Commencement - May 3 & 4

Plan for your visit to campus to celebrate your graduate. All event details are located HERE

Make the most out of your college experience by getting involved in fun groups on campus! Despite our small size, we offer a variety of different clubs and organizations to choose from. Whether you are interested in athletics, creative expression, academic enrichment, religion, student government, technology, or just wanting to meet new people, there is a club for you.  

Some of our clubs are sponsored by academic departments, and our honor societies are for students studying that particular subject. Additionally, new clubs form throughout each year, so be on the lookout for new potential clubs.

Don't see the club you were looking for? Ask Student Services about creating a new one!

Campus Events

Getting involved is easy on Cumberlands campus.

Guys playing dodgeball

Intramurals

The purpose of the Intramural Sports/Campus Recreation program at University of the Cumberlands is to provide a wide variety of activities to meet the recreational and competitive needs of the University’s student body (regularly enrolled graduate, undergraduate students, faculty and staff members). Campus intramural leagues are offered throughout the semester and have included 5 on 5 basketball, flag football, softball, and indoor volleyball in the past.

For more information, contact Josh Hatfield, director of intramurals, Josh.hatfield [at] ucumberlands.edu  

For more information, contact Josh Hatfield, director of intramurals, Josh.hatfield [at] ucumberlands.edu  

For more information, contact Josh Hatfield, director of intramurals, Josh.hatfield [at] ucumberlands.edu  

For more information, contact Josh Hatfield, director of intramurals, Josh.hatfield [at] ucumberlands.edu  

Students playing cornhole at campus event

Clubs and Sponsors

An opportunity for students to put their academic knowledge and love of trivia to the test.  The club is open to all students and offers a fun and welcoming club environment to anybody interested in joining. Students can test their knowledge against other college students through competition. Provides opportunity for students to bond through their learning experiences. For those wanting to join contact Andy Wolfe at andy.wolfe [at] ucumberlands.edu  

The Alchemist Club is an affiliate of the American Chemical Society. By joining this club, you will be able to attend chemistry-related field trips and special events with fellow chemistry majors. This club also sponsors the annual Chemistry Symposium hosted at Cumberlands, which consists of events that inform high school students about the many science careers they can pursue. For more information contact Julie Tan by emailing her at Julie.tan [at] ucumberlands.edu  

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) provides a wide range of activities for the University and community to encourage student involvement in college life. If you would like to be involved, contact Lisa Bartam by emailing her at lisa.bartan [at] ucumberlands.edu  

For passionate Christians that would like to lead others in the path of Christ. For more information, contact Jacob Ratliff by emailing him at jacob.ratliff [at] ucumberlands.edu  

A collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education which exists to provide students, school music programs and music advocates of all levels and backgrounds with support and events both on and off campus.  A collaborative community that supports music educators and advocates for equitable access to music education. all people are heard, seen, and feel they belong throughout their lifelong experiences in music.

For more information contact the UC Music Department 606.539.4332.  

For students of the Democratic party to come together and discuss their beliefs and values with other students. Those wanting to join may contact Micheal Dickman at micheal.dickman [at] ucumberlands.eu  

For students of the Republican party to come together and discuss their beliefs and values with other students.

  • To make known and promote the principles of the Republican National Committee (RNC) to the University of the Cumberlands Community. 
  • To recruit University of the Cumberlands students as members of the CR’s and as republican identifiers
  • To aid in the election of the Republican candidates at all levels of government
  • To provide knowledge on the Republican candidates and their platforms at all levels of government
  • To develop political skills and leadership abilities among Republican students as preparation for their future service to their party, communities, and nation
  • To provide an opportunity for the students to socialize, develop, and discuss conservative ideas and principles.

Those wanting to join may contact the Department of History to get connected.

