Cockrum to Transition to President Emeritus After Transformational Decade

After a distinguished 20-year tenure at the University of the Cumberlands, including a decade as its  10th president, Dr. Larry L. Cockrum has announced his plan to step away from day-to-day operations at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year. He will transition to President Emeritus,  focusing on strategic projects to advance the university’s growth and innovation.  

Under President Cockrum’s leadership, the university has experienced unprecedented growth,  enhanced its student accessibility, and solidified its financial foundation. Cockrum has been instrumental in transforming the institution into a leader in affordable education, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have access to quality academic programs tailored to workforce demands. 

“As I reflect on UC’s remarkable accomplishments and progress, I feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude,” said President Cockrum. “Of all that we have accomplished, I am most proud of the  way we have remained focused on our students, committed to providing a quality education at an  affordable price, and driven to create academic programs matching workforce demands so our  students leave Cumberlands with job opportunities in hand.”  

Mr. Scott Thompson, Chair of the university’s Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude for  Cockrum’s service, stating, “President Cockrum’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to Cumberlands have transformed this institution into one of Kentucky’s leading universities. His legacy will endure, not just through the milestones he has achieved, but through the countless students, faculty, and staff whose lives he has touched. His work has ensured that  Cumberlands remains a beacon of opportunity for future generations.” 

Cockrum announced his plans at the spring Faculty and Staff meeting, noting his admiration and appreciation for university employees. “I have been blessed to work alongside so many fine people over the years,” he said. “You, the faculty, staff, and employees at Cumberlands are truly the backbone of this institution. Your hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our students have been the driving force behind every success we’ve achieved. It is an honor to be part  of such a remarkable team.” 

The Board of Trustees unanimously voted to name Cockrum to the role of President Emeritus. In this capacity, Cockrum will consult with the university regarding long-range vision and planning,  online educational programs, and other areas. 

“President Cockrum’s steady, transformational leadership has profoundly shaped the University of the Cumberlands,” said Chair Thompson. “As President Emeritus, his experience and wisdom will remain invaluable as we navigate the future. We are grateful for his continued service to the  university and its mission.” 

Cockrum revolutionized access to higher education, particularly through the development and expansion of online degree programs. As Vice President for Academic Affairs, he spearheaded the launch of the university’s first online offerings, including Kentucky’s first fully online master’s program for teachers. This initiative has grown exponentially, with data from the Council for  Postsecondary Education indicating that Cumberlands awarded 31% of all education credentials in Kentucky during the 2023-2024 academic year.  

Under Cockrum’s leadership, enrollment has soared to over 22,000 students, making  Cumberlands the third-largest university in Kentucky and a leader in educational accessibility.  According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, over the last decade, Cumberlands has repeatedly been among the fastest-growing private nonprofit institutions in the nation. 

According to Cockrum, “Cumberlands is different by design. Whether in-seat or online, all our programs are built on a foundation of quality instruction, affordability, and service to students. Our academic programs are rigorous yet student-centered. We believe a meaningful  education offers a variety of learning opportunities and leads to a job and a return on  investment.” 

One of Cockrum’s most significant achievements is the creation of the Cumberlands Commitment,  a transformative initiative to increase the affordability of higher education. In 2019, the university decreased the cost of tuition for on-campus undergraduate students by 57 percent. In 2023, the university launched the groundbreaking One Price Promise, establishing a straightforward tuition price for all students – both on campus and online – that included free textbooks and eliminated all fees.

The latest step in the Cumberlands Commitmentis to make education even more affordable by reducing out-of-pocket costs for students and their families. In the fall of 2024, the university began offering on-campus undergraduate students a combination of new scholarships and forgivable, zero-interest loans. The goal is to decrease total out-of-pocket costs, with full-time students paying, on average, no more than $2,000 per semester to attend Cumberlands. 

“At Cumberlands, we believe everyone deserves equal access to a quality, affordable education,”  said Cockrum. “We believe students should be able to focus on their studies, knowing that financial constraints will not hinder their academic progress. We are committed to providing a clear and affordable path to a college degree. That’s the Cumberlands Commitment.” 

Cockrum has been instrumental in ensuring financial stability for the university and its employees.  Through strategic resource management and the development of new revenue streams, he used enrollment growth to invest in campus programs and facilities. This includes eliminating $38.7  million in long-term debt and achieving a debt-free status in 2022. Under Cockrum’s leadership,  $200 million was raised for new student scholarships and the university’s endowment has grown to over $400 million, providing a robust financial foundation for the future.  

Employee stability has also been a priority for Cockrum. Over his tenure, employees have received bonuses and raises totaling more than 46%, while medical, dental, and vision insurance rates have remained unchanged for 12 years. Remarkably, the university had zero employee layoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating its support for employees even during challenging times.  

In preparation for President Cockrum's transition, the Board of Trustees initiated a succession planning process to ensure a seamless leadership transition. Following extensive discussions,  meetings, and interviews, the Board unanimously voted to appoint a successor from within the university’s administration. 

Dr. Quentin Young, who most recently served as the Executive Vice President for Finance and  CFO, has been named President-elect. Young will officially assume the role of the 11th  President of the University of the Cumberlands on October 16, 2025. 

“I am confident in Dr. Young’s ability to lead this university and look forward to working with him during this time of transition,” said Cockrum. “We are blessed with a strong team of leaders, including our Chancellor, Executive Vice Presidents, and Cabinet members. With their support and Dr. Young’s leadership, I truly believe this is a golden age for the University of the  Cumberlands. Our institution has never been stronger or better positioned for the future.”