Freed-Hardeman University

Freed-Hardeman University students are turning curiosity into discovery through undergraduate research that reaches from cancer-related enzyme studies to ancient DNA, bacterial identification and bioinformatics. A few weeks before commencement in May, FHU celebrated its third group of Heintzman Research Scholar Award recipients. The awards are named in honor of the Heintzman family, longtime supporters of undergraduate research at FHU. Faculty members who oversee research projects selected 14 students for recognition during the 2025-26 academic year. The 2025-26 Heintzman Research Scholars are Lily Simpson Amar, Jeanne Siebel, Elli Chumley, Nathan King, Zoe Imel, Olivia White, Xavier Falkenheim, Joseph "JT" Moore, Thabo Mahlaha, Joshua Clay "Clay" Smith, Jonathan Graves, Brayden Smith, Evan Vance and Megan Lampley. Faculty research mentors include Dr. Joe Deweese, Dr. Brian Butterfield, Lee Barton and Dr. Caleb Kersey.

"I honestly didn't expect it," Lily Simpson Amar said. "I was just excited to have the opportunity to submit research on a topic that I find really interesting." That submission - a 13-page research paper examining how two anticancer drugs may work together to improve cancer treatment - earned the Freed-Hardeman University graduate a $2,000 national scholarship from Alpha Chi, one of the country's most prestigious collegiate honor societies. Amar was selected as a scholarship recipient after submitting her undergraduate research to Alpha Chi's national competition. The organization invites members to submit scholarly work related to their field of study, with entries evaluated for originality, significance and relevance. The opportunity came during Christmas break when Alpha Chi sponsor Dr. John McLaughlin notified members about the annual scholarship competition. Amar submitted research she completed through FHU's Undergraduate Research program.

Freed-Hardeman University has released the names of the students who have made the President's and Dean's list for the Spring 2026 semester. To be on the President's List, a student must be full-time and have a 4.0 grade point average. Students on the Dean's List have earned a minimum 3.4 grade point average for the semester. FHU congratulates all of the students on their academic success!

Freed-Hardeman University conferred degrees on more than 200 graduates during its commencement exercises held Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Dryden Auditorium. Among the degrees conferred were eight associate's, 203 bachelor's, 62 master's and seven doctorates. The Class of 2026 leaves Freed-Hardeman University with an impressive record of achievement, service and perseverance. Graduates developed innovative technology, conducted advanced research, produced original creative works and earned victories in regional competitions. Many balanced their studies with significant personal responsibilities while preparing for careers and graduate programs in healthcare, education, engineering, ministry, business, law enforcement and athletics. Beyond the classroom, members of the class served foster children, hospital patients, immigrants, assisted living residents and others in need. They helped raise a record $42,000 for the Carl Perkins Center, studied abroad in 26 countries across four continents and built meaningful connections throughout the community. Together, the Class of 2026 leaves a legacy defined by leadership, compassion and a commitment to making a difference. Former FHU President David R. Shannon expressed pride in the class of 2026, "when we say, we're proud of you, we're truly proud," he said. "Proud of how you've served, how you've grown, and what you've accomplished.

Freed-Hardeman University College of Business (COB), in partnership with the Chester County Sheriff's Office, hosted a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training this spring. The training brought together first responders and community partners from across West Tennessee for an immersive, hands-on experience focused on effective mental health crisis response. A total of 14 participants successfully completed the training, representing agencies from Chester County, Hardin County, McNairy County and Hardeman County. The CIT program, based on the Memphis Model, equips participants with practical de-escalation techniques, increased awareness of mental health conditions and stronger connections to community resources.