As an extension of the Department of Campus Recreation, the Cornhole Club’s mission is to achieve the highest standards for its members.  The Club encourages all members to compete and respect others.  The Club strives to provide a variety of opportunities for all students to become a member.  The Club focuses on the seven dimensions of health and wellness; spiritual, physical, emotional, occupational, intellectual, environmental and social. The Club’s overall goal is to continuously create and provide a competitive, safe, and enjoyable atmosphere that encourages civility, teamwork and leadership development, as well as, a lifelong pattern of positive recreational activity regardless of physical ability.

For more information, contact Josh Hatfield, director of intramurals, Josh.hatfield [at] ucumberlands.edu  

This club is open to anyone interested in cyber-related activities such as computing or programming. This gives students a chance to talk with other students with the same cyber interests. 

  • Develop and encourage cyber security awareness and application
  • Provide students with the tools and education needed to advance their   cyber security careers
  • Communicate career opportunities including internships, job openings, and scholarship grants
  • Establish a recruitment base for the UC Cyber Teams.

If you would like to be involved, contact Seth Gilliam at seth.gilliam [at] ucumberlands.edu or Ken Sims at ken.sims [at] ucumberlands.edu 

For those interested in all things cyber related, such as computers, programming, coding, etc. For more information contact Donnie Grimes at donnie.grimes [at] ucumberlands.edu  

The University of the Cumberland Speech and Debate program is one that has maintained a tradition of success for more than the last 20 years. The program competes at a local, regional, and national level against schools of all sizes. The team has had over twenty individual national champions across various formats of debate and speech events. The club provides students with the opportunity to develop their public speaking and critical thinking skills. also provides students with the opportunity to further develop their skills through weekly practices and scrimmages.

Those wanting to join may contact Justin Durbin justin.durbin [at] ucumberlands.edu  

We live in an increasingly interdependent society and have the opportunity to engage with all kinds of people because of globalization, social media, and the advancement of technology. This broad engagement is something that is seen on Cumberlands’ campus since we have students from almost every state and many countries. This opportunity has provided us with the ability to engage with people who are not like us. With Cumberland’s mission as our foundation, the purpose of Diversity & Inclusion is to provide students, faculty, staff, the opportunity to exchange, sharpen, and challenge one another’s ideas. We do this by seeking to cultivate healthy dialogue with humility and charity, providing our community the opportunity to experience things that they might not have had the opportunity to experience before, and by providing the opportunity to network. This exchange of ideas and experiences helps make a productive society and creates a holistic approach to education.

Those wanting to be involved may contact Devon Goings devon.goings [at] ucumberlands.edu  

For those passionate about the field of education and would like to discuss career information and education tips with other students. If you would like to join, contact Kayla Hibbard kayla.hibbard [at] ucumberlands.edu  

As an extension of the Department of Campus Recreation, the Fishing Club’s mission is to achieve the highest standards for its members.  The Club encourages all members to compete and respect others.  The Club strives to provide a variety of opportunities for all students to become a member.  The Club focuses on the seven dimensions of health and wellness; spiritual, physical, emotional, occupational, intellectual, environmental and social. The Club’s overall goal is to continuously create and provide a competitive, safe, and enjoyable atmosphere that encourages civility, teamwork and leadership development, as well as, a lifelong pattern of positive recreational activity regardless of physical ability.

For students that enjoy the hobby of fishing. If you would like to join, contact Josh Hatfield at josh.hatfield [at] ucumberlands.edu  

Cumberlands Campus Girl Scouts promotes female leadership, empowerment, and advancement, both on campus and in our surrounding community. Through volunteering and personal leadership growth, Cumberlands Campus Girl Scouts builds a community of women who propel the global Girl Scout Movement forward and make the world a better place.

The HSB (Hutton School of Business) Business Club is for any student that is interested in the world of business and would like to gain more insight of what it takes to successfully lead a business. The purpose of the Business Club shall be to provide opportunities for college students to develop greater 1) professional competencies, 2) leadership skills, 3) communication skills, 4) involvement in campus and community service, and 5) social connections with campus and community colleagues. Active membership will result in greater understanding of business, accounting, and related occupations. Ultimately, the Business Club will promote a sense of civic and personal responsibility. You also strengthen your skills networking with other students. 

