Case Study: Cumberland University scales growth and improves student service with Blackbaud

Cumberland Scales for Growth with Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT and Student First

Cumberland University, one of the oldest private liberal arts universities in the southern U.S., was experiencing rapid growth as enrollment doubled from 1,600 to more than 3,500 students in seven years. To keep its personalized student service while scaling operations, the university partnered with Blackbaud and adopted Financial Edge NXT, Raiser’s Edge NXT, and the Student First SIS.

Blackbaud implemented an integrated platform that connected finance, fundraising, and student information systems, enabling automation of manual processes like degree audits, billing, and financial aid. The solution is expected to improve forecasting, data visibility, and student engagement, helping Cumberland maintain service quality as it grows and creating a more unified, scalable operation.

Cumberland University

Mark Hanshaw

Associate Provost and General Counsel