Bourne on the track to success

            Walking into the Grace Crum Rollins building at the University of the Cumberlands, it is hard to believe there is a room more inviting than the foyer, but continuing down the hall and to the left you find it.
Room 113 offers more than pretty décor that shouldn't be touched, instead it holds the best kept secret on campus. As you enter you find traveling adventures captured at the most memorable locations. These memories are creatively displayed starting at the ceiling then gravitate down toward the floor. Starting at the ceiling the décor displayed are three pointed flags from each university ever visited by the UC Debate Team. Continuing down the wall are various 12" by 8" white poster papers revealing past competition locations and Bourne’s favorite Christian artist and bands. The floor itself contains memorabilias such as trophies, plaques, and metals which add to the character and three dimensional aspect of the room. There in the center of the room, acting as the finishing touch, is Mr. Jay Bourne with “the neatest and cleanest desk,” says one of Bourne’s colleagues. Obviously known for his tidiness Bourne is also known for his smile and encouraging persona.

Bourne’s persona is not limited to smiling and encouraging but also one of determination and hard work. His colleague, Marianne Worthington says, “Bourne is a really hard worker. He puts in long hours and late nights with the debate team, week in and week out.” Bourne is known as the keeper of UC’s best kept secret, as he is the coach and inspiration to the UC debate team.

The UC Debate Team has seen great success with Bourne as their coach. Anna Poynter, a current student under Bourne, who was recently named National Champion in her debate division says, “Jay is a very encouraging coach. He knows how to connect individually with each member on the team and truly wants what is best for everyone on the team.”

Although Bourne garnered his success through debate, he stresses the communication field to be the door to success for all students. Bourne has a strong bond with the art of debate and the value of communication skills. Bourne says, “Communication skills allow you ton of flexibility in terms of a career. They are also the skills that are also highly considered by employers.” In fact, Bourne has seen students with majors spanning from ministry to bio-chemistry benefit from skills learned at debate. “It's the part of my career I enjoy the most, when my students excel after their experience on the debate team,” Bourne said.

Additional to a successful career, Bourne is admirable for his commitment to his home and hobbies. He enjoys his family everyday with the little pleasures of his son Ethan and daughter Ellie. Bourne’s wife and number one supporter is his wife Beth-Ann.

 While not at work, or playing with the kids, or spending quality time with Beth-Ann, Bourne appreciates the quiet moments to enjoy a good book. He actually labels his wide span of reading material as “debate prep,” hoping the variety will offer aid and insight into a future debate topic. On the weekend, when Bourne isn't traveling the nation, his second favorite past time is illuminated on the stage of his home church, Grace on the Hill, as he leads the congregation in song service. “My love for music developed as a child, as I watched and admired my Dad while he lead songs as a youth and music minster,” says Bourne.

As we all strive for success, Bourne reveals the secret to on how to achieve it. “You learn you can’t fix everything and you can’t control things. But that doesn’t mean you except things for what everyone thinks they should be, you can strive to make the best of what you can and overcome the barriers of life with success.”