If you would like to get involved contact Jake Brock, Daniel Kanyam, or Laura Brock jake.brock [at] ucumberlands.edu Daniel.kanyam [at] ucumberlands.edu laura.brock [at] ucumberlands.edu  

For those that are involved and studying the field of Human Services and would like to connect with other students that are also involved in human services. For more information contact Jenifer Knuckles jenifer.knuckles [at] ucumberlands.edu  

The University of the Cumberlands is sponsored by the Kentucky Education Association- Student Program. We unite, organize, and empower members to advocate for themselves to ensure a quality public education for every Kentucky student.

For more information contact Alex Deaton alex.deaton [at] ucumberlands.edu  

This club seeks to enrich the knowledge of mathematics and physics for its members through lectures, field trips, and other special projects. To develop an appreciation of the power and beauty possessed by mathematics and physics due, mainly, to its demand for logical and rigorous modes of thought. To act as an informative aid into graduate education and other career possibilities in mathematics and physics. To aid in recruitment of prospective students into the mathematics and physics programs at the University of the Cumberlands.  

Those wanting to join may contact James Manning james.manning [at] ucumberlands.edu  

This club is for those that are passionate about mental health and would like to help the community by providing resources and support for their mental health. 

Goals include:

  • To advocate for student behavioral health.
  • To increase student awareness of services and resources that are available to them at UC and in the community. To decrease the stigma surrounding behavioral health.
  • To offer behavioral health education and prevention-oriented programing to the UC campus community. 
  • To create a support system among students, staff, and faculty for students experiencing mental health issues. 

Provides learning and development for both mentors and mentees. Provides socializing skills and personal support for a successful career. Those wanting to join may contact Jacob Ratliff at jacob.ratliff [at] ucumberlands.edu 

Orientation leaders help our first-time students and transfer students get to know Cumberlands over the summer through the Summer Orientation program. Orientation Leaders will assist staff with summer orientation planning, run sessions, and build relationships with future Patriots! This summer leadership program is an exceptional group of students committed to the success of University of the Cumberlands and prospective students. An application is required for consideration.

For more information contact Micki Davis at micki.davis [at] ucumberlands.edu  

The Patriot is the official student newspaper of the University of the Cumberlands. Established in 2003, The Patriot produces award-winning student journalism, which chronicles and documents campus life at the University of Cumberlands, while providing a meaningful, encouraging, collaborative learning environment for students. The Patriot staff represents a diverse student population and variety of roles, ranging from editors, to photographers, to writers, multimedia editors and graphic designers. The print edition of The Patriot is produced bi-weekly (every two weeks) with over 2,000 copies of each issue available to campus readers free of charge. There is also an online version of The Patriot with content regularly created to be exclusive to the website. The Patriot currently holds membership with the College Media Association, Associated Collegiate Press and the Kentucky Press Association. There are many opportunities to get involved at The Patriot, regardless of a student’s major or program or study. For more information about joining our staff, please email @thepatriot [at] ucumberlands.edu (thepatriot[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu).

The Physical Therapy Club seeks to promote the interests and serve the needs of the students who are interested in or planning to pursue a degree in Physical Therapy. To advocate for physical therapy practice. To increase student awareness of services and resources that are available to them at UC and in the community. To promote the benefit and need of physical therapy practice. To offer physical therapy education and clinical relevance to the UC campus and surrounding community. To create a support system among students, staff, and faculty for students within the UC DPT program. 

Those wanting more information can contact Steve Hammons at steve.hammons [at] ucumberlands.edu (steve[dot]hammons[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu).