Freed-Hardeman University hosted the inaugural Tennessee DataFest April 24-26, bringing the international analytics competition to the state for the first time and capturing two of the three top awards. Teams representing Freed-Hardeman and Rhodes College had less than 48 hours to dig into a 7-million-row real-world dataset and present conclusions to a panel of judges from industry and academia. The Best Use of Outside Data Award was given to the FHU group of Tristin Smith, a computer science major from Henderson, Tennessee; Kali Bonner, a management major from Edgewater, Florida; Dev Prakash, a business analytics major from Hodal, India; and Caleb Todd, a computer science and cybersecurity major from Dyer, Tennessee. The prize for Best Insight went to an FHU team of Maddox Andrews, an accounting major from Louisville, Kentucky; Carson Ladd, a business analytics and sport administration major from Nolensville, Tennessee; Logan Chambers, an accounting major from Benton, Kentucky; and Brady Webb, an accounting major from Jackson, Tennessee.

Freed-Hardeman University faculty recognized 65 students for outstanding academic achievement across a range of disciplines this spring. These awards reflect the strong scholarship, dedication, creativity and commitment that define the FHU student experience.

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. Nominees for Miss FHU are Anna Claire Butt, Lilly Ragland, Lily Simpson and Kenna Smith.

Freed-Hardeman University has named its 2026 Mr. and Miss FHU, selecting seniors Tiro "Philly" Nong, of Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, and Anna Claire Butt, of Columbia, Tennessee, following a campus-wide vote. The honor was announced during a special chapel presentation April 23, where eight senior nominees were recognized.

Two Freed-Hardeman University students gained firsthand experience in state government this semester, applying classroom knowledge in fast-paced legislative environments at the Tennessee State Capitol. Griffin Hancock, a senior law and politics major with a minor in ministry, interned with Senator Dawn White, chair of the Senate Education Committee, while April James, a senior law and politics major, interned with Representative Bob Freeman. Their responsibilities included analyzing legislation, drafting talking points and preparing materials for committee and floor discussions.

The Tennessee Iota Chapter of Alpha Chi National Honor Society welcomed 14 new student members during an induction ceremony held Monday, March 16, 2026, in Chapel Hall on the campus of Freed-Hardeman University. New inductees - Sydney Blewett, Raedia Duperron, Jacob Farber, Macey Gardner, Sara Hunt, Emma Grace Johnson, Eden Larue, Lexi Lewis, Daniel Puckett, Ammie Spellings, Nathan Stanford, Emily Taylor, Cade Thompson and Gabriel Yaeger. In addition to being new members of Alpha Chi, the new inductees also share the same grade point average - an impressive 4.0. The minimum grade point average required for membership is 3.75. Alpha Chi, a national honor society that recognizes academic excellence across all disciplines, selects juniors and seniors from the top 10% of their class. Membership reflects not only strong academic performance but also a commitment to leadership, service and continued intellectual growth.

Students in Freed-Hardeman University's Personal Selling class transformed simple products such as mugs, chip clips, tote bags and golf towels into meaningful support for four nonprofit organizations during the fall semester. The non-profits that the students got to support this year included the Aspell Recovery Center, Camp NEY-A-TI, Daisy's Place and Isaiah 117 House. What began as a class project quickly took on a deeper purpose as groups navigated the full sales cycle to raise money, strengthen community connections and help their chosen organizations plan for future marketing success.

Freed-Hardeman University has released the names of students who made the President's and Dean's Lists for the Fall 2025 semester. To be on the President's List, a student must be full-time and have a 4.0 grade point average. Students on the Dean's List have earned a minimum 3.4 grade point average for the semester. FHU congratulates all of the students on their academic success!

Freed-Hardeman University's December graduates, including a history, secondary education major and baseball player, a first-generation college graduate, an Esports competitor, a Durrington Award winner for biblical studies, and a two-time intern with the Baltimore Ravens, were celebrated during the 156th year commencement ceremony held in mid-December, in Dryden Auditorium. There were 91 graduates who received 99 degrees, FHU President David R. Shannon said during his commencement address. "You have been busy and you all have persevered - Congratulations."

"Writing is Thinking." That's the mantra FHU Professor of Engineering Ben Clark uses to inspire students in his Introduction to Engineering course, where freshmen don't just study concepts - they live them. The goal is to give students a deep understanding of engineering as a process, not just a collection of facts. "The intent is to show how engineers accomplish their jobs daily," he said. "What are they trying to achieve? What lives are they trying to improve?" This focus on real-world impact is evident in many of the various student projects that ranged from the practical (such as a wall-mounted medical canister for the nursing department) to the entertaining (an amplifier and bluetooth compatible speaker constructed from cardboard). In the course, students followed key steps including research, prototype, testing, disposal and documentation, as well as "upgrading and constantly making an invention better."

