Cumberland & Sanford Hall

For more than 60 years, Cumberland Hall and Sanford Hall were home-away-from-home for a little over 300 Methodist University students each year. More than just a place to stay, these cherished buildings were fertile ground for each student’s personal and academic growth, for friendships, for brotherhood, and for a fair amount of mischief.

Bordering an old-growth stand of pine trees on the northeast side of campus, Cumberland and Sanford halls were among the school’s oldest buildings. Each of the three-story red-brick halls housed primarily male students and offered 79 double-occupancy rooms, two community bathrooms per floor, laundry facilities, a community lobby, and staff member apartment.

The old bricks, pipes, and concrete must come down. But our alumni and our archives keep what matters – cherished memories.

History

Cumberland Hall, which opened in 1963, was named in honor of the Cumberland County residents who helped support and build Methodist College.

Sanford Hall, which opened in 1965, was named in honor of Terry Sanford, the first chairman of the College Board of Trustees and North Carolina Governor from 1960-64.

Naturally, these two buildings have experienced significant updates over the decades, including retiled showers, insulating windows, new furniture, and countless coats of paint. Due to an overflow in the women’s residential halls beginning in the early 2000s, Cumberland has occasionally housed female students. For the last 12 years, it has returned to an all-male facility, designated for first-year male students.

In 2019, these buildings made their own social media debut. Resident Assistants created the joint Instagram account. It was first named “MU LanFord” and later renamed “MU Sanland” to highlight weekly student activities and give shout-outs to residents and special university staff members.

Over their 60 years of occupancy, Cumberland and Sanford were always known for their camaraderie.

Commemorative Bricks

Once the buildings are demolished, we hope to have a selection of bricks available to alumni. If you would be interested in a commemorative brick, please contact [email protected].

Video Tour

Share Your Stories!

We appreciate you sharing your memories of Cumberland and Sanford Halls via the form below. While we cannot guarantee publication of all submissions, we may use selected ones on our website or in other Methodist University marketing materials.