The Pre-Health club is for undergraduate students interested in applying to a professional graduate program in the areas of Physician Assistant, Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy, Dentistry, or Veterinary medicine. Students in the club can network with other students with similar career goals.  We also bring in outside speakers and admissions recruiters from area professional schools, and give advice on how to study for entrance exams and to apply to a graduate program. Those wanting to join may contact Lisa Lyford at lisa.lyford [at] ucumberlands.edu  

The Psychology club is an organization run by Psychology students (majors and minors) to raise awareness of Psychology related issues, build community, and serve the greater community.

For more information contact Jane Whitaker at jane.whitaker [at] ucumberlands.edu  

The Student Government Association (SGA) is dedicated to giving students a voice on campus by being an organization that provides for the concerns of students and serves as the liaison between the students and University administrators. 

For more information contact Lisa Bartam at lisa.bartam [at] cumberlands.edu or Chris O’Dell at chris.odell [at] ucumberlands.edu  

The Learning Commons complements the University of the Cumberlands’ commitment to a strong academic program by offering supplemental services through peer tutoring, without discrimination or cost, to any enrolled University of the Cumberlands student in any program or discipline offered. 

For more information contact Sarah Nichter at sarah.nichter [at] ucumberlands.edu  

As an extension of the Department of Campus Recreation, the Frisbee Club’s mission is to achieve the highest standards for its members.  The Club encourages all members to compete and respect others.  The Club strives to provide a variety of opportunities for all students to become a member.  The Club focuses on the seven dimensions of health and wellness; spiritual, physical, emotional, occupational, intellectual, environmental and social. The Club’s overall goal is to continuously create and provide a competitive, safe, and enjoyable atmosphere that encourages civility, teamwork and leadership development, as well as, a lifelong pattern of positive recreational activity regardless of physical ability.

For students that enjoy playing ultimate frisbee. If you would like to join, contact Josh Hatfield at josh.hatfield [at] ucumberlands.edu 

Group of students standing on stage

National Honor Societies

The Purpose of Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society shall be to function as an honor and professional society for students of the biological sciences. It is a society for students, particularly undergraduates, dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research. Its activities shall be designed to stimulate interest, scholarly attainment, and investigation in the biological sciences, and to promote the dissemination of information and new interpretations among students of the life sciences. http://www.tribeta.org 

Those wanting to join may contact Heather Eisler at heather.eisler [at] ucumberlands.edu 

The mission of Sigma Beta Delta is to encourage and recognize scholarship and accomplishment among students of business, management and administration, and to encourage and promote aspirations toward personal and professional improvement and a life distinguished by honorable service to humankind.  Sigma Beta Delta was established to honor students who have attained superior records in business programs in schools and colleges with regional accreditation. For more information contact Jane Carter at jane.carter [at] ucumberlands.edu   

Gamma Sigma Epsilon is a national chemistry honor society founded in 1919 at Davidson College. The original fraternity was created to promote academic excellence and undergraduate research scholarship in chemistry. In 1931 the fraternity went co-ed and became an honor society. Today there are over seventy active Gamma Sigma Epsilon chapters throughout the United States. The Society is governed by a National Executive Council of elected officers and meets in biennial conventions for the purpose of governance, fellowship, and scientific exchange. Those wanting to join may contact Julie Tan at julie.tan [at] ucumberlands.edu 

Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), International Honor Society in Education, was founded in 1911 to foster excellence in education and promote fellowship among those dedicated to teaching. For over a century, the Society has consistently grown, starting with a local chapter to become the international organization it is today, with an initiated membership that exceeds 1.2 million! For more information contact Kayla Hibbard at kayla.hibbard [at] ucumberlands.edu  

Sigma Tau Delta is an honors society that confers distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies; Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities; Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing; Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members; Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and Serve society by fostering literacy. To be eligible for the society, students must complete at least two English courses beyond Composition I and II, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and exhibit a love for literature. Induction into the Delta Upsilon chapter acknowledges high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies. Sigma Tau Delta provides, through its local chapters, a society that endeavors to encourage a love of literature on campus and in the surrounding community. 

