LEBANON, Tenn.– Cumberland University Vice President of Athletics and Facilities Ron Pavan sat down with College.town's Anthony Grassi at the 2026 NACDA Convention to discuss the continued growth of Cumberland Athletics, facility development and the department's vision for the future.

Under Pavan's leadership, Cumberland Athletics has expanded to 37 varsity and junior varsity programs, with five new programs coming online this year. Pavan said that growth is expected to continue, but emphasized the importance of making sure facilities and resources are in place before adding additional sports.

"You got to take your time," Pavan said. "You got to raise the money, then add the sport."

Pavan also discussed what he believes has become Cumberland's niche in college athletics: developing successful students first and athletes second. He pointed to the department's consistent academic success while also competing for conference and national championships.

"We found the niche where you're a student and then an athlete," Pavan said. "We've won a lot of conference and national titles, but we're producing people that are in the workforce. That's our niche — you're going to be a student-athlete and you're going to be successful in life."

With Cumberland Athletics continuing to grow toward 900 student-athletes, Pavan said his priorities remain competing for championships, improving facilities and ensuring the department's growth supports the University's mission.

"I want our student-athletes to know that they can come back and they're proud 10 years from now, five years from now," Pavan said. "If we're not transforming lives, then I'm not doing a good job at Cumberland."

Watch the full conversation at https://youtu.be/KAHPKooGvpg?si=zOM0-lUcgu3dL3X-.