University of the Cumberlands Faculty and Staff Pats Serve Day Engages 300+ Volunteers in Community Service

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 Williamsburg, Kentucky community and surrounding tri-county region. 

More than 317 volunteers completed 23+ 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, community engagement, and student-centered impact. 

What is Pats Serve at University of the Cumberlands?  

The Pats Serve program connects students, faculty, staff, and alumni with community partners to meet local needs through hands-on service. While traditionally focused on student involvement, this year’s event expanded participation by highlighting the role of faculty and staff in advancing the university’s mission of service. 

As a university serving more than 23,000 students nationwide, Cumberlands draws faculty and staff from across the country. By hosting the event just one day before commencement, the university created a strategic opportunity for employees already on campus to engage directly with the local community. 

Faculty and Staff Step Away to Serve 

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

“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 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.” 

Students Continue the Culture of Service 

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. 

Students Continue the Culture of Service 

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.