Freed-Hardeman University

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

FHU Lions head coach Drew Stutts and the team brought the Big Red Banner and the championship trophy home to Henderson with a 71-67 championship victory over the Langston (Okla.) University Lions in a hard fought game on March 26, 2024. Utilizing phrases such as "Elite is Earned," and "Today is The Day," and "Committed to the Culture," Coach Stutts believes his team lived up to his expectations, saying, "They have just showed so much resilience and so much toughness tonight. The last thing we talked about before we went out of the locker room was 'the tougher team wins' and I think we have proven that throughout the course of this year." The Lions (32-4) lived up to a championship game with neither team leading by more than two possessions. The Lions of FHU shot 47% from the floor while their opponents ended with a 42% mark from the floor. Despite being out-rebounded 39-27, Freed-Hardeman forced 19 Langston turnovers and turned those into 24 points. "We are extremely proud," Freed-Hardeman University President David R. Shannon said. "Any team that wins the national championship there has to be a lot of grit, a lot of skill, and great coaching. And we get to see that at Freed-Hardeman." "This is a huge accomplishment for Coach Stutts and the team and a great day for Freed-Hardeman athletics and the Freed-Hardeman family," said FHU athletic director Jonathan Estes. "The mission is to utilize your God-given abilities to His glory and I think these guys did that." Making the All-Tournament team were FHU starts Quan Lax, Hunter Scurlock, and JJ Wheat. Wheat was honored with the Charles Stevenson Hustle Award while Hunter Scurlock ended his illustrious FHU career being named as the Chuck Taylor Most Valuable Player of the tournament. "It's a good way to end and it's been worth every bit of the ride," said Scurlock after thinking over his five-year career.

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."

Sager Blackman, a Freed-Hardeman University freshman from Lithia, Florida, was officially sworn into the U.S. Army National Guard earlier this month. Blackman is currently studying to earn his Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity from FHU and is also an active participant in the ROTC program. His enlistment into the Tennessee Army National Guard will ensure that his remaining FHU tuition will be taken care of.

Seven Freed-Hardeman University students studying Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) attended the Tennessee Association of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists (TAASLP) "Day On The Hill" in Nashville, Tennessee, this month where they met with state legislators to discuss professions, answer questions and share issues facing their fields. The students - Allison Collum, Gracie Doyle, Alexa Neglia, Kenzie Pressnell, Elizabeth Roberts, Taylor Triplett, and Gabe Watts- arrived prepared to meet with Senators and Representatives to discuss how they can help the audiology and speech pathology professions as well as those they will serve. These students were able to meet professional SLPs and audiologists as well as students from other undergraduate and graduate CSD programs. FHU instructor Susan Lankford and Dr. Meagan Spencer, director of FHU's CSD program, organized the day for students whose itinerary included delivering one pagers (information sheets) to share with legislators, participating in letter-writing campaigns with Tennessee's StAMP and SEAL representatives. They discussed reimbursement, dismissal of mandated school-age hearing screenings, and reasons why students choose the CSD field. "The goals for the event were to share information with legislators about the fields of audiology and speech-language pathology and to advocate for improved access to services for all Tennesseans," Lankford said. "The FHU Communication Sciences and Disorders department believes strongly that our undergraduate students are ready to take part in this aspect of their future profession. They proved us right with their participation in the TAASLP Day on the Hill."

Freed-Hardeman University accounting majors Caleb Bond, Elizabeth McKeeby, and Re'Elle Crowell sat at the feet of influential business leaders to expand their knowledge and make connections in their field during the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA) Second Annual Leadership Summit in Brentwood, Tennessee. Held in January, the two day TSCPA conference hosts professional CPA's working in Tennessee. With over 10,000 members, the organization is dedicated to empowering the success of its members through resource building for growth and leadership opportunities. "I learned so many skills and have several pages of notes," said McKeeby, a sophomore. "They stressed getting your CPA license, which motivates me even more to pursue it."

Freed-Hardeman University's chapter of Remote Area Medical (RAM) provided 458 patients in need with free dental care during a pop-up clinic at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry during Meharry Oral Health Day in early March. Twenty-one student volunteers helped to provide an estimated $127,532 in services at the one-day clinic in Nashville, Tennessee. The pop-up clinic set a record for the FHU RAM chapter for the most patients served in a single day. Members of the FHU chapter who attended include: Isaac Amar, Anna Jacobs, Lily Simpson, Addie O'Brian, Dylan Totty, Ben Wade, Matthew Goodin, Emma Guin, Asa Jopson, Ava Cox, Ella Embry, Emily Seibel, Jadyn Allen, Jeanne Seibel, Logan Summers, Luke Sullivan, Maddie Sullivan, Miriam Gallagher, Nina Thompson, Matthew Kuhl and Dan Chang. Chang, who is the RAM chapter president at FHU, said the Church of Christ in Green Hills, Charlotte Heights Church of Christ, Cameron Miller, and Jackson Stephens helped make the clinic possible. Miller, an FHU alumnus and admissions counselor, chaperoned the trip to Nashville and praised the students' work. "By going on the trip, the students showed great maturity. Many of them passed up club retreats to serve the community," Miller said. "The RAM employees complimented their attitudes and work ethic. It was a great chance to show the quality of FHU's spiritual and academic education."

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.

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

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.

Members of the Freed-Hardeman University Honors Council recently participated in the Tennessee Collegiate Honors Council 2024 Annual Conference on February 9 and 10. During the event, students presented diverse topics and engaged in learning opportunities from fellow scholars. Notably, FHU students clinched first place trivia trophy, and did so with very few errors, according to Matthew Kuhl, a senior biochemistry major. "The hosts told us we only missed three questions," he said adding the team made the most out of the experience. The conference, hosted by Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, attracted honors programs from various prestigious schools across the state, including Middle Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and the host institution, Lincoln Memorial University. The annual event serves as a prime platform for highlighting student excellence, according to Dr. Jenny Johnson, dean of the Honors College. "Making presentations in a setting like this offers numerous benefits," Johnson explained. "One tangible advantage is the significant boost it provides to a graduate school application."

During winter break, a group of FHU photography students embarked on a transformative journey to New York City for ART339: NYC Photography. This immersive experience took them through the vibrant streets of the Big Apple, where they captured iconic landmarks and intimate moments, each lens revealing a unique perspective. Participating students receive class hour credit for the trip. The pinnacle of their adventure? A full day at Pier59 Studios, where they refined their skills alongside professional models, pushing their boundaries and unlocking new levels of creativity. Splitting into smaller groups, students enjoyed an intimate setting with models ranging from novices to seasoned professionals. Tabitha Edwards, a senior double majoring in public relations and photography, found inspiration in the diverse personalities of the models.