Lessons Learned

Pearl Brown Forth, '38, leaves a Cumberlands legacy in thanks for her family's education

In 1936, while working a field of corn, Pearl Brown's mother decided to send her young daughter to Cumberland College Academy (forerunner to University of the Cumberlands). The college was less than 50 years old at that time but had already gained a reputation in preparing teachers to shape the face of Appalachia one student at a time. Pearl jumped at the opportunity, trading her garden hoe and corn seed for a lesson planner and chalk.

Pearl headed down the Cumberland River to Williamsburg, starting school that fall. One of her first courses was taught by Dr. James Boswell. Dr. Boswell was a man of strong character and academic integrity who impressed his desire to learn upon every student who crossed his path on campus. Dr. Boswell served Cumberland in the classroom, as well as in the administrative offices, as one of the longest tenured and most beloved presidents of the college.

"I could not have gone on to accomplish so much had Dr. Boswell and Cumberland College Academy not been there," Pearl said of the experience. "He was a born teacher with immeasurable character."

For two years, Dr. Boswell challenged Pearl in every way. Following her academic training at Cumberland, she went on to the University of Michigan where she gained a teaching certificate in English and history. It was there that she also met her husband, William "Stuart" Forth.

Pearl led a long life in the classroom, sharing her knowledge and Cumberland College education with countless students. Her influence even touched her parents, both of whom would graduate from Cumberland College. Her mother became a teacher, continuing the Cumberland legacy of educating young, determined Appalachian students. Her father would use his Cumberland education to become a lawyer, eventually serving the area as Circuit Court judge.

"It all started for us at Cumberland College, in a small town, where a small group of town people met and hired a teacher to start a college," Pearl would say. "There is a lesson for us today."

Pearl passed away in July 2017, but her legacy continues to influence the lives of many students with the Dr. Stuart Forth Scholarship Fund, endowed in loving memory of Mrs. Pearl Brown Forth.

She once wrote, "I am grateful today that the Cumberland College Academy was there for me many years ago. I am enjoying the benefits of being there and I am happy the college is there for those who have come after me. I send best wishes to all of you who are receiving the same benefits that enriched my life a long time ago."

Like Pearl, you can make a difference for future students with a planned gift that also honors a loved one or special memory. To learn more, contact William L. Stohlmann at 606-539-3571 or plannedgifts@ucumberlands.edu.