Cumberlands Celebrates Its Newest Alumni

Everyone at University of the Cumberlands wishes heartfelt congratulations to all graduates in the Class of 2025!

Just over 5,522 students make up this year’s graduating class. Approximately 179 graduates completed an associate degree, 1,176 earned a bachelor’s degree, 3,551 received a master’s degree, 227 completed an educational specialist degree, and 376 earned a doctoral degree.

“Graduates, I urge you to dream big, work hard, make some mistakes, and always be kind. These are the values that have guided me throughout my life, and I believe they can help you too as you embark on your own journey,” said Dr. Larry L. Cockrum, university president, during commencement ceremonies. “Congratulations to the graduates of University of the Cumberlands!”

The Class of 2025 represents students from 49 states and the territories of the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico, as well as 162 countries around the world.

According to the most recent data, approximately 7.4% of all graduates identify as members of underrepresented minority (URM) groups. Among undergraduate students, a little over 27% grew up in Appalachian areas, and just over 17% competed in university athletics. This reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive academic community that supports students from all backgrounds in achieving their educational and professional goals.

The Class of 2025 dedicated 38,946 hours to community service—the equivalent of 4,868 full workdays or 973 weeks of service—leaving a lasting impact through their time and commitment. Cumberlands designates graduates who complete 200 or more hours of community service as Hutton Scholars. This year, 63 graduates earned that distinction.

Two graduates were named Presidential Scholars in recognition of their academic excellence and significant research in their major field of study. Presidential Scholars complete an advanced independent study or creative project, then deliver a thesis and oral presentation to their academic department and a select faculty committee.

Rita Aguye Cots of Barcelona, Spain, and Korbin Jeffery Keith of West Jefferson, Ohio, were named Presidential Scholars for 2025. Rita’s research project was titled “Chemical Recycling of Multilayer and Multifiber Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PET-G) Post-Consumer Products.” Korbin’s project was “Chemical Recycling of Polycarbonate from Post-Consumer Compact Discs.”

This year, 185 graduates qualified as J.T. Vallandingham Scholars, an honor named in memory of a beloved Cumberlands professor. To qualify, students must complete 96 credit hours (with at least 48 at Cumberlands), maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher, and earn a GPA of at least 3.50 in their first 48 credit hours. Students must not have any incomplete courses, except in the case of approved Presidential Scholars research.

Latin honors were awarded as follows:

• Summa Cum Laude (GPA 3.95–4.0): 109 students
• Magna Cum Laude (GPA 3.85–3.94): 84 students
• Cum Laude (GPA 3.70–3.84): 98 students

Each year, University of the Cumberlands distributes campus awards to students nominated by the university community and selected by a faculty committee. This year’s award recipients are:

• A.T. Siler Memorial Service Award – Shelby Wilson, junior, Corbin, Kentucky
• T.E. Mahan Memorial Service Award – Jonah Neal, junior, Corbin, Kentucky
• Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award – Charles Disney, senior, Corbin, Kentucky
• Mary Mildred Sullivan Award – Piper McGuire, senior, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
• Gorman Jones Campus Leadership Award – LeeAnna McNulty, senior, Honaker, Virginia
• T.J. Roberts Campus Leadership Award – Owen Mirolsky Scala, senior, Poland, Maine

Campus award recipients, Hutton Scholars, Latin honors students, Presidential Scholars, and J.T. Vallandingham Scholars were recognized during undergraduate commencement ceremonies.

For many in attendance, Friday and Saturday marked one of the few days they had spent on campus during their academic journey at Cumberlands. The university’s online programs are designed with both quality and flexibility in mind, helping students from all backgrounds feel just as connected to Cumberlands as their on-campus peers.

Two such students who participated in Saturday’s undergraduate ceremony were Rochelle Perdue and Betsy Neer, each with a story decades in the making.

At 76 years old, Rochelle Perdue crossed the graduation stage nearly six decades after first enrolling at what was then Cumberland College. In 1966, she broke barriers as the first African American student to live in campus housing. Although life led her in a different direction—including marriage, a 32-year career in banking, and raising a family—her dream of earning a degree never faded. On Saturday, Rochelle walked the stage to celebrate the completion of her Bachelor of Science in General Studies. She currently lives in Toledo, Ohio.

At 78, Betsey Neer earned the distinction of being Cumberlands’ most experienced graduate. She beamed with joy throughout the ceremony, chatting with fellow graduates and offering encouragement and wisdom. A resident of Burlington, Kentucky, Betsey completed her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Betsey recently retired from the Department of the Treasury as a Senior Information Technology Specialist after 30 years. 

Rochelle and Betsey’s walks across the stage were more than just moments of celebration—they were powerful reminders that it’s never too late to finish what you started!