Freed-Hardeman University

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.

Freed Hardeman University honor students spent one weekend in April visiting New Orleans, Louisiana, to experience the rich historical culture of the area. The trip was offered as an educational experience to Honors Council members as well as senior students in the Honors College. The following students took part in the four-day tour: Clark Endsley, Emma Robison, Jessie Segars, Josie Gannon, Lily Simpson, MacKenzie Scarborough, Matthan Smith, Matthew Kuhl, Sarah Henley, Thomas Hastings and Tyler Stafko. Dean of the Honors College Dr. Jenny Johnson led the trip.

Eleven Freed-Hardeman University students were inducted into the Iota Chapter of the Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society in Old Chapel Hall Monday, March 11, 2024. The following students were inducted: Mikayla Behel, Lauren Cabrera, Maci Cagle, Garyson Campbell, Ava Cox, Zena Dorris, Xavier Falkenheim, Kylee Mckee, Luke Sullivan, Abbie Vance, and Jack Zondervan. 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 percent of the junior and senior class to qualify for membership. However, Dr. Loren Warf, the assistant sponsor of the program, said during the ceremony that the average GPA of this semester's inductees was 3.99. The ceremony highlighted the organization's emphasis on both scholarship and character. "Scholarship is the power of the mind to dispel fear and superstition by the power of knowledge. Students should wear the pins for a week to promote not themselves, but the ideals of the organization," Warf said. The ceremony concluded with students repeating the motto found in John 8:32: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." Falkenheim, a biochemistry, health, and Spanish major, is looking forward to having a well-rounded experience in Alpha Chi. "I have a good academic and social life, but I think this will help take it to the next level for grad school applications," he said. Chapter President Clark Endsley is confident the new members will be valuable additions to the club. "Each inductee has unique talents, and together, they promise a bright future for Alpha Chi and Freed-Hardeman," Endsley said. Following the induction ceremony, a small reception with cake and punch was provided for inductees, family members and friends. 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

The following five students were recently inducted into the Phi Alpha International Honor Society for Social Workers: Emmalynn Vandyke, Kayla Hunter, Callie Myers, Ashley Karnes, and Ashton Sexton. Membership is offered to students who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work. The Phi Alpha Honor Society provides a closer bond among social work students and promotes humanitarian goals and ideals. The Social Work Program at Freed-Hardeman University proudly initiated the founding members into the Omicron Psi chapter of Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society in the spring of 2008.