Congratulations to FHU freshmen Micaiah Widrig and Matthew Moses! They are the deserving recipients of this year's Stephen Hatchett Memorial Scholarship. Awarded for over 20 years, this scholarship honors Stephen Hatchett (1985-2011), who passed away at 25 after a lifelong battle with Batten Disease. Recipients write an essay about a special-needs person who has impacted their lives. Micaiah and Matthew each wrote movingly about their own brothers and the relationships they share. Stephen's brother, Rob Hatchett, presented the scholarships to Micaiah and Matthew during chapel Thursday, December 4, 2025. Join us in congratulating these two outstanding freshmen!

The Tennessee Iota Chapter of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society welcomed a group of 19 new student members into its ranks during an induction ceremony Tuesday, Dec. 2, in the lobby of Brown-Kopel Business Center on the campus of Freed-Hardeman University. New members include: Elizabeth Beasely, Grace Colvett, Savana Cook, Emma Fry, Ella Gehlert, Tara Griffith, Sophie Hendley, Nathan King, Abigail Leininger, J.T. Moore, Emilee Moorehead, Lauren Ritter, Emily Seibel, Jeanne Seibel, Lily Simpson, Alaina Stiles, Nathan Thomas, Hannah Westergard and Ella Wright.

The Fourth Annual Beyond BK Intern Recognition Dinner celebrated the achievements of five Freed-Hardeman University students who completed internships with various companies. Beyond BK stands for Beyond Brown-Kopel, which is the name of the building that houses the business college. Beyond BK is a school initiative that focuses students on career exploration and gaining real-world professional experience in their fields early in their college careers. Amy Sewell, CFP, an instructor in FHU's College of Business, said internships are essentially interviews that last all summer. She said the student experience provides a competitive advantage when they are seeking a post-graduation job. Five students shared their experiences with attendees of the annual dinner. Those students include Dean Bechman, who interned at LBMC in Brentwood, Tennessee; Sadie Holland, who interned at National HealthCare Corporation in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Shane Winkler, who interned at Glenn Grayson Home Builders in Nashville, Tennessee; Macy Ulmer, who interned at Alpha Alert Systems in Adamsville, Tennessee and Jackson Vize, who interned at GE Appliances in Louisville, Kentucky. The evening was sponsored by HCA Healthcare.

At the end of a homecoming week filled with reunions, spirit events, performances and competitions, Freed-Hardeman University hosted a coronation ceremony to award the event's highest student honor Saturday, Nov. 9. After a vote by the student body, seniors Jackson Ruston and Shelby Whitlock, both of Arlington, Tennessee, were crowned the 2025 FHU Homecoming king and queen.

Freed-Hardeman University is buzzing with excitement as 18 exceptional students prepare to take center stage as the 2025 Homecoming Court. The festivities kick off with a special chapel presentation Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 10:30 a.m. in FHU's Dryden Auditorium, all leading up to the highly anticipated crowning of the homecoming king and queen Saturday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m. inside Brewer Sports Center.

Freed-Hardeman University's Honors Forum featured 15 students who gave presentations that covered several topics in November. Some of those topics included "Can we really bring back dinosaurs?" "Should you learn another lanuage?" and "Is there such thing as an unfilmable story?" just to name a few. Dean of FHU's Honors College Jenny Johnson leds the program and meets with the students individually to help them prepare their questions, research their sources and work on the merits of their answers. "They have six minutes and 40 seconds to ask the question and present their findings," Johnson explained. "They are required to present 20 slides, and we make sure that it's presentable before the Honors Forum." The following students presented this fall: Pike Coldwater, Chloe Wingard, Madeline Prichard, Josh Parham, James Foote, Tess Little, Ariel Faulkner, Alyssa Lyons, Maria Yaegar, Tucker Cates, JaneClaire Lamica, Reagan Ellis, Evan Alsup, William Cheshier and Ben Hodges. "This is the culmination of their work from the semester, so after this it's just a party," Johnson said.

