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Eight Students Selected as Nominees for Mr. and Miss FHU

Winners To Be Announced April 23

by Bethany Oldham

HENDERSON, Tenn. (04/09/2026) — For the 86th year, faculty and students at Freed-Hardeman University have selected eight seniors as nominees for the titles of Mr. and Miss FHU. A reception honoring the nominees will be held Thursday, April 23, at 9:30 a.m. in the Hope Barber Shull Academic Resource Center. Winners will be announced at 10:30 a.m. during a chapel presentation in Dryden Auditorium.

This year's nominees for the title of Mr. FHU are Seth Miller, Philly Nong, J.W. Riggs and Michael Rucker. Miller, a Bible major from Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, is active in the Phi Kappa Alpha social club, where he has served as president, vice president and mission trip coordinator. He is also the drummer for the Makin' Music Showband. Nong, a biology major from Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, has been a member of the soccer team and participates in the university's science research program.

Riggs, a Bible and communications major from Memphis, Tennessee, serves as student manager for the campus radio station, WFHU, is involved in the Record Club, Student Government Association and Student Heritage Association. He has also held multiple leadership roles within the Chi Beta Chi social club. Rucker, a Bible major from Rockwall, Texas, is a member of the Xi Chi Delta social club and serves as the club chaplain.

Nominees for Miss FHU are Anna Claire Butt, Lilly Ragland, Lily Simpson and Kenna Smith. Butt, a communication sciences and disorders major from Columbia, Tennessee, is involved with the Phi Kappa Alpha social club, the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, the Tennessee Association of Audiologists and Weekend Warriors ultimate frisbee. Ragland, a communications and sport administration major from Hazel Green, Alabama, has served as an Interface leader, sports information director's assistant, and has held multiple leadership roles in the Phi Kappa Alpha social club, including vice president, sports captain, missions coordinator and freshmen recruiter.

Simpson, a biology major from Arlington, Tennessee, is a member of the Xi Chi Delta social club, Alpha Chi honor society and the undergraduate summer research program. She has served as a senior class representative and held leadership roles across campus organizations, including president of Remote Area Medical and University Program Council, chair of the Honors Council, and a counselor and coordinator for Mid-South Youth Camp. Smith, a biology and photography major from Christiansburg, Virginia, is involved in the Pi Rho Chi science club, the Campus Delegate Team and the Chi Beta Chi social club, where she has served as a sports captain, historian, vice president and Makin' Music director.

"Each of these nominees represents the very best of the Freed-Hardeman community," said Chris Ramey, director of alumni engagement. "They have distinguished themselves through leadership, service and a commitment to faith, and this recognition reflects the impact they've made on campus and in the lives of others."

The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. Located in Henderson, Tennessee, FHU offers associate, bachelor's, master's, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.

Media Attachments

Back row, from left: Seth Miller, Anna Claire Butt, Lily Simpson, J.W. Riggs Front row, from left: Philly Nong, Lilly Ragland, Kenna Smith, Michael Rucker

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