Freed-Hardeman University

For Freed-Hardeman University's Homecoming 2024: Thanks for the Memories, a fun-filled week of celebrations culminated in a coronation ceremony Saturday, Nov. 9, where two senior court representatives were named homecoming king and queen. This year, Spencer Bowen, a senior Bible major from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was crowned king, and Harper Shelton, a senior kinesiology and secondary education major from Centerville, Tennessee, was crowned queen.

Eighteen Freed-Hardeman University students have been chosen by their peers to proudly represent their school as members of FHU's 2024 homecoming court. Representatives will be publicly recognized during a chapel presentation Monday, Nov. 4, at 10:30 a.m. Following a week full of reunions and activities, two seniors will be crowned homecoming king and queen during a special coronation ceremony Saturday, Nov. 9, at 4:30 p.m. on Smith-Kirk Court of the Brewer Sports Center.

After a vote by the student body, Freed-Hardeman University announced the winners of Mr. and Miss FHU 2024 during a special chapel presentation held Thursday, April 25. Will Rawson, from Alamo, Tennessee, was named Mr. FHU, while Anniston McCall, from Winter Garden, Florida, was named Miss FHU.

Freed-Hardeman University has announced the eight student finalists who have been nominated for Mr. and Miss FHU. These young men and women have been chosen by their faculty, staff and fellow students because of their positive influence, involvement, leadership and academic abilities. Nominees will be honored with a reception Thursday, April 25, at 9 a.m., in the Hope Barber Shull Academic Resource Center, and winners will be announced at 10:30 a.m. during a special chapel presentation in Loyd Auditorium.

Freed-Hardeman University students in Dr. Kenan Casey's Mobile Application Development course developed MOGI - a mobile game that challenges its players to guess random items that would matter most to the lead player. MOGI stands for Matters of Greatest Importance. The result was a fun and engaging project that culminated with a demonstration at the end of the fall semester where FHU Vice President for Student Services T.J. Kirk and FHU President David R. Shannon played the game to celebrate the completion of the project. "This game not only demonstrates students' technical skills but also reflects their steadfast commitment to excellence and innovative problem-solving. I commend them for harnessing their God-given gifts to positively impact our community," Shannon said. Students in the class were thrilled to watch their game in action. "It showed that all the work and dedication we put in over the semester was finally worth it. Having our effort come to light was such a satisfying feeling," said Tucker Brown, a junior computer science major with an emphasis in information systems. Brown along with his classmates Addison Adcock, Austin Applegate, Gavin Boler, Madison Cagle, Jaydon Dulgar, Sam Flowers, Avery Harris, Priscilla Harris, Hallie Hill, Sean Janiec, Savannah Martin, Luke Noles, Kaylee Odom, Kelly Sproule, Kaitlyn Thompson, Lauren Taylor, Abbie Vance, and Allison Walker all worked on the mobile app.

Freed-Hardeman University spent time learning about and praying for international communities in mid-November as part of the university's International Student Days (Nov. 13-14). Dr. Richard England Jr., executive director of FACE (French African Christian Education), gave a presentation about his work and travels in Africa. "Be a bridge - reinforce God's love for all and embrace diversity," England said. "Understand peace and joy, and begin to embrace what God has promised us - hope and life." England challenged the students - "Are you prepared to do the things that are hard?" He said when someone asks him why he makes trips to Africa, England has a three-point response. "I work in Africa - there's great food, wonderful friends and beautiful music," he said. England encouraged students to "go above everything you see and hear - the conflict, the number of the dead and the terrorists - the reality is when we see people coming together to say, 'Thank you, Lord, for the promises and blessings that we have,' we can then begin to embrace the reality of diversity and come full circle." On the second day of prayer, BRIDGES offered prayer for international communities at work, in need of economical and environmental support. The prayer was led by Dr. Justin Rogers, Dr. Jeremy Northrop and Maurice Williams. BRIDGES aims to foster diversity and inclusion on FHU's campus. BRIDGES is an acronym for Belonging to the FHU community, Reinforcing God's love for all, Integrating an inclusive learning environment, Developing a kingdom culture, Growing together, Embracing diversity and Strengthening our communities.

