Cumberlands Receives New “International Award” from Colleges of Distinction

University of the Cumberlands is committed to putting students’ needs first by providing an education that is affordable, supportive, and distinctive. Cumberlands students currently represent forty-nine countries and hail from all six continents. Cumberlands works diligently to fulfill its mission by providing the support necessary for international students to thrive at UC. 

Colleges of Distinction recently acknowledged Cumberlands’ efforts by awarding the institution the new “international” award, which highlights excellent support services for students from outside of the U.S. Colleges of Distinction says institutions are chosen as recipients because they are committed to “fostering and nurturing the unique skills that international students contribute to the classroom, all while helping them reach their personal and professional aspirations.” 

International students juggle various challenges, from demanding course loads and surprise quizzes to navigating friendships, managing part-time jobs, and dealing with the occasional parking ticket; all typical woes of the average undergraduate student. There are also a set of not-so-average challenges unique to the international student experience, such as culture shock, language barriers, visa requirements, work permits, social adaptation, etc. 

Courtnie Kirby, director of undergraduate international student services, emphasizes the complexities of an international student’s journey. “Being an international student comes with its challenges. We recognize that, so we try our best to guide and assist them every step of the way, offering continuing assistance throughout their time with us.” 

Like all Cumberlands students, international students attend a summer orientation event held by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to acclimate to campus before the first day of class. International students undergo typical orientation steps, such as campus tours and student-life sessions. They also receive information specific to their needs, such as learning what it means to be a visa holder in the U.S. 

Confidence is not immediately created, and challenges do not disappear after the summer orientation event. All students, including international students, receive additional support at Cumberlands. Student Success Coordinators offer academic support and advising for students throughout their Cumberlands career. In addition to their Student Success Coordinator, international students receive support from Kirby, who serves as their Designated School Official. Kirby assists them with tasks such as obtaining a driver’s license while advising the students on visa guidelines. 

Students enter college with unique individual needs, and some international students require more, or different types, of support than others. The Learning Commons provides support to help struggling students improve proficiency in areas such as English or technological ability. Kirby also teaches a course designed to assist first-generation international college students. The course spans eight weeks and covers topics such as time management, communication, mental health, and financial literacy. Special emphasis is given to cultural context.

For Cumberlands, support also means creating spaces where cultural diversity thrives. Kirby notes that “Campus Ministries, International Student Services, and the Department of Diversity and Inclusion collaborate to host events like World’s Fair, International Food Night, Connect Conference, International Worship, and weekly Diversity Table Talks to create spaces for these students to be celebrated and connect with one another as well as their American counterparts.” 

Kirby said she is honored with the recognition from Colleges of Distinction, and she has complete confidence that Cumberlands will continue the good work. 

“Working with our international students is some of the most rewarding work I have ever done. I have seen shy students with basic English skills transform into Campus Ambassadors, Residence Hall Directors, and IT and Engineering professionals. It's truly incredible how a small school in rural Kentucky can change and impact people's lives worldwide,” she says. “As an alumna, I knew UC was special, but it's really neat to experience that through a new lens.”

The recognition by Colleges of Distinction follows other notable recent accolades for the University regarding its work with international students. In May of 2024, Cumberlands’ executive PhD in business (finance specialty) was ranked No. 1 in the nation by Forbes Advisor. 

Learn more about getting started as an undergraduate or graduate international student at University of the Cumberlands.

About Colleges of Distinction

Colleges of Distinction honors schools with a dedicated focus on the undergraduate experience. Its website provides a wide range of resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information, visit www.CollegesofDistinction.com