Summer 2003 - University of the Cumberlands

New Business
Poynter to Succeed Ramey as New
Vice President for Business
Mr. Barry Poynter, was recently
named as Cumberland
College’s vice president
for business affairs
elect, and he will assume his full duties
upon Dr. George Ramey’s retirement on
August 31, 2003. Poynter has most recently
served as assistant vice president for
finance and business at Berea College,
where he also previously held positions as
director of trust and investment administration,
associate controller, purchasing
Barry Poynter will
assume V.P. duties
on September 1.
manager and business manager of the Boone Tavern Hotel. Poynter
believes his 15 years of experience at Berea will serve him well for the
responsibilities at Cumberland.
“I am honest, hardworking, and dedicated,” said Poynter. “I don’t
have any big agenda.”
Poynter, 37, received a bachelor of science in business administration
at Berea College before going to Eastern Kentucky University
in Richmond, where he obtained a masters in business administration.
He has been a member of the board of directors for Berea
Credit Union and has served as its treasurer and secretary in recent
years. He has also held the position of assistant treasurer at Fairview
Baptist Church.
His experience at Berea College extends outside the business office.
As a head resident for six years, he was responsible for the functions
and activities of a residence hall, “dedicated to the development of
mature and responsible individuals within the context of the commitments,
standards and regulations of Berea College.”
Poynter’s other involvement at Berea College included chairing
the student life council and serving on the student conduct and campus
life committees.
“There’s so much to be done,” says Poynter. “We have so many
good, deserving youth. It’s a compelling reason to work at an
Appalachian college.”
Among his contributions to Berea College’s financial management
were the development and implementation of a campus-wide electronic
credit card acceptance program that reduced merchant fees. In
addition, he helped research and implement new policies and programs
related to cash management and spending, as well as facilitating
the use of new hospitality management software and SCT Banner
administrative software programs.
A product of the region, Poynter loves the hills and mountains
of Kentucky. He enjoys hiking, whitewater rafting and other outdoor
activities. Travel is also an interest, and Europe is a favorite
place to explore.
Being a devoted uncle with family near Berea, he feels a commitment
to the area’s young people.
“I have 10 nieces and nephews, ranging in age from one to 14
years of age, and they keep me busy with birthday parties alone!”
Poynter looks forward to utilizing his skills and contributing to
the development of opportunities for young people at Cumberland
College. He officially began his responsibilities on May 1, 2003.
“While Berea and Cumberland are distinctly different, they still
share many similarities. I am eager to begin my work at Cumberland.”
“Take care in your minutes, and the hours will take care of
themselves.”
— Lord Chesterfield
Cumberland College Among U.S. Best
U
.S. News and World Report again lists Cumberland
College among “America’s Best Colleges.” Moving up
to a second tier ranking this year, Cumberland is listed
as one of the South’s Best Universities — Master’s
formerly called “Regional Colleges and Universities.”
Cumberland President Jim Taylor said that he is very pleased to
see Cumberland’s academic quality recognized again by the national
publication. “We are strongly committed to excellence,” said Taylor.
The caliber of our faculty, our attention to student-faculty interaction
and our value oriented mission continue to make Cumberland
among the very best.”
In a separate listing, the Newsweek/Kaplan College Catalog 2003,
Cumberland is recognized nationally as a “hidden treasure.” Kaplan
defines a “hidden treasure” as “a small school that deserves more
national recognition.”
Kaplan conducted a nationwide survey, contacting guidance counselor’s
from around the country, for both public and private high
schools. Among the information the counselors shared, includes
which schools are perfect for the most academically competitive students;
which schools offer the best study abroad programs; which
schools offer the best value for the money and much more.
“He who has no vision of eternity has no hold on time.”
— Thomas Carlyle
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