With the new academic year quickly approaching, Cumberland University finds itself in a season of encouraging transition. Following the retirement of Dr. Mary Bess Griffith, former Dean of the Jeannette C. Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions, at the conclusion of the 23-24 academic year, we are excited to announce Dr. Jason Grindstaff as the Interim Dean. 

Bringing more than a decade of academic service to the role since joining the Cumberland family in the fall of 2010, Dr. Grindstaff has led courses spanning both undergraduate and graduate programs in Exercise & Sport Science. He served as the Program Director for the Master of Sport & Exercise Science program, Executive Director of the Honors Program, and Chair of the Academic Integrity Board. 

Dr. Grindstaff earned a B.A. in psychology and sports medicine from Dakota Wesleyan University, an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee, and an M.B.A. from Cumberland. 

Prior to arriving at Cumberland, Dr. Grindstaff was a Postdoctoral Associate for two years with the University of Florida where he provided mental health and sport psychology services for the Gators’ athletic department. He taught graduate and undergraduate courses in sport psychology, physical education, and deaf education at both the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the University of Florida.

With his background, the University is confident that Dr. Grindstaff will maintain the standard of excellence previously established by Dr. Griffith. 

Additionally, all CU nursing programs- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)- will now operate under the direction of Dr. Beth Chatham. 

Having been at Cumberland since 2006, Dr. Chatham brings a deep understanding of the programs’ demands and will report directly to Interim Dean Grindstaff. 

Dr. Chatham’s career at CU began as an adjunct clinical faculty member in pediatric nursing before transitioning to a full-time role in 2011. Dr. Chatham has taught courses in Pediatric Nursing, Leadership, Research in Nursing, Transcultural Nursing, Transition to Professional Practice, and Nursing Concepts. She was also the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Michael J. Spalding Professorship in Nursing Award, honoring her level of expertise and devotion to academia.

Dr. Chatham holds both a BSN and MSN from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she was presented with the Volunteer of Distinction Professional Promise Award. 

Dr. Chatham’s nursing experience is extensive and global, with various specialty areas and locations. She has worked as an operating room nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital, a community health nurse in Mississippi, a certified nurse midwife in northern England, and a mission nurse in Honduras. Additionally, she served as the Maternal/Child Clinical Nurse Specialist at Nashville Metropolitan General Hospital for over 20 years.

As the University anticipates the fast-approaching fall semester, Cumberland expects that the Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions, alongside the other schools, will continue to flourish and further their reputation of excellence among peer institutions.