Cumberland University is proud to announce the inaugural lecture of the Heifner-Martin Endowed Lecture Speaker Series, featuring Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, NASA’s first female Launch Director. The lecture, open to the public, will take place on October 24 at Alumni Hall, with doors opening at 4:30 PM. In addition to the lecture, local media are invited to meet Ms. Blackwell-Thompson at 2:00 PM, in Alumni Hall. 

As part of Cumberland University’s commitment to providing students with avenues for a successful future, the university is honored to host Charlie Blackwell-Thompson as the inaugural lecturer. Blackwell-Thompson, based at NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida, oversees the countdown and liftoff of NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft for the Artemis missions.

With a remarkable journey and historic achievements, Blackwell-Thompson’s story is sure to touch and uplift all those in attendance. Prior to becoming launch director, she held key roles in the Test Management Branch and served as chief of Launch and Landing during the Space Shuttle Program, among other leadership positions in shuttle launch operations. Blackwell-Thompson will also discuss the future of space exploration, including expeditions to the moon, mars and more.

The Heifner-Martin Endowed Lecture Speaker Series established by the Orland Family in the spring of 2023 with additional sponsorship from the Orland Family, the Heifner Family, Capitol Theatre, is a unique and immersive educational opportunity exclusive to Cumberland University. This endowed lecture series strives to inspire students with stories from around the world, widening their perspectives with diverse voices and an open exchange of ideas.

LaQuita Martin, alumna of Cumberland’s Masters of Public Service Management, had this to say about the lecture series, “it’s our goal that as students attend these lectures, and hear from incredible experts like Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, their ideas and goals would expand as they see new ways to align their education and passions with meaningful potential career directions. And, simultaneously, broaden CU’s exposure by hosting prominent national speakers on campus within a context of exemplary civil discourse.” 

Cumberland University is dedicated to enhancing education beyond the classroom, and the Heifner-Martin Endowed Lecture Speaker Series is a testament to this commitment. The lecture series is made possible thanks to the generous funding from the endowed lecture series.

For more information about the Heifner-Martin Endowed Lecture Speaker Series and to reserve your spot for Charlie Blackwell-Thompson’s lecture, please visit the Cumberland University website or contact the University’s Office of Advancement.