Freed-Hardeman University

Breathing new life into social club competitions during Homecoming week proved to be an enjoyable challenge for FHU alumna Brittany Ringold Evans and her committee of student leaders who helped her brainstorm new activities to incorporate during Homecoming week "The Story of Us," Nov. 6 through Nov. 13. "We added two new events that are service based - Can It Up and Glow It Up," Evans said. "With Can It Up, students use cans to build a structure, and after they've been judged, all of the cans will be donated to a local food bank. Glow It Up is a fun run with glow sticks." Both events were public service fundraisers. Activities began Nov. 6 and continued throughout the week with window painting, a bonfire, powder puff football, a basketball tournament, campus-wide singing, Lion Walk, tailgating and election and coronation of homecoming court. An additional new feature this year was the on campus Homecoming parade and float competition. "The Homecoming parade is such a huge thing at so many schools, so we hope it will grow as we progress," Evans said. "Our goal was to strengthen Homecoming making it an event that alumni and students don't want to miss," Evans said. "Another big thing we changed was adding a creative theme featuring storybook characters to the events. It has really made them think outside of the box."

Nineteen Freed-Hardeman University students were inducted into the Iota Chapter of Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society Monday, November 14, 2022, in Old Main on FHU's campus. Members of Alpha Chi uphold its principles of Truth and Character and its motto - "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32. 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% of the junior and senior class to qualify for membership. This fall semester's inductees have earned a 3.97 grade point average or higher.

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.

It all started with a doodle. Freed-Hardeman University senior graphic design major Anna Marie Wyatt sketched on the sides of her notebook all of the time, but never took it seriously. She does now, though. Wyatt's doodles are displayed in her capstone project, "Finding Abstraction," which opened for a week at The Troy Plunk Art Gallery in the FHU Bulliner-Clayton Visual Arts Center. Wyatt thanked a crowd of supporters who gathered for her opening night reception Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, and shared with them that she felt like a real artist. "Abstract art is something that I enjoy and something that doesn't create more stress for me to make," Wyatt said. Each piece in "Finding Abstraction" has a name that sounds like a tasty summer beverage but is also a reflection of her penchant for her use of bright, punchy colors. Her first sketches were drawn with colored pencil. "Raspberry Lemonade," "Strawberry Lemonade," "Lemon Lime" and "Hawaiian Punch" are roughly the size of a family-portrait and framed on the gallery's wall.

Freed-Hardeman University Theatre will present Roald Dahl's "Matilda the Musical" as its homecoming production this fall, featuring young actors from the Chester County Youth Theater. Performances will be Thursday, Nov. 10, and Friday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m. in Loyd Auditorium, and a matinee performance will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. FHU Theatre and Chester County Youth Theater invite FHU alumni, friends and the community to enjoy this family friendly show. Individuals may purchase tickets at fhutickets.com. Chester County Youth Theater Director Becky Hartle is directing "Matilda the Musical," alongside Lauren Malecha, music director, Jenna Britt, choreographer, and Brandyn Graves, set designer and FHU Theatre faculty. "I am so thankful I get to combine my worlds of FHU Theatre and Chester County Youth Theater to create this one of a kind performance of 'Matilda,'" FHU alumna, Hartle said. "It has been inspiring to see how the college students have become leaders and positive examples to our CCYT kids. I have also been so impressed with my CCYT kids, who have stayed on the same level as the college kids while learning the rigorous music and choreography elements of the show!" For eight weeks the cast has worked together to learn their lines, songs and characters. "I think it's impressive what the younger students are doing. They're very fun, and they get theatre," FHU senior Nate Cass said. Cass is portraying Rudolpho in the musical and is a theatre design major. Local homeschooler and CCYT cast member Allie Grace Kopp is portraying Amanda Thripp in the production and enjoys a scene where she is thrown by her pigtails. "I'm enjoying the challenge of the choreography in the play. I'm more of a singer than a dancer, so I practice a lot at home. This is a wonderful cast with talented people." This is the second FHU Homecoming performance for FHU sophomore Haley Hixson, who is portraying Matilda. She portrayed Frances in last year's "Burnt Part Boys." "I've been working on making my voice little and changing my physicality," said Hixson, a double major in theatre and education. "Matilda is such a long storyteller and speaks in a British accent, so that's been a fun challenge." FHU senior Shayli Studer portrays Matilda's favorite teacher, Ms. Honey, in the production. Studer has a passion for theatre and storytelling and has seen the play twice in Nashville. "It's a sweet role to play," Studer said. "She has a hard battle to stand up for herself." For many in the cast, coming together to make the show a success is a rewarding, collaborative effort. "My favorite part of this process would be the E&E groups. This stands for encourage and engage, which helps form bonds between the FHU college students and the Chester County Youth Theater students," Hartle said. "They spend five minutes each rehearsal getting to know each other better. They also eat together during meals and encourage each other on and off stage. They even trick or treated together in Halloween costumes, as CCYT parents passed out candy in Loyd Auditorium before rehearsal! This experience is about more than just the production. It's about the bonding of two different age groups and the memories that will last a lifetime. It will be a special experience to witness Chester County students perform together with FHU students on stage! We hope the community will enjoy this family friendly show of Matilda!"

