University of the Cumberlands President Dr. James Taylor announces retirement

Dr. James Taylor, long-time president of the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, announced his plans to retire during a faculty meeting Friday at the iconic Gatliff Chapel on campus.

Friday was a happy day for University of the Cumberlands’ President Dr. James Taylor as evidenced by the smiley face t-shirts on podiums around him, the smiley face tie he was wearing and the yellow smiley face projected on the screen behind him.

After nearly 37 years as the institution’s leader, Taylor announced Friday afternoon that he was stepping down as president, and that he had chosen Dr. Larry Cockrum as his replacement.

"This should be a season of celebration because it is not a funeral. It is a new day dawning, a time of celebration," Taylor said.

"I’ve been on this campus for 51 years, can you imagine that? It’s time. I’m tired. People used to tell me you will know when it is time to retire. Believe me it is time for new and energetic leadership and Larry can do that for us."

Taylor made the announcement during an address to faculty and staff gathered in the Gatliff Chapel.

"I know you would probably rather be somewhere else at three o’clock on a Friday evening but I thought you’d been hearing a rumor going around and I’d better go dispel it," Taylor said opening his remarks.

"The rumor that is going around is that I am going to step down from the presidency, and I am here to tell you that is absolutely true."

Taylor said that he would formally ask the board of trustees during their semi-annual meeting on Oct. 16, to name Cockrum as Chief Executive Officer and President-Elect of the University of the Cumberlands.

For the next year, Taylor will retain the president’s title and plans to reside at his home in Florida. During that time he plans to assist Cockrum in "friend raising" and "fund raising" by introducing him to donors across the country, and assisting in providing a smooth transition in any way that he can.

Cockrum will receive a seven-year contract from the board and will assume the role of President on Oct. 16, 2015. On that date Taylor will assume the title of Chancellor with the responsibilities of assisting Cockrum as requested.

Taylor has the longest tenure as president of a college or university in Kentucky with 35 years of service as president.
He is also believed to be – if he is not already – one of the longest serving presidents of a college or university in America with the exception of Dr. Norman C. Francis, President of Xavier University in New Orleans, who is retiring in June, 2015.
During Taylor’s tenure some $300 million dollars were raised and largely spent on Appalachian students and area families through funding for scholarships and workshops for Appalachian mountain students, for the construction of 145 homes for Appalachian families, for the building of hundreds of handicap access ramps for the physically impaired, for the distribution of tons of clothing, for the purchase of food products and food vouchers for area families in need, and for insulating hundreds of homes and repairing roofs.  In addition, every building on campus was either constructed new or renovated; several, in fact, received multiple renovations. Taylor credits the thoughts and support and prayers of Kentucky Baptists and so many other friends for assisting in the raising of these funds

The enrollment has risen from 1,885 to over 5,500 making University of the Cumberlands the largest private college or university in Kentucky. According to Taylor the enrollment growth is largely because of the expertise of Cockrum’s work.
During Taylor’s presidency, the endowment has risen from $6 million to $79 million and the net worth from $14 million to $140 million, after depreciation.

The high visibility from I-75 to the Williamsburg campus and to the Florence, Kentucky campus has vastly improved University of the Cumberlands recognition and pride of affiliation.

Taylor noted that he conducted the search committee for his replacement, just like Dr. J.M. Boswell, his predecessor, conducted the search for his replacement.

"Dr. Cockrum, in my opinion, has earned the right to be the next president and CEO because of his hard work and his productive work," Taylor noted. "He has delivered and will deliver. He is more than a talker. He is a guy, who gets results. He has increased our student enrollment already by about 4,000 students. Thank you Larry."

Taylor said there is no question in his mind that Cockrum will take the university to a much higher level in the years to come.
Taylor said that his job as chancellor would be to merely do what Cockrum asks him to do to the best of his abilities about one week per month.

In closing his remarks, Taylor compared Cumberlands to a big jet sitting on the tarmac ready to take off, and said he could give 10 reasons why things at the University are going to get better and get better quickly.

"We are going to watch with a great deal of satisfaction and a favorable outlook on what I believe will be unprecedented growth at this institution," Taylor said. "Larry, I have great confidence in you. Thank you everyone for your assistance, thoughts prayers and support during my tenure. It is now important to me to hand off the torch to the next generation. Congratulations Larry."

After making his announcement, Taylor stepped off stage and shook hands with is successor, whom he received a hug from before walking out of the auditorium waving to the staff as the Pherrell Williams song "Happy" played over the speakers.
Cockrum took the stage only briefly to address the crowd after Taylor left the room, saying simply, "Folks, I hope I can fill half his shoes."

Cockrum was born in Wichita, Kansas on Jan. 8, 1951. During his academic career, Cockrum achieved several degrees and honors, including: a Bachelor’s degree in Science Education from College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri; a Master’s degree in Science Education from Missouri State University; a Doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University; and a Post-Graduate certification from Harvard University.

Cockrum has served as Vice President for Academic Affairs at University of the Cumberlands since 2007. Previous to his experiences at UC, Cockrum served as Dean of Administration, Dean of Students, and Executive Director of the Keeter Center for Character Education at College of the Ozarks.

Cockrum and his wife of 42 years, Dixie, have four children: Jason, Nicholas, Lindsey, Cassie and one grandchild, Cora.

They are members of First Baptist Church in Williamsburg.

Dr. Barbara Kennedy will be replacing Cockrum as Vice President for Academic Affairs.