During FHU's fifth annual University Servants' Day, about 800 students participated in more than 40 service projects across Chester County and West Tennessee. Social clubs, classes, athletic teams and friend groups volunteered their time to support local schools, churches and nonprofits.

Twenty-eight Freed-Hardeman University students officially completed their studies this summer. The graduates received bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctoral degrees, certificates and professional licensures. 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. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor's, master's, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.

Freed-Hardeman University has released the names of students who made the President's and Dean's Lists for the Spring 2025 semester. To be on the President's List, a student must be full-time and have a 4.0 grade point average. Students on the Dean's List have earned a minimum 3.4 grade point average for the semester. FHU congratulates all of the students on their academic success!

Approximately 334 students took part in Freed-Hardeman's 155th commencement ceremony which was held Saturday, May 17, 2025. The total includes 11 associate's, 253 baccalaureate degree recipients and 59 who completed graduate degrees. The total also includes 11 licensures, certificates and specialists. Freed-Hardeman University congratulates all graduates on their accomplishments and offer our prayers and best wishes in their future endeavors!

Four Freed-Hardeman University English majors were among more than 450 students selected to present their work at the annual Sigma Tau Delta International Convention held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 19-22, 2025. Seniors Daniel Douglas, Jessica Flowers, Addie Travis and Hannah Westergard were chosen through a competitive review process to share their original creative and scholarly writings. The students represented FHU's chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society. Flowers and Westergard read their short stories, titled "Automat" and "A Wreck" respectively. Douglas presented a critical essay, "'These Foils Have All a Length?': Character Foils in Julius Caesar and Hamlet," while Travis presented her literary analysis, "Consciousness Personified in Othello." In addition to presenting their work, the students attended writing workshops, professional development sessions, lectures by published authors, and peer presentations from students representing colleges and universities across North America. The students were inducted into Sigma Tau Delta during the 2024-25 academic year, based on overall academic achievement and grade point average in their English courses. Since its founding in 2007, FHU's chapter of Sigma Tau Delta has had 29 students present at the organization's international convention. Dr. Derrick Spradlin, associate professor of English and faculty sponsor for the honor society, accompanied the group to Pittsburgh.

In a historic moment for the school, Freed-Hardeman University's spring 2025 commencement ceremony celebrated the first-ever commissioning of an Army officer, as new graduate Cody Goodwin officially transitioned from student to second lieutenant in the United States Army. This achievement was made possible through FHU's partnership with the University of Tennessee at Martin's Army ROTC Skyhawk Battalion.

Several Freed-Hardeman students answered the call to serve by traveling to nearby Selmer, Tennessee, after an EF-3 tornado devastated the community. The students brought prayers, supplies and assistance clearing debris and downed trees in early April. The storm that affected Selmer and the West Tennessee region was part of the severe weather system that caused record flooding from rainfall during the week of April 2 through April 7.

The Freed-Hardeman University student body has selected Campbell Scott, of Jackson, Tennessee, and Brenna Hobgood, of Smyrna, Tennessee, as Mr. and Miss FHU 2025. The announcement was made during a special chapel presentation in Dryden Auditorium April 24. Scott and Hobgood were selected from among eight senior nominees recognized for their character, leadership and service to the university.

Hundreds of Freed-Hardeman University students wowed audiences with their musical talents during Makin' Music 48, "Rhythm in Our Roots," April 11-12. Thousands of spectators attended one of four performances over the weekend, with Phi Kappa Alpha taking home the coveted sweepstakes trophy on Saturday night. The annual production was brought to life by a dedicated team of student leaders, including staff, managers, coordinators, emcees, hosts and hostesses, the Makin' Music Showband, and hundreds of student performers. Planning for each show begins months in advance, with students balancing creativity and logistics to produce a memorable experience for audiences of all ages.