From Jesus memes to the discovery of new math, Freed-Hardeman University's Seventh Annual Scholars' Day covered a myriad of interesting topics for students to explore during the morning-long event held in Loyd Auditorium Friday, Oct. 28, 2022. Dr. Joe Deweese, director of undergraduate research, said this year's Scholars' Day had the largest number of participants with nearly every department represented - 40 oral presentations, 12 posters and one additional display, 17 art displays and a musical. "Overall, about 100 different people participated," he said. For Scholars' Day academic classes are canceled so students may attend the presentations.

Dozens of student-led projects helped to spread God's love during the second annual Servants' Day held last month. Instead of academic classes for the day, students signed up for a service project either on campus or in the community. Students volunteered for a variety of projects that included repainting school playground equipment, playing games with Heritage Towers residents, visiting with the sick and shut-in, picking up roadside trash and helping local teachers in their classrooms. For many of the participating students, the day was inspiring and a reminder of God's commandment for individuals to use their gifts to serve others (1 Peter 4:10). "It has made my semester," Morgan Perkins, who helped at the special needs field day at Mid-South Youth Camp. "It was an experience that I will never forget. It was more than anything I could have imagined. This project showed me that showing love to others no matter what is important." FHU freshman Drew Bramblett wiped windows at Chester County Junior High. "Being at my old school cleaning windows made me feel nostalgic and like I was visiting an old friend," he said. Additional projects involved members of Chorale singing for senior citizens at Southern Oaks, students sorting donated clothing for "And You Clothed Me," a project which invites individuals to 'shop' for clothing without having to pay. The Lady Lions basketball team organized goods in a warehouse to benefit the Waverly residents impacted by flooding in 2021. Other groups wrote cards of support to senior citizens and FHU dining staff. "University Servants' Day is a blessing!" FHU President David R. Shannon said. "Many faculty and students from behavioral sciences painted at North Chester School. Phi Kappa Alpha hosted activities for Shiradon Kirk's special needs class. Sweet Jordan's and 139 Ministries participated in an informative panel. Dr. McLarty reminded us to see Jesus in everyone we serve. And the list could go on and on, involving hundreds of faculty and staff. I hope we lifted others up while glorifying God."

Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month brought Freed-Hardeman University students together for an awareness event in the commons Sept. 27, 2022. Students were invited to openly attend on a come-and-go basis. During the evening, participants lit luminaries and listened to an original song by a local musician. Individuals also had the opportunity to speak privately with mental health counselors and on an open microphone for public sharing. "It really is nice to know that the FHU family cares about us students," said FHU student LeighAnne Dugger. "They make me feel as if I am at home here." The keynote speaker at the event was Director of the University Counseling Center Dr. Nathan Judd. He taught a valuable lesson on ways that students can help prevent suicide through lending a listening ear. "It's important, when someone brings a thought to you, not to panic," said Judd. "In the moment that the person is sitting right in front of you, before you take the next step, just listen." After Judd spoke, there was a musical performance by local songwriter Tosh Newman singing his original song, "Heaven Don't Need You Yet," for the people in attendance. The song's lyrics highlighted the importance of suicide prevention. Newman the song to deal with the loss of his friend who died by suicide. Professors Dr. Nadine McNeil and Dr. Chris Creecy organized the event to support the students and community. "We know that prevention is essential and suicide does not have to be a part of our lives," McNeil said. School leaders are looking forward to assisting students and surrounding them in love on campus. "This is our first event on the subject," said Creecy. "We hope to increase awareness through more events."

