 22, 2025.

Kathleen May Hanlon, ’71, passed away on October 1, 2025.

James E. Napier, ’71, passed on April 14, 2026.

Ronnie C. Young, ’71, passed on February 24, 2026.

Sophie (Bundy) Crumbler, ’72, passed on January 1, 2026.

Gene E. Prewitt, ’72, passed on February 4, 2026.

Maudie (Madden) Cornett, ’73, passed on April 7, 2026.

Raymond Calvin Braden, ’74, passed on November 3, 2025.

Ronnie C. Young, ’71, passed on February 24, 2026.

Donald Miracle, ’75, passed on November 9, 2025.

Michael W. Cooper, ’77, passed on February 4, 2026.

Vicki L. (Coomer) Schoolcraft, ’80, passed on November 9, 2025.

Deborah (Ellison) Foster, ’81, passed on March 2, 2026.

Tony R. Stacy, ’82, passed on December 13, 2025.

Timothy H. Mills, ’88, passed on February 20, 2026.

Richard L. McCoy, ’91, passed on February 12, 2026.

Faculty

Dr. David Etter, retired professor of music, passed away on January 30, 2026. Dr. Etter served the university from 1990 until 2016.

Bill & Sharon (Kilgore)

Like the plot of a great rom-com, Bill Messer, ’68 and Sharon (Kilgore) Messer, ’68 had their own “meet-cute” during their college days at Cumberlands.

That day, Bill walked into Perkins Library (now Rollins Library) with one thing on his mind: his end-of-term paper for a challenging English literature class. With such an important assignment ahead of him, a pretty lady was the last thing he expected to find (unless she happened to have an excellent research source).

For Sharon, it was just another shift at her library work-study position—filing papers, welcoming students, and tidying up the workspace. Like Bill, she had no idea that the day’s events would forever change her life.

When their paths crossed, everything changed. Though neither of them knew it at the time, that first meeting would lead to a beautiful relationship that now spans nearly six decades. Bill may have walked in looking for help with an assignment, but he found so much more: the person he would spend the rest of his life with.

Had they not attended Cumberlands, it’s unlikely Bill and Sharon would have ever met. Before college, Bill lived in Baughman, Kentucky, while Sharon was from Lenoir City, Tennessee—more than 100 miles apart. Cumberlands was the place that brought them together.

Although they met in the library, Bill and Sharon truly bonded through their involvement in the Baptist Student Union (BSU).

C umberlands C ouple ^^

They admired each other’s strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and BSU gave them opportunities to worship and serve together. Bill noticed Sharon’s warm, friendly personality in the way she connected with others, while Sharon appreciated Bill’s straightforward nature and his dedication to his pastoral calling.

On December 15, 1967, Bill and Sharon were married at Main Street Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Kentucky. After graduating from Cumberland College, Bill faithfully pursued his calling as a pastor, while Sharon built a career as both a teacher and a grant writer. Together, they have been blessed with three children and seven grandchildren, all of whom they deeply cherish.

Like many young couples, Bill and Sharon spent their early years pouring into their careers, their children, and their church. As empty nesters, they shifted their focus to short-term mission work, serving in Europe, South America, and Asia. Along the way, they also checked off a major bucket-list goal—traveling to all 50 states!

These days, life has taken on a slower pace. Bill and Sharon now live in North Carolina, where Bill enjoys golfing and Sharon spends her time reading books by her favorite authors.

In the years ahead, they look forward to watching their grandchildren finish college and begin their careers. Bill plans to continue serving as a transitional pastor, with Sharon faithfully supporting him for as long as their health allows.

"Coach" Vaughn Hatcher

Majoring in Vaughn Hatcher

During the course of his nearly three-decade tenure at Cumberlands, Vaughn Hatcher, ’75 demonstrated all the makings of a truly great coach. He was a quality leader, an impeccable teacher, and someone who held immense respect for the game and a deep love for students. In fact, many students remember him simply as “Coach Hatcher.”

The catch? He was never technically a Cumberlands coach.

Professor Hatcher, began teaching at Cumberland College shortly after graduating from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1976.

Michael (Mike) Champion, professor of physical education and health, reached out while Hatcher was in New Orleans and offered him a position. Hatcher accepted and received a welcome letter from thenPresident James Boswell, which marked the beginning of a lifelong career of mentoring students.

from a class he taught located right next to the dean’s office. Tests were a regular part of his course, and they always consisted of four or five questions written by hand on a chalkboard. (And yes— for our younger alumni readers—there was a time before laptops and smartboards).

On this particular test, four questions focused on course content, while the final question was reserved for a lighthearted bonus. Just days before, both Hatcher and one of his students had gotten haircuts at the same time.

Over the years, Hatcher taught courses in both religion and physical education, making quite the impression on students through classroom antics, creative teaching methods, and unique learning experiences.

In a recent interview, Hatcher recalled one particular memory

The last question on the board?

“Whose haircut is better?”

The question earned plenty of laughs from the class and likely a few puzzled looks from anyone passing by the open door. That was just the norm for “Coach Hatcher.”

But if he wasn’t officially a coach, where did the nickname “Coach Hatcher” come from?

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Hatcher oversaw intramural sports at Cumberlands. In that role, he ended up “coaching” several student teams. One of his favorites was a basketball team he remembers as being “awesome.” That team even traveled to a tough intramural tournament at Campbellsville—and came home with the championship.

When recently asked about his favorite part of his time at Cumberlands, Hatcher didn’t hesitate.

It was the students.

“Coach” Hatcher was more than a professor; he was a mentor, encourager, and friend who consistently went above and beyond for the students he served.

Sometimes that meant dressing up as a referee to emcee Football Follies, a short-lived but memorable campus event featuring football players performing skits. Other times, it meant welcoming students to the Hatcher farm for games, bonfires, and even horseback riding.

Moments like these helped cement Hatcher’s legacy at Cumberlands. Students actively sought out his courses and continued to remember him long after their time at the university had ended.

“I remember hearing several students say they majored in Vaughn Hatcher,” laughed his daughter and fellow alumna, Victoria Henderson ‘11. “I was very proud to be Vaughn Hatcher’s daughter—and still am. I feel like we can’t go anywhere without someone recognizing him. We even had former students flagging us down when we went to Disney World.”

For decades, students saw Hatcher as a mentor who challenged them, encouraged them, and occasionally made them laugh during a test. Whether he was organizing intramural tournaments, hosting gatherings at the family farm, or simply taking time to invest in a student’s life, Hatcher approached every moment with the same philosophy: people mattered.

Which may explain why so many former students still call him “Coach.”

Not because he officially coached a team—but because he did what the best coaches do. He believed in his students, pushed them to grow, celebrated their victories, and stayed in their corner long after they left campus.

And at Cumberlands, that kind of coach is the kind you never forget.