Freed-Hardeman University's Eighth Annual Scholars' Day, an annual campus-wide celebration of academic excellence, included oral presentations, poster presentations, a STEM display and musical performances. More than 80 individuals shared research findings and other scholarly accomplishments with fellow faculty, staff and students in a variety of locations across the Henderson campus. As is tradition, academic classes were canceled Nov. 3 to provide the student body the opportunity to attend the presentations of their choosing. FHU Department of Fine Arts Professor Emerita Laquita Thomson, a regional artist with a career spanning more than 50 years, was the keynote speaker at the opening session. Her presentation was moderated by Jud Davis, associate professor of art. Students also discussed social and life issues in presentations that included "Gender, Attachment Style and Rejection Sensitivity as Predictors of the Fear of Being Single in Unmarried Emerging Adults" and "Loneliness and Attachment Styles as Predictors of FOMO in Young Adults." "The presentations made by our faculty and students were outstanding; congratulations to all!" said Dr. C.J. Vires, vice president for academics and provost. "As provost, I have three favorite days of the year: Tolling of the Bell, graduation and University Scholars' Day."

In continuing Freed-Hardeman's annual tradition, the student body has selected 18 of their peers to represent both their classes and their school by serving on the 2023 homecoming court. Chosen representatives will be introduced to the student body during a special chapel presentation Monday, Nov. 6, at 10:30 a.m. This presentation will also be streamed live at fhu.edu/chapel. Homecoming king and queen will later be crowned in a coronation ceremony on the Smith-Kirk Court in the Brewer Sports Center at 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 11.

The Freed-Hardeman University community made "Time to Remember" Nov. 4-12 for its highly anticipated 2023 homecoming week. More than 2,000 alumni, parents, guests and students participated in events throughout the week. Students took part in social club spirit events, athletic competitions, charity fundraising, artistic performances and more during the week-long celebration, publically showcasing the tremendous talents of the FHU student body.

FHU students Lexi Hearn, Re'Elle Crowell, Elizabeth McKeeby, and Noah Stuart, who were awarded one of this year's TSCPA scholarships. Lexi is receiving the highest award for West TN. Elizabeth was one of the first sophomores ever to receive the award. TSCPA scholarships are funded primarily through an endowment program known as the Life Associates Program, established in 1978 to recognize CPAs who made significant contributions to the scholarship fund for accounting students in Tennessee.

The Freed-Hardeman University College of Business is celebrating senior Re'Elle Crowell, of Henderson, Tennessee, who recently became the school's first B.B.A./M.S. in accounting and fraud examination major to pass the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) exam. Crowell will be among the first students to graduate with this joint degree. She will study abroad in the spring semester before graduating in May 2024 with her degrees, a B.B.A. in accounting and an M.S. in accounting and fraud examination.

Dear Freed-Hardeman University Parents, We hope this email finds you well. We are delighted to introduce you to a wonderful platform named Merit, which is designed to celebrate and share the fantastic achievements of our students at Freed-Hardeman University (FHU). What is Merit? Merit is an innovative web-based platform that helps in documenting and promoting the achievements of students. It is an effortless way to keep track of honors such as making it to the President's and Dean's lists, graduation lists, and much more. Additionally, Merit is not just about accolades; it is also a space where you can find inspiring stories about our students' engagements in international studies, service projects, and academic triumphs. Why Merit is Important for Students For students, Merit is an essential tool to create a positive online presence. It acts as a personalized page that showcases your academic and extracurricular achievements, which can be shared with future employers or graduate schools. Why Parents Should Engage with Merit As parents, Merit allows you to be part of your child's journey in the university. It's a source of pride to see your child's hard work and dedication being recognized. Sharing their achievements through your social networks is a great way to spread the joy with friends and family. How to Get Started To begin using Merit, students should visit Merit's FHU Page and sign up with their university email address. Parents can connect to their child's Merit page via a unique link that the student can share with them. Share and Celebrate! We encourage both parents and students to actively engage with Merit. Share the stories and achievements with your friends, family, and network. Let's work together in celebrating the incredible talents and accomplishments of our Freed-Hardeman University community. Should you have any queries or need assistance getting started with Merit, please do not hesitate to contact us at support@fhu.edu. Let's celebrate success together! Warm regards,

Twenty-one students, alumni, teachers and friends of Freed-Hardeman University returned from Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a world-renowned theatre festival in Scotland, with a healthier dose of self confidence, stronger problem solving skills and adaptability. Following countless hours of planning, rehearsals and fundraising, the group traveled to Scotland from August 1-13, 2023, to make their mark on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world. With lodgings on a local university campus, students were within walking distance of the sights and sounds of beautiful historic Edinburgh. Their time was split between preparing for their own show and attending the shows of others.