Freed-Hardeman University students have chosen king and queen candidates from members of their classes to represent them on the Homecoming Court. They will be presented to the student body during chapel Tuesday, Nov. 8. The king and queen will be crowned Saturday, Nov. 12, at halftime of the women's basketball game. King candidates, elected from the senior class, are Nathan Brown, an accounting major from Manchester, Tennessee; Ethan Buckner, a finance major from Mount Juliet, Tennessee, and John Sadler, a biology major from Katy, Texas. Queen candidates are Morgan Perkins, a kinesiology major from Iuka, Mississippi, Brooke Roberts, a biology major from Knoxville, Tennessee; and Kayley Wadlington, an elementary education major from Cadiz, Kentucky. Junior class representatives are Sara Browning, a marketing and digital design major from Lewisburg, Tennessee; Addie Everson, a public relations major from Mesquite, Texas; Keegan Maguffee, a marketing major from Flint, Michigan, and Omer Shifris, a sports administration and speech communication major from Kibbutz, Israel. Representing the sophomore class are Mattie Barkley, a marketing and digital design major from Bethel Springs, Tennessee; Sam Elrod, an accounting major from Rockvale, Tennessee; Lily Robinett, a nursing major from Bessemer, Alabama; and Luke Wamble, a youth and family ministry major from Lebanon, Tennessee. The freshman class elected the following: Kate Boyd, a public relations major from Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Jacy Haislip, a marketing major from Lawrenceburg, Tennessee; Grady McCall, from Winter Garden, Florida, who wants to pursue film and television production; and Jack Zondervan, a finance and marketing major from Hudsonville, Michigan. Utilizing a theme of "The Story of Us," FHU students will enjoy multiple activities during Homecoming Week, Nov. 6-13. In addition to the many alumni and families who are expected for the weekend, high school juniors and seniors are invited Saturday for a special Maroon and Gold Day. A complete listing of Homecoming events is available at fhu.edu/homecoming/schedule. 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 associates, bachelor's, master's, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at http://www.fhu.edu.

Intercollegiate athletes at Freed-Hardeman University have added a new claim on their already fully booked schedules this semester. They are now trying "to better connect student-athletes to faith, Christ, each other and the student body," through a new organization they call Competitors for Christ (C4C), according to baseball player Alex Huey, from Columbia, Tennessee. "Wow! That is a great idea!" was Catherine Crabb's reaction when she heard about the organization and its mission. A member of the softball team and a part of the leadership team, she is from Meridianville, Alabama. "I believe that this organization is a great form of ministry, and it is also a great way to create events that athletes want to be a part of," she continued. Under the leadership of Diego Rojas, assistant soccer coach and spiritual growth coordinator for intercollegiate athletics, C4C organized at the end of the Spring 2022 semester and is busy planning events for this year. Among their "awesome ideas and plans for the future," Huey said, are service projects and an overseas mission trip. Already they have selected a name for the group, designed a logo, initiated social media accounts, published a newsletter, conducted one of the university's chapel programs and hosted a dodgeball tournament to raise funds. The tournament was "a huge event," according to Crabb. So many athletes of all sports created teams and came out and had a great time. Other students also created teams or came to support the teams. "The gym was loud and everyone was having a good time," Crabb said.

Freed-Hardeman University's Remote Area Medical (RAM) Chapter made a difference in the lives of approximately 101 individuals by providing services valued at nearly $60,000 during a pop-up dental clinic held Sept. 30 through Oct.1, 2022, at the National Guard Armory in Henderson. RAM, FHU's RAM Chapter and a group of campus and community partners organized resources to bring the pop-up clinic to the area. "The turnout was both a reassurance of my purpose in starting this planning for the clinic and of the need for Remote Area Medical's services in this area," said Cameron Kuhl, an FHU senior business analytics major and former RAM intern. RAM's mission is to alleviate suffering and leave patients in a better condition, according to Brad Hutchins, RAM clinic coordinator. "It takes a village to make all of this happen - from determining the type of care the clinic will offer to flying in our RAM volunteers from all over the country," Hutchins said. Saying that dental care is one of the most requested services, he added. "In some cases, patients have gone an extended amount of time without care." In Henderson, the clinic opened at 6 a.m. Friday. Half of the patients arrived the evening before to wait for the armory's parking lot gates to open at midnight. Each patient received a call ticket, which determined the order in which they were seen.

