Freed-Hardeman University

Freed-Hardeman University Theatre is set to transport audiences into a gripping vision of the future with its production of "After the Blast," a thought-provoking drama by playwright Zoe Kazan. The show runs Thursday, March 6, through Saturday, March 8, with shows at 7 p.m. There is a matinee at 2 p.m. Saturday. Set in a world where humanity has retreated underground after an environmental disaster, the play follows Anna and Oliver, a couple navigating the strict regulations of their controlled society while holding onto the hope of having a child. With time running out, Anna's struggle with depression and self-worth is brought to the forefront through her unlikely connection with a robot companion, raising deep questions about resilience, identity and the cost of survival in a world shaped by technology. Director and FHU Theatre Professor Dr. Cliff Thompson describes "After the Blast" as an exciting departure from previous productions, incorporating multimedia elements and a visually immersive experience. "This is something new that we've never done before," Thompson said. "The use of futuristic screens, a dynamic set design and standout performances-including a robot brought to life by student actor Luke Noles-makes this a production that will challenge audiences both emotionally and intellectually."

Freed-Hardeman University has released the names of students who made the President's and Dean's Lists for the Fall 2024 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.

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.

Freed-Hardeman University has released the names of students who made the President's and Dean's Lists for the Fall 2024 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.

At the conclusion of a busy fall semester, psychology students in Dr. Chris Creecy's Research Methods II class gathered in the lobby of Brown-Kopel Business Center to present the findings from their ongoing research projects. Displaying posters that highlighted key factors in their research, groups conversed with teachers, fellow students and visitors who were interested in learning more about their unique findings.

Congratulations to seniors Morgan Milliken, Tori Robison, and Cooper Whitney, who were selected from nearly 300 entries across nine states to participate in this year's Bellwethers Exhibition. The Bellwethers is an annual juried exhibition for undergraduate art majors, hosted by UT Martin and displayed at the West Tennessee Regional Art Center in Humboldt. This year's juror was Beth Edwards, Professor Emeritus of Painting from the University of Memphis. FHU's artists showcased their work alongside 53 other students from major universities, including the University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of North Carolina, University of Tennessee, and Mississippi State University. FHU students have participated in the Bellwethers Exhibition for 14 of the past 16 years. "We've had past students win 'Best in Show' or first place in '2D Media' over the years," said Brian Bundren, associate professor of art at FHU.

From Capitol Hill to corporate boardrooms, students in the Freed-Hardeman College of Business recounted the meaningful internship experiences that took them beyond the classroom and into their fields at the Third Annual Beyond BK Intern Recognition Dinner. Sponsored by Watkins Uiberall, PLLC, the event celebrated the hard work, resilience and dedication of students who tested their classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Of the 32 business student interns recognized at the dinner, seven were chosen to speak on their internship experiences and encourage other students to seek opportunities. Speakers were Daniel Grooms, a senior accounting major who interned at Ernst & Young; Griffin Collins, a sophomore finance and law and politics major who interned for U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell; Aidan Harrison, a senior business analytics major who interned with Transcard; Elizabeth McKeeby, a junior accounting major who interned with UHY, LLP; Jadyn Hope, a senior marketing major who interned at DPW Manufacturing; Grigorii Sibilev, a graduate business major who interned at Integrity Music Company; and Zena Dorris, a senior marketing major who interned with 2-COM Communication Components.

Fourteen Freed-Hardeman University students were officially inducted into the Tennessee Iota Chapter of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society Monday, Oct. 21, in Old Main Administration Building's Chapel Hall. Membership in Alpha Chi is open to students who have earned a minimum GPA of 3.75 on 80 credit hours and who are in the top 10% of the junior and senior classes. This semester, all inductees have a minimum GPA of 3.92. The following students were inducted into the organization: Hannah Ballentine, Molli Deere, Darden Goode, Mia Griffin, Aleia Klamm, Noah LaRue, Elizabeth McKeeby, Mia Morris, Kanvas Phelps, Brenley Ramey, Campbell Scott, Jensen Smith, Ben Wade and Brooke Webb.

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.

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."

Eighteen students from Freed-Hardeman University completed their studies this summer, earning six bachelor's degrees, nine master's degrees and three doctorates.

Freed-Hardeman University has released the names of students who made the President's and Dean's Lists for the Spring 2024 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 377 degrees upon a talented group of students during FHU's 154th commencement exercises Saturday, May 11, 2024. In addition to the 274 bachelor's degrees, 11 associate degrees, two education specialist degrees, 81 master's degrees and nine doctorates were also awarded. In his opening remarks, FHU President David R. Shannon noted that this group of graduates was unique in that many of them graduated high school at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. "There are a few graduates today for whom this is their first graduation because America was shut down during their high school graduation," he remarked. "And so we celebrate with you a little bit extra today - not just because of today but because of what you have persevered and traveled through to reach this mark of the journey."

