Freed-Hardeman University

For the 11 students enrolled in Freed-Hardeman University's Intro Engineering Course, the fall semester was more than just a series of lessons-it was a hands-on journey into the world of design, innovation and problem-solving. Guided by Dr. Ben Clark, who is the director of computer science and digital innovation, students were given the opportunity to create unique projects that challenged them to think critically and embrace the engineering process from start to finish. The goal wasn't just about building something impressive; it was about learning how to tackle real-world challenges, refining ideas and finding where their passions could take them.

What began as a fun hobby of 3D printing Star Wars accessories has turned into a career-defining moment for Freed-Hardeman University sophomore marketing major, Kenyon Hope. His latest invention, the Flexible Wall Repair Patch, has been picked up by manufacturing company DPWagner and is being sold under The Gorilla Glue brand - the company behind the popular adhesive. Now, his innovative product is making its debut in 2,000 Walmart stores, with the potential to expand to over 4,000 stores nationwide. "I started out printing Stormtrooper helmets and lightsabers for fun, and now I'm designing products that are in Walmart," Hope said. "It's definitely a huge step up."

At the end of a week-long celebration of homecoming festivities, the Freed-Hardeman University study body announced their choices for the 2023 homecoming king and queen in a special coronation ceremony Saturday, Nov. 11. This year, Elijah Brewer, a senior communication and public relations major from Lexington, Tennessee, was crowned king, and Julie Gann, a kinesiology major from Huntsville, Alabama, was crowned queen.

FHU senior nursing major Megan Perkins received an invitation to attend The Tennessee Nursing Association Conference (TNA) that helped sharpen her networking skills and learn more about the nursing profession last summer. "When I showed up, I did not know a single person other than my teacher, Dr. Raven Wentworth," Perkins said. "Here, I learned the importance of networking with other nurses who had experience in many different fields. I was taught why we need people in the nursing field to advocate for nurses and what our profession would be like without people willing to put their foot down for us." Perkins, of Iuka, Mississippi, is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing. During the TNA conference, Perkins met several other nursing students from around the country and learned several concepts. Perkins plans to graduate in May and intends to work as a labor and delivery nurse in the Jackson, Tennessee area. The TNA's mission is to "empower the registered nurse, advocate for the practice of nursing, and champion quality health care for all Tennesseans." The association began in 1905 in an attempt to pass a law that would regulate nursing practices. That law was not passed until 1911 and today protects the public from unsafe nursing practices.

FHU junior Katie Stickels' face lights up when she talks about her time spent in the research lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. "It's the greatest experience," Stickels said. "I enjoy the freedom to do the research, analyze and interpret the results to see if they are helpful." Stickels, a biochemistry major and art minor from Woodstock, Georgia, is planning to attend an eight year M.D. and PH.D. "I've always wanted to be a doctor," she said. "When I had surgery on my hand to remove bone tumors, I wanted to be just like the doctors." Her interest in nephrology and research started with her younger brother's diagnosis of Primary Hyperoxaluria. "It's a genetic condition, and through treatment he's doing well. I felt terrible that I couldn't do anything to help my brother, and I wouldn't want anyone to go through that."

Freed-Hardeman University crowned its 2022 Homecoming King and Queen Saturday, Nov. 12, following the men's basketball game. John Sadler, a biology major from Katy, Texas, was crowned king and Kayley Wadlington, an elementary education major from Cadiz, Kentucky, was crowned queen.

Mr. and Miss Freed-Hardeman University for the 2021-22 school year were announced, Thursday, April 14, during a special chapel program. CeCe Spencer, of Martin, Tennessee, and John Allen Thomas, of Columbia, Tennessee, according to popular vote, represent the ideal FHU students. Spencer and Thomas were among eight finalists nominated by students, faculty and staff for the honor. Other contenders for Miss FHU were Anniston Butler, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee; Suzanna Grady, Murray, Kentucky; and Kayley Wadlington, Cadiz, Kentucky. Additional nominees for Mr. FHU were Noah Davis, Leander, Texas; Brooks Jackson, Florence, Alabama; and Cameron Miller, Winchester, Virginia.

