beyond.”
That legacy is personal. For the Youngs, the university shaped not only their professional paths but also their lives together. Dr. Young is from Whitley County, and his wife, Samantha, is from neighboring Knox County. Cumberlands is where they met, built a foundation of shared values and mutual respect, and began the life they now share. Today, they are raising three children— Evan, Ella, and Emry.
“ My wife and children are my daily reminder of why this work matters and why I believe so deeply in the mission of this university,” said Dr. Young.“ They are the most important part of my story.”
Dr. Young’ s academic journey is also deeply rooted in the university. In addition to earning his bachelor’ s degree at Cumberlands, he went on to complete three graduate programs. He holds an MBA with an Accounting emphasis, an M. S. in Information Systems Security, and a Ph. D. in Information Technology.
As an alumnus, Dr. Young brings a deep appreciation for Cumberlands’ history. In his leadership, he is committed to honoring the vision of past leaders while embracing a future full of potential.
“ I think we have to look back to the past to understand why we’ re here
The Youngs are parents to Evan, Ella and Emery. | Photo contributed
Dr. Young posed with students on the first day of the fall semester.
| Photo contributed and to appreciate what we’ ve done throughout the life of the university,” he explained.
“ I have great reminders all around me. Above my desk, I have a picture of Dr. Boswell and a quote from him that reads,‘ So much need to be answered, so much work yet to be done. We have never yet failed the youth of our Kentucky hills. We hope we never will.’”
While honoring the past, Dr. Young keeps his eyes on what’ s ahead.
“ As we move forward, there’ s a lot of tradition we need to hold to. But that tradition should also encourage us to be innovative and to think differently.”
Dr. Young identifies three guiding principles for continued success at University of the Cumberlands: innovation, transformation, and inspiration.
“ Innovation in that we should always be challenging ourselves, being better, doing better.”
“ Transformation in that we believe education has the power to transform lives. When one life is transformed, it ripples outward to impact families, then communities. It’ s a multiplier effect.”
“ And finally, inspiration in that we want our students to walk away seeing a bigger picture. Cumberlands is a place of hope and inspiration that equips students to pursue brighter futures beyond the scope of what they ever thought possible.”
From student to president, Dr. Young’ s journey is a testament to the power of a Cumberlands education and the lasting impact of a mission-driven life. Under his leadership, the university is moving forward with confidence— guided by innovation, transformation, and inspiration— and looking ahead with purpose.
The Times-Tribune • Community Guide 2026 Page 45