Freed-Hardeman University senior Sydney Phillips credits her internship with Murray State University's athletic department for introducing her to new career possibilities and reinforcing her classroom experiences. Phillips was among 27 business students who were celebrated for successfully completing summer internships during the FHU College of Business Beyond BK Recognition Dinner Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Beyond BK stands for Beyond Brown-Kopel, which is the name of the building that houses the FHU College of Business. Beyond BK is a school initiative that focuses students on career exploration and gaining real-world professional experience in their fields early in their college careers.

Ten Freed-Hardeman University students and recent graduates were selected for highly competitive resume-building internships during the summer that helped them gain experience and insight about their future career options. FHU students Nate Cass, Jack Joiner and Landon Rydl were among the group selected for paid internships in Virginia, Texas and Michigan. They spent the majority of their summer sharpening skills they are currently using as they work on FHU's fall productions.

Freed-Hardeman University's 153rd academic year is well underway, and 400 new students have been through orientation and are now looking to get involved in campus life. One of the most active ways an FHU student can get engaged on campus is by joining a social club. Social clubs are a great opportunity for students to interact with a select group of other students as they grow closer to each other and share experiences. Each social club offers different events and outings, but all take time to have weekly devotionals, semester-long service opportunities and mission trips domestic and abroad.

"Holmes And Watson," is a theatrical mystery filled with so many red herrings, twists and turns that the play's director FHU senior Courtney Willcut is extremely careful about spoiling any plot points when she talks about the production. "This play is entertaining and engaging for any audience member, regardless if you know anything about Sherlock Holmes," said Willcut, a theatre performance major. "This is a very unique, original mystery that will keep audiences guessing until the very end." "Holmes And Watson" will open Thursday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre. Additional performances will take place Friday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Individuals may purchase tickets online at fhutickets.universitytickets.com.

"Holmes And Watson," is a theatrical mystery filled with so many red herrings, twists and turns that the play's director FHU senior Courtney Willcut is extremely careful about spoiling any plot points when she talks about the production. "This play is entertaining and engaging for any audience member, regardless if you know anything about Sherlock Holmes," said Willcut, a theatre performance major. "This is a very unique, original mystery that will keep audiences guessing until the very end." "Holmes And Watson" will open Thursday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre. Additional performances will take place Friday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Individuals may purchase tickets online at fhutickets.universitytickets.com. The production is the first of FHU theatre's fall season and Willcut's senior capstone project as she prepares to graduate in December."I've been very excited to direct," Willcut said. She has directed two short plays prior to her senior year - "10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse" and "World Without Memory."

With its motto - "For the Pursuit of Excellence" - Omega Chi is now the fifth social club on Freed-Hardeman University's campus. "We want to promote excellence in athletics, the classroom and in church," Omega Chi President Jon Moore said. Moore is a senior law and politics major from Summerset, Kentucky. "Our goal is to include everyone in our club activities and form a community, inside and outside FHU."

FHU student Dominique Michaud was selected to receive the Hospital Alliance of Tennessee Nursing Scholarship in the amount of $10,000. Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA) created this scholarship in partnership with the Hospital Alliance of Tennessee to award an outstanding nursing student seeking to complete their education in preparation for service in a Tennessee nonprofit hospital. Each of TICUA's member institutions with nursing programs was allowed to nominate one highly qualified student to be considered for this scholarship. "We are proud to name Dominique Michaud as our 2022 TICUA Hospital Association Nursing Scholar," said TICUA President Claude Pressnell. "There were many qualified applicants, and we saw an impressive commitment to the nursing profession from each applicant. As our nonprofit hospitals face a critical nursing shortage, it is an honor to be able to help students on their path to this incredibly important and noble profession." Michaud, of Oxford, is earning a bachelor of science in nursing and is on track to graduate in May 2024. She has maintained a 4.0-grade point average throughout her academic career while being active in campus organizations and volunteering to help those with mental and developmental disabilities. Michaud is a certified pharmacy technician, assistant in Disability Services, and American Red Cross Lifeguard, and is certified in First Aid and CPR.

