OpenFieldCumberland University
Cumberland University is a historic private university founded in 1842 in Lebanon, Tennessee, recognized for its Jeanette C. Rudy School of Nursing, Labry School of Business, forensic science, and legal studies.
Academic overview & excellence
Chartered in 1842, Cumberland University is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Tennessee. Located just east of Nashville, Cumberland provides comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs across three schools: the Jeanette C. Rudy School of Nursing & Health Professions, the Labry School of Science, Technology & Business, and the School of Humanities, Education & the Arts. Notable alumni include U.S. Supreme Court justices, Nobel Peace Prize recipient Cordell Hull, and dozens of governors and members of Congress.
Research admissions & criteria
Undergraduate freshman admissions evaluate high school GPA (minimum 3.0 recommended) and optional ACT/SAT scores. Nursing admission requires completion of prerequisite sciences with a minimum 3.0 GPA and satisfactory score on the TEAS exam. International applicants require TOEFL iBT 70 or IELTS 6.0.
Verified opportunities & funding programs (9)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Professional Program
CCNE-accredited professional nursing program boasting above 95% first-time NCLEX pass rates, with clinical placements throughout Nashville healthcare systems.
Master of Science in Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Management
Applied graduate curriculum in machine learning enterprise integration, IT governance, cloud security compliance, and big data infrastructure for the Nashville tech sector.
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science and Criminalistics
Rigorous interdisciplinary program combining organic chemistry, DNA profiling, crime scene reconstruction, and forensic ballistics in partnership with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Cumberland University Cordell Hull Presidential Fellowship
Named in honor of alumnus Cordell Hull (father of the United Nations), this competitive fellowship is awarded to top-ranking students in history, legal studies, and public policy.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Management
Flexible accelerated MBA training professionals in healthcare financial strategy, medical supply chain operations, and hospital regulatory compliance.
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Athletic Conditioning
Prepares students for careers in clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and direct entry into physical therapy and occupational therapy graduate schools.
Master of Public Service Management and Non-Profit Leadership
Designed for civic leaders, law enforcement administrators, and non-profit executives seeking expertise in public budgeting, grant writing, and community development.
Forensic DNA Profiling and Toxicological Chromatography Research Grant
Research grant supporting mass spectrometry characterization of novel synthetic fentanyl analogues and low-template forensic DNA extraction from aged skeletal remains.
Undergraduate Tennessee Promise and Dual Enrollment Pathways Bursary
Enables Tennessee high school graduates to complete an accredited Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree at Cumberland tuition-free through the state scholarship program.
Distinguished faculty & researchers (4)
Dr. Paul C. Stumb
President of Cumberland University and Professor of Management · Office of the President
Dr. Paul C. Stumb has served as President of Cumberland University since 2015, overseeing historic enrollment growth, nursing clinical expansion, and campus infrastructure modernization.
Dr. Cathy R. Conley
Dean of Jeanette C. Rudy School of Nursing & Health Professions · Jeanette C. Rudy School of Nursing
Dr. Cathy Conley leads the nursing school, specializing in high-fidelity patient simulation, clinical competency benchmarks, and rural health outreach programs across Middle Tennessee.
Dr. Sarah Pierce
Associate Professor of Chemistry and Forensic Science Program Director · Labry School of Science, Technology & Business
Dr. Sarah Pierce directs the forensic science program, conducting analytical chemistry research into drug detection thresholds, forensic evidence validation, and undergraduate lab pedagogy.
Dr. C. William McKee
Executive Vice President and Professor of Public Service Management · School of Humanities, Education & the Arts
Dr. C. William McKee has dedicated decades to higher education leadership, publishing extensively on Southern legal history, public service governance, and administrative law.
Editorial & verification standards
Institution profile and program records reflect official documentation verified on 2026-10-15. OpenField is an independent student academic resource and is not formally affiliated with Cumberland University.