Cumberland University

Cumberland University is a private university in Lebanon, Tennessee. It was founded in 1842, though the current campus buildings were constructed between 1892 and 1896.

The university was founded by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 1842 and received its Tennessee State charter in 1843. In 1847 Cumberland Presbyterian church leaders added a law school, the first in Tennessee and the first west of the Appalachian Mountains, and in 1854 a school of theology was begun.

The original building, designed by Philadelphia architect William Strickland, housed schools of art, law and theology. It was burned by the Union Army during the American Civil War.[2]

Following the war, the university's faculty included former Confederate general A. P. Stewart. He taught there during his post-Civil War Unionparole.

For 177 years, Cumberland University has been committed to preparing students for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and growth. Throughout our long history, we've continued to evolve and rise. From the very ashes of the Civil War, we have expanded our campus, broadened our academic programs, added new living and learning facilities, and graduated some of the most respected and influential leaders in our state and nation's histories.

Recognized as one of the fastest-growing liberal arts universities in the state of Tennessee, Cumberland University continues to transform to meet the needs of our expanding community. We’ve enhanced our science labs, improved our sports arena and athletic fields, and purchased land to construct a new multi-use living and learning facility.