Freed-Hardeman University will honor Mr. and Miss FHU Thursday, April 14, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. during the regularly scheduled chapel service held in Loyd Auditorium. Eight senior students, nominated by the faculty and staff and selected by popular vote of their peers, have been chosen as finalists for the honor. Vying for the title of Miss FHU are Anniston Butler, Suzanna Grady, CeCe Spencer and Kayley Wadlington. Contenders for Mr. FHU are Noah Davis, Brooks Jackson, Cameron Miller and John Allen Thomas. Winners will be announced at the special chapel program. Butler is a business major from Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing and a Master of Business Administration as a part of FHU's dual degree program. She is a team leader in the Campus Delegate Team, a member of the Society of Future Marketers and an officer in Xi Chi Delta Social Club. Grady is a biochemistry major from Murray, Kentucky. She is currently the coordinator of Makin' Music 45, Interface leader, member of the Honors Program and president of Sigma Rho Social Club. She is the second woman in club history to have been elected to this office. Spencer, from Martin, Tennessee, is a family science major. She is a member of Alpha Chi National College Honor Society and an officer in Phi Kappa Alpha Social Club. Wadlington is a special education and elementary education major from Cadiz, Kentucky. She is vice president of the Student Government Association and a member of the Campus Delegate Team, University Chorale, Alpha Chi National College Honor Society and Chi Beta Chi Social Club. From Leander, Texas, Davis is pursuing a degree in biblical studies/youth and family ministry. He is a member of the Campus Delegate Team and Alpha Chi National College Honor Society and an officer in Xi Chi Delta Social Club. Jackson, from Florence, Alabama, is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in biblical studies. He is a two-time host of Makin' Music and a member of Xi Chi Delta Social Club. Miller, from Winchester, Virginia, is serving his second term as Student Government Association president. A member of Xi Chi Delta Social Club, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in biblical studies and a Bachelor of Arts in communication. Thomas, from Columbia, Tennessee, has held various offices in Phi Kappa Alpha Social Club and represented his class in the Homecoming royalty. He is majoring in biblical studies/youth ministry. "This time-honored tradition, dating back to 1940, allows the campus community to celebrate our students and those who best represent the ideals inherent in our mission," Chris Ramey, director of alumni engagement, said.

Dr. Lee Hibbett's marketing students received real-world lessons through a partnership between Freed-Hardeman University with community and business leaders during the spring semester. Approximately 30 students sharpened their pitch skills by working on promotional plans with Brooks Shaw of Brooks Shaw's Old Country Store, Brad Cook of Aloha Pools & Spas - St. Louis and Jason and Dawn Bramblett of the Rhodes Home. The students separated into smaller groups to research, develop and film commercial concepts for the businesses. After several weeks of development, the students presented their ideas to the businesses in early May. Business owners reviewed student presentations and provided feedback based on whether the presentations reflected the benefit of product, target market reach, evaluation of the presentation, visuals and direct marketing plans.

Freed-Hardeman University's Sixth Annual University Scholars' Day celebrates students' scholarship and academic achievement during the fall semester. FHU alumnus Darren Heintzman served as the keynote speaker for University Scholars' Day. He graduated from FHU in 2017 with a bachelor's in science, and he is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Molecular Pathology and Immunology in the lab of Dr. Jeffrey Rathmell. More than 40 students participated in the morning-long event held in Loyd Auditorium. Students gave presentations on various subjects including The Perils & Persecutions of Paul's Life, Fathers and Sons: Songs from The Burnt Part Boys and Who Am I? The Effects of Growing Up as a Third Culture Kid. Being accepted as a presenter for Scholars' Day was exciting for Sarah Johnson. Johnson's presentation was about her experience as a "Third Culture Kid," a term used to define a person who has spent a significant amount of his or her developmental years outside of the parents' culture. Johnson, a sophomore, is a Bible and Interactive Digital Design major. For Grant Hunter, a junior math major, making his presentation, The Perils & Persecutions of Paul's Life, interactive and comprehensive was an interesting challenge. "I was nervous about the transfer of my seven-page paper into a few minutes of discussion," he said. FHU President David Shannon said that everyone looks forward to students and faculty presenting their research and findings. "Here at FHU, we embrace our mission that empowers students with an education that integrates three pillars: Christian Faith, Scholarship, and Service!"