Freed-Hardeman University

FHU's Principles of Management class participated in an eye-opening poverty exercise with Missouri's Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) and West Tennessee's WestStar Leadership class in late February. In the exercise participants take on the roles of individuals and families with limited finances and how they must navigate life's challenges such as unemployment, homelessness and strained financial resources. The simulations raise awareness, foster empathy and inspire participants to make a difference. The project certainly had that effect on FHU sophomore Renae Tabor, who participated in the simulation. "This simulation brought to light how large this problem of poverty really is and how I need to be a part of the solution. I can make a difference in the lives of people I meet if I just talk to them, get to know them and their situation, and actively look for ways to alleviate some of their burdens," said Tabor, an English major. "It would be incredibly selfish, uncaring, and ungodly to sit by in relative comfort and watch this suffering continue." Tabor was one of 28 FHU students to participate in the simulation. Students in principles of management learn how to achieve organizational objectives and cover the history and purpose of organizational management. Students also learn the four core functions of planning - organizing, leading, controlling, and the development of basic management skills.

The Freed-Hardeman University Investment Team celebrated its new ownership and name as the Hatchett Investment Team this month. Rob and Rachel Hatchett decided to underwrite FHU's $1 million investment fund, which is managed by a nine-member team of college of business students. The couple desired to mentor young believers as they grow in their faith and grow as future business leaders. "There is a war for the hearts and minds of young adults," Hatchett said. "We want them to know they can be successful in business or any profession, while choosing Jesus as Lord of their lives every step of the way." Members of the team include Jacksen Eddy, who serves as the team's fund strategist, Anna Zondervan, who serves as the team's fund manager and the following students are analysts on the team - Hailey Harrington, Bowman Blocker, David Clayton, Aleksa Pesic, Matthew Ray, Samuel Matthews and Nathan Brown.

Commissioner Greg Gonzales of the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions encouraged FHU students to use their unique Christian education to do something positive in their communities. "Tennessee needs you as leaders," said Gonzales, who quoted Theodore Roosevelt's "The Man in the Arena," during his chapel address Tuesday, March 8. "I urge you to enter the arena and give yourself to a great cause." Gonzales began his day on FHU's campus as a guest lecturer in Instructor Michael Prentice's Financial Markets and Institutions class where he discussed the importance of community banks, the difference between state-monitored and federally monitored institutions, and the growth of digital assets and Cryptocurrency in the state. During his chapel lecture, Gonzales shared with the student body the scripture that inspired him to enter into public service. He spent his lunchtime with local leaders of financial institutions and finished the day meeting members of the Freed-Hardeman Investment Team, a $1 million student-managed investment fund. With mostly junior and senior business majors, the student-led, student-managed investment opportunity provides them with real-world experience. Since 2007, it has generated more than $154,000 for the FHU finance program. The finance program uses these funds to strengthen the program. He watched as the students debated the pros and cons of an investment. "This is a standard day for us," Associate VP of Finance Jay Satterfield explained to Gonzales. "It's rapid fire. They know to come prepared for a discussion, be dressed for work, and ready to share their knowledge." Gonzales praised the students' efforts. "What an impressive group, you all are doing a magnificent job," he said.

Freed-Hardeman University's annual ALUMination Day, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, will feature a chapel address by Tony Miller, senior director of financial planning and analysis for CoreCivic, the nation's largest owner of partnership correctional, detention and residential reentry facilities.