Dr. Larry Cockrum Wins 2025 SOAR Appalachian Leadership Award

Dr. Larry L. Cockrum, president of University of the Cumberlands, has been named the 2025 recipient of SOAR’s Appalachian Leadership Award. The recognition honors outstanding leaders whose transformative vision has strengthened the Appalachian region. 

Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR), a nonprofit organization serving the 54 Appalachian Regional Commission counties of Eastern Kentucky, works to “solve the deep-seated issue of population retention and growth in Eastern Kentucky” by investing in existing communities and attracting new residents to drive economic growth and prosperity. 

According to SOAR, the 2025 SOAR Inspires Awards builds on the legacy of the former SOAR Gala, which created space for reflection and celebration. The SOAR Inspires Awards expand that legacy by spotlighting “real impact, courageous leadership, and relentless community-building across our 54-county region.” 

Dr. Quentin Young, president-elect of University of the Cumberlands, introduced Dr. Cockrum as he took the stage to receive the Appalachian Leadership Award. In his remarks, Dr. Young honored Dr. Cockrum’s legacy as he prepares to assume the role of president emeritus. 

“Over the past two decades, Dr. Cockrum has led University of the Cumberlands through a period of remarkable transformation,” said Dr. Young. 

“As he prepares to step into the role of president emeritus, Dr. Cockrum leaves behind a powerful legacy, one defined by access, affordability, and an unwavering commitment to student success.”  

Dr. Cockrum’s transformational leadership ushered in numerous institutional milestones, including the expansion of accessible online graduate and undergraduate programs, student-centered campus renovations, the Cumberlands Commitment, and long-term financial stability for both the university and its employees. 

“When I joined University of the Cumberlands twenty years ago, I believed then, and still do, that this region holds limitless promise,” Dr. Cockrum shared in his acceptance speech. 

Reflecting on university advancements under his leadership, he added, “None of that would have been possible without the incredible people I’ve been privileged to serve alongside—faculty and staff who live the mission every day, who guide, support, and invest in our students with a deep sense of purpose.” 

He also emphasized the university’s alignment with SOAR’s goals. “I’m proud of the role Cumberlands plays in preparing principled, ethical leaders—leaders who remain rooted in their communities but are equipped to succeed in a global economy. Leaders who serve, uplift, and inspire.” 

University of the Cumberlands not only shapes future leaders across the Appalachian region and beyond but also contributes to the local economy in substantial ways. According to a recent economic impact report commissioned by the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU), University of the Cumberlands contributed more than $337 million to Kentucky’s economy during the 2021–2022 fiscal year. AIKCU’s reported figures hold significant meaning for Williamsburg and the surrounding region.