{"id":21433,"date":"2024-06-22T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-22T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/lebanon\/?p=21433"},"modified":"2026-04-28T16:10:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T16:10:23","slug":"president-stumb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/lebanon\/president-stumb\/","title":{"rendered":"President Stumb"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A<\/strong>S THE president of Cumberland University for the last nine years, Dr. Paul Stumb has become an important figure both on campus and within the broader Lebanon community. President Stumb recently shared with us his insights, accomplishments, and vision for the future of Cumberland University.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Born and raised in Nashville, Stumb has close ties to Middle Tennessee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI came back here about 20 years ago,\u201d he said, highlighting his extensive experiences in various states and countries. His return was not just a professional move but a personal one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have parents in their 90s living in Nashville and a large extended family in the area,\u201d he added, emphasizing the joy of reconnecting with his roots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cumberland University is an integral part of Lebanon, a town with a population of about 40,000.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are fully integrated into the fabric of not just Lebanon but Wilson County, and we see our reach even in the greater Middle Tennessee area,\u201d Stumb explained. This connection is further evidenced by the university\u2019s close relationship with local government officials, including Cumberland\u2019s current mayor and former history professor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stumb\u2019s approach to leadership focuses heavily on people. \u201cI try to spend the majority of my time focusing on people and their wants and needs,\u201d he noted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This includes students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and community members. His emphasis on personal connections is a cornerstone of his presidency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under Stumb\u2019s leadership, Cumberland University has seen remarkable growth. Since he took office in 2015, the university\u2019s enrollment has doubled from 1,500 to 3,100 students.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur growth has really fueled our ability to advance as an institution. We\u2019ve been able to hire more people and further our reach into the community,\u201d he said. This growth is not just in numbers but also in the university\u2019s financial health.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve dramatically increased our endowment, reduced our debt, and expanded our campus footprint,\u201d he highlighted, crediting the efforts of many of his talented teams. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cumberland University boasts a diverse student population, with students from 59 of Tennessee\u2019s 95 counties, 38 U.S. states, and 49 countries. Stumb is particularly proud of this diversity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur students get to interact with peers from all over the world,\u201d he said, describing the university as a melting pot of different perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cumberland\u2019s commitment to critical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork is what makes it so successful, according to Stumb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe believe that critical thinking is important, and we try to imbue elements of it throughout our curriculum,\u201d Stumb explained. The university also emphasizes the importance of communication skills and the ability to work effectively in teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This holistic approach is evident from day one, with new students enrolled in Foundations of Scholarship and Learning classes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe put them in a class with students from very different backgrounds and encourage them to work together collaboratively,\u201d he said, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the interconnected world they\u2019ll experience while at Cumberland and beyond their time as a Phoenix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stumb compares Cumberland to an aircraft carrier, highlighting a unique ecosystem that includes housing, dining, and an opportunity to take care of the students\u2019 physical and mental health. This analogy underscores the university\u2019s role as a self-contained community that also engages deeply with the surrounding area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe have a large number of commuter students from the Middle Tennessee market,\u201d he noted, mentioning the university\u2019s efforts to reach out to local high schools through dual enrollment and early college programs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stumb remains optimistic about Cumberland University\u2019s future despite the looming challenges facing higher education.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe know that there\u2019s an imminent enrollment cliff many are facing, but we believe that we\u2019re in a little bit of an insulated environment from that,\u201d he said. The popularity of Middle Tennessee as a destination for families and professionals alike provides a steady influx of potential students, faculty, and staff. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cumberland\u2019s success is also reflected in its recognition within the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLast year, Cumberland was number one in terms of enrollment growth out of all 36 institutions,\u201d Stumb proudly shared. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEverything in life is about the people,\u201d Stumb said, underscoring his dedication to fostering a supportive and vibrant community at Cumberland University. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Stumb continues to lead Cumberland University, his commitment to growth, diversity, and community integration promises to sustain and enhance the institution\u2019s impact for years to come. His leadership enriches the lives of those on campus and strengthens the ties between the university and the broader Middle Tennessee community. GN <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

AS THE president of Cumberland University for the last nine years, Dr. Paul Stumb has become an important figure both on campus and within the broader Lebanon community. 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