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Cumberland University

Community Engagement
 

Building Connections Beyond Campus

At Cumberland University, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom and competition—it’s about serving others and building lasting relationships within our community. Through intentional programs and outreach, our student-athletes and staff are actively engaged in making a positive impact in Lebanon, Wilson County, and beyond.

Our Commitment

We are dedicated to fostering leadership, compassion, and connection through various community-centered initiatives. Whether it's serving in local schools, supporting city-wide events, or building leadership within our teams, we aim to model the values of GRIT—Growth, Resiliency, Integrity, and Tenacity.

Featured Initiatives

Leadership Day

Each year, Cumberland Athletics hosts two Leadership Days—one in the fall for fall sport student-athletes, and one in the spring for winter/spring teams. The day begins with a series of interactive speaker-led sessions covering topics such as servant leadership, safety, and academic success.

Leadership Day is designed to help freshmen acclimate to college life and for returning athletes to refocus their leadership mindset. After the sessions, teams take to the community for service projects, demonstrating their commitment to servant leadership. Past speakers have included:

Reading Day

Each March, our student-athletes participate in Reading Day with the Lebanon Special School District. This initiative brings athletes into local elementary classrooms to read books and share the joy of learning with young students.

In 2025, 86 student-athletes from various Phoenix teams visited five local elementary schools—Byars Dowdy, Jones Brummett, Sam Houston, Castle Heights, and Coles Ferry Elementary. Reading Day is a cornerstone of our outreach efforts, reinforcing the importance of education and mentorship through storytelling.

Ongoing Engagement

  • Youth Clinics & Camps

    We host athletic camps for youth in the community, giving children a chance to develop skills and interact with positive role models.

  • Game Day

    Local youth teams, first responders, and school groups are regularly honored at Phoenix home games. Cumberland Basketball has hosted a Kid’s Day the last two seasons where the teams invite all the elementary school kids to a game during midday school hours.

  • Volunteerism

    Student-athletes and staff regularly engage in volunteer projects supporting nonprofits, civic groups, and local events.