Those wanting to join may contact Dr. Brittany Nantz at brittany.nantz [at] ucumberlands.edu

Pi Kappa Delta is a national forensics honorary that is dedicated to promote citizenship through the promotion of ethical, humane, and inclusive communication and educational practices; supports comprehensive approaches to forensics pedagogy and practice; encourages the creation of professional development opportunities for forensic educators; and seeks to expand access to intercollegiate speech and debate activities. For more than 100 years, its 80,000 members have pursued “The Art of Persuasion, Beautiful and Just.” In addition to its civic engagement and advocacy activities, Pi Kappa Delta hosts a comprehensive national tournament each year, sponsors a professional development conference and publishes a scholarly journal (The Forensic), as well as a quarterly newsletter (The Key). Although originally founded to serve smaller four-year Baccalaureate institutions, Pi Kappa Delta now welcomes undergraduate chapters from any degree-granting institution. Lifetime individual memberships are also available, whether or not the institution currently has an active chapter. 

Those wanting to join may contact Justin Durbin at justin.durbin [at] ucumberlands.edu 

To recognize outstanding scholarship. To increase the knowledge and appreciation of Americans for the cultural contributions of the French-speaking world and to stimulate and encourage French cultural activities. For more information visit http://www.pideltaphi.org/#!constitution/co6b 

Those wanting to join may contact Laura Dennis at laura.dennis [at] ucumberlands.edu 

Alpha Lambda Delta's mission is to "encourage superior academic achievement, to promote intelligent living and continued high standard of learning, and to assist students in recognizing and developing meaningful goals for their unique roles in society for first year college students. Membership is open to full-time first-year students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 for their first semester as a UC student. 

Those wanting to join may contact Micki Davis at micki.davis [at] ucumberlands.edu 

Eta Beta Rho was founded in 1960 by the National Association of Professors of Hebrew in American Institutions of Higher Learning in order to encourage high achievement in Hebrew studies. The Association continues to act as sponsor for the Society and appoints a national Coordinator of Eta Beta Rho. The mission includes: 
To recognize outstanding attainments in study of Hebrew language and literature; to stimulate study and research in this field; and to promote an understanding and appreciation of the culture of Israel. For more information visit http://www.naphhebrew.org/eta-beta-rho. 

Those wanting to join my contact Ryan Hanley at ryan.hanely [at] ucumberlands.edu 

We are a professional society whose mission is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. We seek to bring students and teachers together for intellectual and social exchanges, to promote the study of history through encouraging research, good teaching, publication, and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. See more at: http://phialphatheta.org/missionstatement#sthash.sJXnQz6C. 

Those wanting to join may contact Stephanie Lawton at stephanie.lawton [at] ucumberlands.edu

Kappa Mu Epsilon is a specialized honor society in Mathematics. KME was founded in 1931 to promote the interest of mathematics among undergraduate students. The society looks to further the interests of mathematics in those schools which place their primary emphasis on undergraduate programs; to help undergraduate students realize the important role that mathematics has played in the development of civilization; to develop an appreciation of the power and beauty possessed by mathematics, due, mainly, to its demand for logical and rigorous modes of thought; to provide a society for the recognition of outstanding achievement in the study of mathematics at the undergraduate level; to disseminate the knowledge of mathematics and familiarize its members with the current progress in this important area of human interest.

