Alumni Spotlight

Katie Houck Barnes

 

My name is Katie Barnes, and I am a proud Church Music Alum from UC. From the moment I stepped foot on campus, I knew that UC was the right school for me. From the administration, to faculty and student body, I immediately felt at home. Cumberland changed me. I grew in my faith, gained knowledge that I use today, made life-long friends, met my husband, and became more keen on listening to God’s call on my life. Studying church music at UC was a challenge but one that I wouldn’t change if I had the chance. Music opened the door for me to earn my masters and have many opportunities to lead worship. I currently live in Beckley, WV where my husband, Nathan is worship leader at Cross Point Church. Every week I sing in our praise team, help plan worship sets, and help with the choir as we seek to blend traditional hymns and anthems with modern day messages and styles. I know that I would not be as effective and equipped for this amazing call if not for the time I spent at UC. I owe a lot of my character, diligence, knowledge, and discipline to the mentorship of the music faculty at Cumberland. A college degree is not a golden ticket, but it will stretch you and open doors for God to use you in ways you could have never dreamed on your own.