Fifteen Freed-Hardeman University students played a key role in enhancing library services by serving on the Student Library Advisory Board (SLAB) during the 2023-24 academic year. Organized in early 2023, SLAB provides students with the opportunity to offer feedback on library operations and improvements, ensuring the library meets the needs of the student body. The SLAB members included Caleb Bond, Bre Tonkery, Brigitte Turner, Wesley Baker, Mallorie Gardner, Jackson Guin, Carly Price, Addie O'Brian, Ana Crowell, Eli Neal, David Okantey, Renae Tabor, Ella Williams, Orlando Whiteside, Emily Andrick, and Robin Winckler.

Freed-Hardeman English majors and faculty came together to celebrate National Poetry Month and the conclusion of the spring semester. The event highlighted the annual poetry contest where computer science major Lou Joseph was awarded first place for his submission, "Mother." His poem poignantly captures the emotional turmoil of leaving Haiti, and adjusting to life in the United States. Joseph described the motivation behind his winning piece: "I've never been the most articulate person, so it's easy to feel unheard, especially when you've been stripped of your language." His poem reflects on the language and life left behind, a sacrifice made out of necessity. Though his heart remains in Haiti, Joseph now calls an Orlando suburb home. Following Joseph, students Ella Gehlert and J.T. Moore were also recognized for their impressive submissions. After the winners showcased their poems, students from Professor Neil Segars' Modern Poetry class shared some of their favorite works, adding to the rich tapestry of the day's discussions.

The Lions and Lady Lions traded their jerseys for suits and dresses as the Freed-Hardeman University athletic department honored their student-athletes during the second annual Roar Awards held in late April. The student-athletes joined the athletic staff as well as family and friends to join in a meal before each team recognized three student-athletes. Voted by their teammates, each team selected a "Best Teammate," "Best Christian Example" and "Team MVP" honoree. Capping off the celebrations, the athletic training department honored three student-athletes before the top four awards were announced. The sports medicine department honored Haley Suggs as the "Workhorse," Devin Tomlinson as "Diligent Dan" and Brinley Cousar as "Overcomer." "The Roar Awards are special because it is all about the student-athletes," FHU Director of Athletics Jonathan Estes said. "We have some of the best student-athletes in the world. They embody the spirit and attitudes that we want in our families, in our churches, in our communities and in our world. We want to honor their commitment to the classroom, their commitment to each other, their commitment to the Lord and their commitment to their sport." Voted by the coaches and athletic staff, women's basketball's KJ White was selected as the Outstanding Female Student-Athlete. Men's basketball's Quan Lax was honored as Outstanding Male Student-Athlete, adding to a list of accolades that included first-team All-NAIA tournament, first-team All-American, first-team All-MSC and MSC tournament Most Valuable Player. For the Outstanding Individual Achievement, the staff voted for baseball's Colton Huntt. Men's basketball's Hunter Scurlock was voted as the 2024 recipient.

Two Freed-Hardeman University students have been recognized by the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society for research scholarships and fellowships. Daniel Chang, a junior biology major, was chosen over hundreds of applicants from across the country to receive a $2,000 Alfred H. Nolle Cooperative Scholarship. Josie Gannon, a senior double majoring in biology and English, was chosen as an alternate for a $3,000 H.Y. Benedict Fellowship for her ecological research.

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.

FHU College of Business held its annual Senior Awards Chapel and Luncheon to celebrate the academic achievements of students as they prepare for post-graduate life. Ten seniors and one graduate student were recognized for their work in several disciplines including accounting, marketing, management, business analytics, finance, financial planning and sport administration. In addition, six undergraduates received the Sewell Scholarship, which awards a rising sophomore, junior or senior with a minimum 3.0 grade point average with a $5,000 scholarship ($2,500 a semester). Recipients must demonstrate leadership, integrity and professionalism. "Deciding these awards is never easy," Dr. Matt Vega, dean of the College of Business, said. "We're so thankful for all of your efforts. We know whatever your next chapter is, you will not only glorify us, but you will glorify God."

Several Freed-Hardeman University members of Xi Chi Delta spent their spring break spreading the gospel and encouraging the Church around the country. The club sent a total of 36 people to Taylorsville, North Carolina, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and Kayenta, Arizona. In North Carolina, the students worked with the Liledoun Road Church of Christ. One of the students on the trip, Isaac Amar said the congregation's excitement was inspiring. "Just by us being there made me want to serve them so much more. Their excitement was contagious, and it really inspired the team," Amar said. Students on the Massachusetts trip performed an outreach campaign to publicize the church throughout the area and completed several service projects "The experience made me appreciate how good God's people can be in encouraging each other, and how blessed we are to live in a place where our faith is such a common thing that can be openly acknowledged," Scott said. While in Arizona the group served with the Kayenta Church of Christ encouraging youth and completing service projects in the community. They provided blessing bags with food and encouraging notes to visitors of the local farmer's market. "As a group, we were able to learn so much from the kids and community about showing unconditional love to those around us," said Brenna Hobgood, a junior social work major.

