University of the Cumberlands Celebrates Spring 2026 Graduation

University of the Cumberlands celebrated its Spring 2026 Commencement on May 1–2, honoring more than 3,170 students who completed associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.

Among this year’s graduates, approximately 180 earned associate degrees, 852 earned bachelor’s degrees, 1,642 earned master’s degrees, 121 earned educational specialist degrees, and 379 earned doctoral degrees.

“Our world needs dreamers…those bold enough to challenge what is and imagine what could be,” said President Quentin Young to the graduating students. “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.”

Academic Excellence and Honors

As part of the celebration, University of the Cumberlands recognized 110 undergraduate students as J.T. Vallandingham Scholars, an academic honor awarded for exceptional performance and named in memory of a beloved professor.

Undergraduate students were also honored for outstanding academic achievement through Latin honors:

• 150 graduates earned summa cum laude (3.95–4.0) 
• 139 graduates earned magna cum laude (3.85–3.94) 
• 148 graduates earned cum laude (3.70–3.84) 

In addition, several students were recognized for leadership and service across campus. Annual awards, nominated by the university community and selected by a faculty committee, were presented to:

• Alexis Gilcreast (DeVary) – A.T. Siler Memorial Service Award
• Wendell (Jacob) Canada – T.E. Mahan Memorial Service Award 
• Joseph West – Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award 
• Joy Kendrick – Mary Mildred Sullivan Award 
• Isabella Hammons Watson – Gorman Jones Campus Leadership Award

A Commitment to Service and Leadership

Beyond academics, a defining aspect of the Cumberlands experience is a commitment to servant leadership. All traditional undergraduate students complete at least 40 hours of community service during their academic careers.

The Spring 2026 graduating class collectively completed 34,931 service hours—equivalent to 4,366 eight-hour workdays or approximately 873 full-time workweeks.

Many students exceeded that requirement. This spring, 81 undergraduate students earned Hutton Scholar recognition, an honor awarded to those who completed more than 200 documented service hours.

Research, Impact, and Graduate Success

Among this year’s distinguished graduates, Ellison Anne Edgar of Greenville, South Carolina, was named a Presidential Scholar in recognition of her academic excellence and undergraduate research. Her project, “Honor Culture: A Greek Identity,” was conducted under the direction of Nathan Coleman. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a Master of Arts in International Affairs: U.S. Foreign Policy and National Security at American University.

Graduate students also reached significant milestones. Christopher Rodriguez, DBA ’26, is a disabled veteran of the United States Army who served in Afghanistan, Jordan, and South Korea from 2011 to 2016.

Building on his academic work at Cumberlands, Rodriguez published his research, “A Qualitative Exploration of Successful Practices that Small Veteran-Owned Business Owners Use to Hire, Integrate, and Retain Disabled Veterans,” in the Journal of Veterans Studies.

“During my time at University of the Cumberlands, I grew academically and discovered a strong sense of community and purpose,” Rodriguez said. “As a veteran, one of the hardest parts of civilian life is finding your village outside of service. Thanks to Cumberlands, I found mine.”

That sense of connection led to deeper involvement in his field. Rodriguez’s dissertation work opened opportunities with the Veterans Studies Association, where he now serves in leadership roles, including chair of the publications and scholarship committee and advisory board member.

For Rodriguez, the work carries personal significance.

“I studied disabled veteran employment. It’s a topic I’m really passionate about, so it never felt like a burden,” he said. “Getting my dissertation published made me feel great because I know what I am doing is for veterans. I definitely recommend the DBA program to other veterans looking to expand their knowledge and make an impact.”

As the Spring 2026 graduates move forward, they carry the knowledge and skills gained at University of the Cumberlands, a commitment to servant leadership, and a passion for meaningful impact. Wherever their paths lead, they join a global community of alumni dedicated to making a difference in their professions and communities.