Freed-Hardeman University announced Mr. and Miss FHU 2023 Thursday, April 27, at a special chapel presentation. Chosen by the student body from a slate of eight nominees, winners are Jon Moore, a law and politics major from Somerset, Kentucky, and Catherine Crabb, an elementary education major from Meridianville, Alabama. Moore has been vice president of the Student Government Association and a member of the FHU Lion Basketball Team, Honors College and Interclub Council. He is also the inaugural president of Omega Chi social club. Crabb is an all-conference player for the Lady Lion Softball Team and a member of Competitors for Christ and Alpha Chi National Honor Society. She is also an officer in Omega Chi.

Freed-Hardeman University has named the finalists for Mr. and Miss FHU 2023. Members of the faculty and staff nominated a slate of outstanding members of the senior class, and the student body selected the final eight nominees. Finalists for the title will be introduced, and the winners will be announced Thursday, April 27, at 10:30 a.m. in Loyd Auditorium. Mr. FHU candidates are Jon Moore, Johnson Ramsey, Chase Rowe and John Sadler. Miss FHU nominees are Brinlee Benson, Catherine Crabb, Caroline Grisham and Brooke Roberts.

Eighteen Freed-Hardeman University students were inducted this spring into the Iota Chapter of Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society Monday, March 13, 2023, in Old Main on FHU's campus. Alpha Chi membership is by invitation only to juniors and seniors with a minimum grade point average of 3.75 on at least 80 earned credit hours and candidates must be in the top 10% of the junior and senior class to qualify for membership. The following students were inducted: Anna Barker, Madison Baxter, Caleb Bond, Madison Cagle, Daniel Chang, David Clayton, Charley Fulton, Josie Gannon, Mallorie Gardner, Lexi Hearn, Garrett Herndon, Ana Holland, Matthew Kuhl, Savannah Martin, Anna Mae Ramsey, Anna Shots, Lauren Taylor and Carly Vance. Members of Alpha Chi uphold its principles of Truth and Character and its motto - "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32.

Two Freed-Hardeman University students have been awarded an Alan Paller Honor Scholarship according to an announcement made Nov. 9, 2022, by the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation. Tyler Rhodes, a junior majoring in cybersecurity from Henderson, Tennessee, and Lauren Taylor, also a junior Cybersecurity and Computer Science double major, from Dayton, Tennessee. FHU computer science professor Robbie Nichols said Taylor and Rhodes earned the honor for work they did last year and were named National Cyber Scholars with Honors for 2022.

The reinstatement of the Student Volunteer Internship Program (SVIP) by the United States Marshals Service in the Jackson and Memphis Offices this year has resulted in the completion of the program by students from Freed-Hardeman University and Lane College. Recent FHU graduate Colin Newsom helped with the paperless transition of the Jackson office during the spring semester. Newsom was involved many hours of converting and scanning administrative files into the new USMS database Capture. "The U.S. Marshals Service's internship was an excellent experience for me," Newsom said. "I was provided multiple unique opportunities and experiences and was able to learn the court system and the role of the Marshals Service within it. I would recommend this internship to any student with an interest in law enforcement." Newsom graduated with a degree in accounting and a minor in Criminal Justice from Freed-Hardeman in May 2022. "We are proud to offer this type of hands-on opportunity for young difference-makers in our community," U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller said. Newsom along with the fall intern showed commitment and drive, he added. "They met the demands of their college schedules while interning with us. It is an honor to introduce them to the federal justice system. I look forward to seeing the impact they will have in the future." SVIP is an unpaid internship and work assignment that prepares students for future aspirations in law enforcement and the justice system. To apply for the SVIP, candidates Must be in good standing with their academic institution and enrolled in at least part-time studies Minimum 18 years old Must be able to work a minimum of 24 hours (three days) per week at the USMS Office Internships usually last one semester but can be extended an additional semester. These are short term positions and cannot exceed a six-month period. Additional information about the about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at https://www.usmarshals.gov/

FHU student Brinton Eldridge, a senior biochemistry major, was awarded the Sledge Fellowship from the Alpha Chi Honor Society. Recipients receive $4,000 to support a students' first year in graduate or professional school. Alpha Chi awards two fellowships annually. Recipients are awarded based on a students' research, writing, and letter of recommendation from a faculty member.

Senior Day festivities before the FHU Lions and Lady Lions basketball games put the players in great spirits. The Freed-Hardeman Lady Lions defeated the University of the Cumberlands Patriots by a final score of 84-63 on Senior Day in the Brewer Sports Center. Lady Lions senior players recognized for their service to the university include Alli Crumpler, Alyssa LeMay, Chynia Brooks, Reagan Floyd and Olivia Stubbs. Reagan Floyd's 19 points, Alyssa LeMay's 11 points and Chynia Brooks' 10 points helped the Lady Lions secure the win. Freed-Hardeman Lions men's team celebrated a senior day win with Francis Agbata, Wayna King and Jeremiah Alexander receiving recognition. Wayna King added 11 points to the Lion 87-75 victory over the Cumberland Patriots.