The Freed-Hardeman University chapter of Alpha Chi National College Honor Society recently announced its new officers for the 2022-23 school year. The new leaders said they are hard at work planning events for the upcoming fall semester. Casey Jackson, a senior elementary education major, will serve as president. Bowman Blocker, a senior majoring in finance, and Lydia Todd, a senior majoring in psychology, will serve as vice-presidents. Emily Christensen, a senior majoring in communications sciences and disorders, will serve as treasurer. The chapter's first event will be a one-day conference Sept. 9. During the conference, students will discuss academic motivation. In addition, the chapter will partner with Remote Area Medical to provide a pop-up dental clinic from Sept. 30 - Oct 1. Cameron Kuhl, a member of Alpha Chi, applied for and received a chapter grant for this activity from Alpha Chi. Remote Area Medical (RAM) is a major nonprofit provider of free pop-up clinics. Its mission is to prevent pain and alleviate suffering by providing free, quality healthcare to those in need. They deliver free dental, vision and medical services to underserved and uninsured individuals. Since RAM was founded in 1985, nearly 183,000 volunteers - comprised of professional practitioners, as well as general support staff - have treated more than 888,500 individuals and delivered more than $181.5 million worth of free healthcare services. Alpha Chi's leadership team and members are excited to increase their campus presence and serve FHU and the surrounding community in scholarship and service.

After a two-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FHU Study Abroad two-week tour of romantic England returned with approximately 22 travelers who set off for their great adventure in late May. They left as strangers but returned as good friends. Six FHU students traveled in the group - Josie Gannon, Caroyln Smith, Ashton Rose Duke, Hannah Sprouse, Molly Clemons and Emma Grace Owens - although not all of them are English majors, the students said the trip gave them a greater appreciation for the authors they studied while visiting England. The Romantic England tour is organized by John McLaughlin, who teaches American literature, romantic poetry and prose and renaissance drama. "The trip is set up to complement the course I teach, English literature of the romantic period," he said. "While visiting different sites, we discuss the writers from that period, experience nature and the countryside." McLaughlin's wife, Debbie, also serves as a leader on the Romantic England tour. "We got to do so much - from group activities, free time, and small groups," Debbie McLaughlin said. "What I remember most are the bonds that were created, that's my favorite part." FHU student Molly Clemons, an English and history major, enjoyed her first trip abroad and what she learned about the writers she admires. "I really appreciated being where the writers were and seeing the landscape and understanding what they were seeing," Clemons said. "But the best part of the trip was the people and getting to know them," Clemons said. FHU nursing major Emma Grace Owens agreed with Clemons. "I didn't know anyone but my friends on my trip, but by the end, we were like 'this is family,'" she said. Learning about the authors encouraged Owens to read more of their works. "I've always been about science and math, but learning more about the writers opened my mind." Owens purchased Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" while touring the author's home, now a museum, in Chawton, England. "I planned to spend my summer reading while sitting and looking at things more." In addition to touring, hiking and sightseeing, the group tried to leave no stone unturned during this trip. "We got to do so much - we were able to see a lot all over England," Debbie McLaughlin said. "The goal is to broaden everyone's horizons and see what the rest of the world does and is like. We use public transportation, trains and buses, because it adds to the knowledge gained about the world. That's valuable to young people and benefits everyone." The next Romantic England study abroad trip will take place in 2024.

Freed-Hardeman University announced approximately 40 summer graduates this month. Ten students received baccalaureate degrees while 14 students received graduate degrees. The remaining graduates completed their certificates, licensures and associate's degrees. Many of the students who completed their degrees in August participated in the May graduation ceremony held in Loyd Auditorium. During the commencement program, FHU President David R. Shannon reiterated the significant events of the 2021-22 school year and issued a challenge to graduates. He urged them to pray, serve, love and work like Jesus. "Live a life for His glory," he said, "and remember God loves you more than anyone." Quoting Isaiah 49:16, Shannon reminded them God said, "See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me."

