To: Board of Trustees at University of the Cumberlands
University of the Cumberlands
Board of Trustees
University of the Cumberlands
Dear Trustees,
For the majority of Alumni, University of the Cumberlands/Cumberland College will always hold a special place in our hearts. The institution has always been a place full of wonderful memories, love, compassion, friendship and so much more.
Cumberlands is a place that has represented growth, outreach and unwavering support for anyone within the campus or local community. Most importantly, Cumberland has always represented a sanctuary where the love of Christ has been passionately shared - to believers and non-believers a like.
The Scripture that is often associated with Cumberlands is “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). And it is a Scripture that has perfectly embodied the spirit of this wonderful institution.
However, in lieu of recent events, it seems as though the compassion and light of the world Cumberlands has represented has since been abandoned.
President Jim Taylor’s Facebook post this past weekend focusing on the resignation of Patriots’ head football coach John Bland took many of us by surprise. Not only because of the unprofessional approach President Taylor took regarding the issue, but also because of the shameful way he attempted to tarnish the reputation of a man and family who gave everything they had to our beloved institution.
Regardless of the circumstances, no person deserves the public ridicule that was handed down by President Taylor. This behavior has detrimental to the reputation of the university and the ethical guidelines of an academic institution.
While this has become the most public display of misconduct directed towards employees/former employees, sadly this is not the first incident. In recent years, elongating lists of grievances from many parties have surfaced.
We do not forget the time, effort and years in which he has donated to the university, but there comes a breaking point in which poor treatment of employees, faculty and staff can no longer be ignored.
Many of us have differentiating opinions regarding the forthcoming steps to be taken by the University/Board of Trustees – yet that is not a decision of our choosing. However, the silence of the University and President Taylor has spoken volumes to many of us – as it seems as though the institution condones/supports this type of behavior.
This letter has been written to you in hopes of improving the reputation of our Alma Mater – a reputation that this unfortunate situation has sadly decimated.
The alumni/future alumni signing this petition have gravely decided that all donations to the university will cease until action is taken. Others that have considered giving in the future will be forced to reconsider.
As part of the Cumberlands’ family, we pray that we can soon return to proudly giving and supporting our beloved institution just as we did before this situation. The love and compassion of the Cumberlands family, students and faculty is too important to allow it to be tarnished by these acts.
Thank you for your time and willingness to read our concerns.
University of the Cumberlands
Dear Trustees,
For the majority of Alumni, University of the Cumberlands/Cumberland College will always hold a special place in our hearts. The institution has always been a place full of wonderful memories, love, compassion, friendship and so much more.
Cumberlands is a place that has represented growth, outreach and unwavering support for anyone within the campus or local community. Most importantly, Cumberland has always represented a sanctuary where the love of Christ has been passionately shared - to believers and non-believers a like.
The Scripture that is often associated with Cumberlands is “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). And it is a Scripture that has perfectly embodied the spirit of this wonderful institution.
However, in lieu of recent events, it seems as though the compassion and light of the world Cumberlands has represented has since been abandoned.
President Jim Taylor’s Facebook post this past weekend focusing on the resignation of Patriots’ head football coach John Bland took many of us by surprise. Not only because of the unprofessional approach President Taylor took regarding the issue, but also because of the shameful way he attempted to tarnish the reputation of a man and family who gave everything they had to our beloved institution.
Regardless of the circumstances, no person deserves the public ridicule that was handed down by President Taylor. This behavior has detrimental to the reputation of the university and the ethical guidelines of an academic institution.
While this has become the most public display of misconduct directed towards employees/former employees, sadly this is not the first incident. In recent years, elongating lists of grievances from many parties have surfaced.
We do not forget the time, effort and years in which he has donated to the university, but there comes a breaking point in which poor treatment of employees, faculty and staff can no longer be ignored.
Many of us have differentiating opinions regarding the forthcoming steps to be taken by the University/Board of Trustees – yet that is not a decision of our choosing. However, the silence of the University and President Taylor has spoken volumes to many of us – as it seems as though the institution condones/supports this type of behavior.
This letter has been written to you in hopes of improving the reputation of our Alma Mater – a reputation that this unfortunate situation has sadly decimated.
The alumni/future alumni signing this petition have gravely decided that all donations to the university will cease until action is taken. Others that have considered giving in the future will be forced to reconsider.
As part of the Cumberlands’ family, we pray that we can soon return to proudly giving and supporting our beloved institution just as we did before this situation. The love and compassion of the Cumberlands family, students and faculty is too important to allow it to be tarnished by these acts.
Thank you for your time and willingness to read our concerns.
Why is this important?
To ensure that the damaged reputation of University of the Cumberlands is restored and action is taken.