A group of Freed-Hardeman University students comprised of nursing and non-nursing majors and FHU alumni traveled to Honduras over spring break for a medical mission trip. While in Honduras, the group built two houses, distributed 100 bags of food bags and 100 water filters and provided medical care to around 600 people. Volunteers also distributed 7,000 masks at the local hospital, repaired a basketball court at a school for the deaf, and built a playground for an elementary school.

In January Freed-Hardeman University students returned to New York City for the annual theatre trip, which in 2021 was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While in New York students' itineraries include visits to multiple Broadway shows and independent sightseeing. As a January short course, students have the opportunity to receive college credit for the trip. FHU Theatre Professor Dr. Cliff Thompson has been taking students to New York since the late 1990s. "I think the first trip was in 1998 and we've gone every year, sometimes twice a year, since then. It's really refreshing to see the city through the eyes of students who've never been before," he said. "Spending nearly a week in NYC teaches students a lot about themselves. They learn self-reliance as they navigate the subway system. Budgeting and planning as they decide how to spend their precious days in New York." Thompson said the trip helps theatre majors see more career possibilities. "Some years I invite a working theatre professional to have lunch with my majors. That really opens their eyes and 'demystifies' the industry a bit," he said.

Freed-Hardeman University's 57th Annual Benefit Dinner raised more than $1.3 million this year. The evening's total marks the 21st consecutive year that the dinner has grossed more than a million dollars. The event featured comedian and best-selling author Jeff Foxworthy, whose books have sold more than a million copies. Foxworthy shared with the audience that he hoped that laughter would release some of the pressure and stress everyone has felt during the nearly two-year Covid-19 pandemic. Foxworthy's jokes about helping his mother learn to text on an iPhone after getting rid of her flip phone and his wife's packing routine for family trips filled the auditorium with laughter. During a sit-down conversation with FHU President David Shannon, Foxworthy shared how discovering his gift helped shape his life. FHU's annual benefit dinner is typically the state's largest single-night fundraiser. Since its inception, the benefit dinner has provided students with scholarships to help bridge the gap between tuition costs and financial aid. Forever Communications was the premier media sponsor. For the second year in a row, benefit dinner guests enjoyed Christmas in the Commons which featured horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers and a hot drink station. The Merry Market, also a part of the event, offered 11 vendors for Christmas shopping. 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, Memphis and Dickson, FHU offers bachelor's, master's, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.

Freed-Hardeman University students have chosen 18 of their peers for the Homecoming Court. These individuals will be honored, and the queen and king crowned at FHU's 2021 Homecoming Celebration Saturday, Nov. 6, at halftime of the women's basketball game.

Freed-Hardeman University held its spring graduation ceremony in mid-May where approximately 300 students received baccalaureate and graduate degrees. FHU alumnus and Board of Trustees member, John DeBerry served as the guest speaker and encouraged graduates to have goals and live their faith. DeBerry is also an FHU alumnus and a member of the university's Board of Trustees.

Seventeen Freed-Hardeman University students were inducted into Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society in March. Alpha Chi membership is by invitation only to juniors and seniors with a minimum grade point average of 3.75 on at least 80 credit hours. The top 10% of this year's inductees all earned a GPA of 3.92 or higher.

Freed-Hardeman University has announced finalists for the title of Mr. and Miss FHU. All nominees will be celebrated, and Mr. and Miss FHU will be announced in chapel Friday, April 23, at 10:30 a.m. Finalists were chosen from the senior class by a vote of students, faculty and staff. A time-honored tradition at FHU, the naming of two students who best represent the ideals of the university has been a part of student life for 80 years.

In the midst of a pandemic, Freed-Hardeman University has again set enrollment records. Total headcount for Fall 2020 stands at 2,188 students, with 1,727 of those being undergraduates. Both are all-time highs.

FHU Lion Bryan Battle earned his way onto the NAIA Third-Team All-American list, the highest individual honor a player can receive, after just one season with the Lions. Junior Kortland Martin was named an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention after averaging 16.9 points per game.

Five Freed-Hardeman University senior nursing majors received awards recently for maintaining a good Christian attitude along with leadership, perseverance, compassion and academic achievement. FHU held the awards ceremony earlier than planned in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Each recipient received a Bible along with an animal figurine that represents the spirit of the award.