Cumberland University announced The Art of Life (TAL) program received grant funding from the Hays Foundation for the fourth year in a row. 

Established in 2019, TAL combines visual artistry, creative writing, time in nature and mindful body movement to promote wellness in the CU community. Students learn mindful resilience through holistic tactics and to help cope with daily stress and trauma, and improve productivity and self-esteem. 

TAL Program Director and Creative & Professional Writing Professor Kerry Ann Moore is a faculty sponsor of various Cumberland University student organizations. Her involvement across campus attracts diverse groups of students to TAL’s program who benefit emotionally and physically during a high-stress time in their lives. 

“I’m so proud to work at a university that supports and cares for its students’ overall well-being this much,” said Moore. “I’m eternally grateful to and honored by the Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation for giving me the opportunity to fulfill a life-long dream to give back what has been given to me by excellent educators. The Art of Life (TAL) would not be possible without other dreamers like me, including longtime TAL Assistant Director, Ms. Leighanne Buchanan and the Dean of the Oakley School of Humanities, Education, and Arts, Dr. Jenny Mason.”

The Hays Foundation grant funding allows Moore to sponsor many events throughout the academic year including free yoga classes, frequent hiking excursions across Tennessee and notable guest speakers and workshop leaders. 

For other news about Cumberland University, visit https://www.cumberland.edu/news/.