For more information visit https://www.kappamuepsilon.org/ 

Those wanting to join may contact Jonathan Ramey at jonathan.ramey [at] ucumberlands.edu 

Sigma Pi Sigma exists to honor outstanding scholarships in physics, to encourage interest in physics among students at all levels, to promote an attitude of service, and to provide fellowship of persons who have excelled in physics. Election is a lifelong membership and includes a one-year complimentary membership in the Society of Physics Students (SPS). Those wanting to join may contact James Manning at james.manning [at] ucumberlands.edu 

Psi Chi is an international honor society whose purpose shall be to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology. Those wanting to join may contact Dr. Jane Whitaker at jane.whitaker [at] ucumberlands.edu (jane[dot]whitaker[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu)

This organization is the national honor society for academic studies in Religion and Theology, and it exists to encourage, recognize, and maintain excellence in such studies within baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate degree programs, but also within the academic profession more broadly understood. http://www.thetaalphakappa.net/  Those wanting to join may contact Dr. Jefferson Calico at jefferson.calico [at] ucumberlands.edu (jefferson[dot]calico[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu)

This society seeks to honor those who excel in the study of the Spanish language and in the study of the literature and culture of the Spanish-speaking world; To foster an understanding, appreciation and respect for the peoples, cultures and societies of the Spanish-speaking world; To honor those who have promoted and reinforced a better understanding of the contributions of the Spanish-speaking world;
 To serve its membership in support of the Society’s goals and ideals.

The purposes of this society are: 

  • To honor those who attain excellence in the study of the Spanish language and in the study of the literature and culture of the Spanish-speaking peoples; 
  • To honor those who have made the Hispanic contributions to modern culture better known in the English-speaking world; 
  • To encourage college and university students to acquire a greater interest in and a deeper understanding of Hispanic culture; 
  • To foster friendly relations and mutual respect between the nations of Hispanic speech and those of English speech; 
  • To serve its membership in ways which will contribute to the attainment of the goals and ideals of the society.  

Those wanting to join may contact Jenifer Marsh jenifer.marsh [at] ucumberlands.edu 

Alpha Psi Omega serves to provide acknowledgement to those demonstrating a high standard of accomplishment in theatre and, through the expansion of ALPHA PSI OMEGA among colleges and universities, providing a wider fellowship for those interested in theatre. 

Phi Alpha Theta helps to promote the study of history through encouraging research, good teaching, publication, and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. 

Student leading group of children

Ministries and Outreach

Appalachian Ministries began in the 1970s when a group of UC students went out into the communities surrounding the university and saw the great needs all around them. Motivated to share the love, hope, and message of Jesus, AM was formed out of the scriptural basis of 1 John 3:18. (AM) engages children in the local community for Christ by providing weekly programming in partnership with local churches. AM students develop and lead a weekly program that includes Bible lessons, craft, snack, and music. In addition to programming throughout the academic year, AM offers a summer missionary team that equips students with real-life ministry skills.

Those wanting to join may contact Rachel Lowder at rachel.lowder [at] ucumberlands.edu 

(CM) Campus Ministries at University of the Cumberlands exists to exalt Christ on campus and beyond. Our mission is that all campus community members would be presented opportunities to know Christ as Lord and Savior, grow as worshippers of the one, true God and disciples of Christ, and go on mission for Him on campus and in their future communities. Students in the Christian Leader program receive training to help equip them to accomplish this mission through service in ministries that match passions and calling for Kingdom impact.

Those wanting to join may contact Jacob Ratliff at jacob.ratliff [at] ucumberlands.edu  

(FCA) serves as a point of connection for student athletes to develop community and explore their faith. Bi-weekly meetings seek to encourage athletes through a time of fellowship followed by biblical teaching and group discussion. FCA also seeks to engage student athletes in their context by developing team-specific student-led Bible studies.

For more information contact Matthew Plementosh at 606-539-4343. 

Mountain Outreach (MO) is a practical needs ministry designed to engage Southeastern Kentucky through showing the love of Christ. Students serving in MO receive hands-on training in meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of their neighbors. Opportunities include home repair, adding accessibility features such as ramps to homes, partnership with other community organizations, and engagement in disaster relief efforts.

Those wanting to be involved may contact Rocky Brown at rocky.brown [at] ucumberlands.edu