As another academic year draws to a close, Freed-Hardeman University paused to recognize some of its highest achieving students in various fields during special Awards Day chapel presentations April 16 and 17. FHU professors and staff members, each representing a different field of work or study, took to the Loyd Auditorium stage during these two days to celebrate the accomplishments of more than 60 dedicated students.

Eighty-one members of the Chi Beta Chi Social Club participated in student-led mission trips to three different states and one foreign country - Sarchi, Costa Rica; Keizer, Oregon; Canyon Lake, Texas and Pleasant Hill, California. The students ministered to congregations in various communities and completed projects at church buildings. FHU student Mattie Barkley coordinated the Canyon Lake, Texas mission trip and praised the hard work of the team. "I have never seen a group of young adults work so hard, and I am so proud of them. I am so grateful that God put this opportunity in my life. He knew I needed this and put in my life the people who were best to do this with," Barkley said.

Thousands of visitors flooded the Freed-Hardeman University campus April 5-6 eager to "Make Some Noise" for one of the biggest FHU events of the year. Makin' Music 47 thrilled audiences over four performances full of original club shows, emcee entertainment and hosts and hostess showstoppers. At the conclusion of Saturday evening's closing show, Phi Kappa Alpha was awarded the coveted sweepstakes trophy for the first time in seven years. Xi Chi Delta was awarded second place, while third place went to Chi Beta Chi. This year's Spirit of Makin' Music Award was presented to Omega Chi.

Thousands of visitors flooded the Freed-Hardeman University campus April 5-6 eager to "Make Some Noise" for one of the biggest FHU events of the year. Makin' Music 47 thrilled audiences over four performances full of original club shows, emcee entertainment and hosts and hostess showstoppers. At the conclusion of Saturday evening's closing show, Phi Kappa Alpha was awarded the coveted sweepstakes trophy for the first time in seven years. Xi Chi Delta was awarded second place, while third place went to Chi Beta Chi.

Thousands of visitors flooded the Freed-Hardeman University campus April 5-6 eager to "Make Some Noise" for one of the biggest FHU events of the year. Makin' Music 47 thrilled audiences over four performances full of original club shows, emcee entertainment and hosts and hostess showstoppers. At the conclusion of Saturday evening's closing show, Phi Kappa Alpha was awarded the coveted sweepstakes trophy for the first time in seven years. Xi Chi Delta was awarded second place, while third place went to Chi Beta Chi.

Freed Hardeman's Phi Kappa Alpha Social club brought a team of 57 students and chaperones to serve the Church in Chiriqui, Panama. The group taught nearly 900 kids in five local schools, more than 650 kids between two vacation Bible schools, and 151 people in Bible studies. Their efforts also yielded five restorations and one baptism. In addition to spreading the gospel, the group helped construction efforts on the church building in Boquete. During last year's campaign, members of PKA poured the floor for the building. This year, they were able to build on their progress by helping make a sidewalk and a building for classrooms. The group also held an area-wide "Youth Day" with lessons focused on being transformed by Jesus. One of the trip coordinators, Tyler Thomas, gave insight into the work it takes to plan a trip of this scale. "The planning process was a lot, but it was well worth it once we were on the trip. I was lucky to work alongside a team that worked so hard to make it happen," Thomas said. "Planning the travel, VBS, gospel meeting, teen class, breaking the people into groups, and making the schedule for the week. Seeing it all come to life was awesome! We took the good news of Jesus, and God took it from there," said Thomas, a senior bible major.

FHU's newly established Legacy Jazz Ensemble traveled this spring to Austin, Texas, for a long weekend to perform, mentor and recruit at two private schools: Brentwood Christian School and San Marcos Academy.

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.

For the third consecutive year, Freed-Hardeman's analytics teams brought home honors, this time at the Bluegrass DataFest held in late April at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky. In this competition, students had 48 hours to evaluate a complex, real-world dataset and present their findings. This year, Freed-Hardeman fielded two teams of five students each, doubling in size from the team's inaugural appearance in 2022. Team members Lou Joseph, Eli Combs, Justin Steward, Kate Fitzgerald and Taylor Guess secured the Best in Show and Best Visualization honors. Meanwhile, John Robinson, J.T. Moore, Justin Ellis, Carson Kizer and Aidan Harrison won the Best Use of External Data award. "These results continue to demonstrate our students' academic competitiveness nationwide," said Charlie Smith, one of the DataFest faculty advisors. "Their insights into the data and recommendations for action were on par with professional data analysts. I'm proud of their dedication and abilities."