Freed-Hardeman University students spent a week mentoring young Christian leaders during Horizons this month on FHU's campus. Each summer more than 1,000 campers, 7th through 12th graders, attend Horizons to connect with fellow Christians, learn to lead and grow in their love for the Lord. The spiritual experience focuses on creating an encouraging environment to equip and challenge young church leaders. In addition to the traditional Horizons program, selected juniors and seniors who have attended Horizons for at least three years participated in the Horizons Mentoring Experience for enhanced leadership training. A staff of more than 150 counselors and teachers spent the week with the students. This year's theme was "Wonder." More than 30 FHU students served at this year's camp, including Emma Grace Owens. "I went multiple times as a camper so I was very excited to be a counselor. I loved being a counselor. I didn't realize how much campers were going to affect me. I miss them and love them so much. Horizons doesn't only change your life as a camper, but also as a counselor!"

Approximately 400 new students are expected to arrive on the Freed-Hardeman University campus Saturday, Aug. 13, for a week of making new friends, learning about their new home-away-from-home, worship and service, and planned and impromptu recreational activities. Leading them through all these new experiences will be a 36-person team of current FHU students. Interface coordinators Julie Gann, a junior kinesiology major from Harvest, Alabama, and Patrick Frans, a senior youth ministry major from Mount Juliet, Tennessee, have chosen a theme, organized the team and planned activities. Gann and Frans have dubbed the 2022 edition of Interface "Ohana," a Hawaiian word loosely translated as "family." "We decided that since 'Ohana' means family, and family means no one gets left behind, it sums up what Freed-Hardeman is as a school, community and people. We are welcoming the freshmen class to an unfamiliar environment. They are probably really scared and nervous for this new phase in life," Gann said. "Interface is all about taking away the fear and unfamiliarity of college life." "The theme conveys that, number one, we are God's family, and we will take care of one another and, two, we are a family here at Freed-Hardeman who love each other and feel at home here." Franz explained. "We want the freshmen to come in and feel God's love and that they are a part of His family and that as the week goes on, they will feel a part of the FHU family and call this place home."

Freed-Hardeman University has released the names of students who made the President's and Dean's Lists for the spring 2022 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 honored during the spring 2022 semester.

Approximately 350 Freed-Hardeman University students graduated May 14, 2022, during a spring ceremony held in Loyd Auditorium. In addition to baccalaureate and graduate degrees, 11 high school students enrolled in the university's early admission program were awarded Associate in Arts degrees. FHU Board of Trustees Chair and TriStar Bank Chief Executive Officer Ted Williams delivered the commencement address. He encouraged graduates to emulate God in their lives. "God was a giver," he said. "He gave his son." Williams noted the excitement of the day and graduates' anticipation of the future; however, he cautioned them. "Don't spend so much time focusing on what's next," he said. "Instead, enjoy the journey." Following Williams' address, FHU Provost and Vice President for Academics C.J. Vires presented the Faculty Scholarship-Leadership medal to Corey Sweatt, of Dyer, Tennessee. The award has been presented annually since 1938 to the student in the graduating class who possesses to the highest degree the following attributes: ability, quality of work, accuracy, love of knowledge and leadership. It is accompanied by a cash award made possible by FHU's Alpha Chi Honor Society. To conclude the commencement program, FHU President David R. Shannon reiterated the significant events of the 2021-22 school year and issued a challenge to graduates. He urged them to pray, serve, love and work like Jesus. "Live a life for His glory," he said, "and remember God loves you more than anyone." Quoting Isaiah 49:16, Shannon reminded them God said, "See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me."

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 Kortland Martin received the 2022 Heart of Lion award presented annually to the senior intercollegiate athlete who in the estimation of the entire coaching staff has best exemplified the strength and courage of a lion. A 5'11" point guard from Humboldt, Tennessee, Martin led the Lions in scoring this year with 20.5 points per game. He shot 88% from the free-throw line and 40% from behind the arc. In his junior and senior years, he was elected to the Mid-South Conference First Team by the opposing coaches. He was also named to the NAIA All-American Third Team. Martin holds the school's all-time scoring record with 2,321 points. But he is more than a scoring machine. He also posted career totals of 459 assists, 157 steals, 423 rebounds, and 334 successful three-point shots. "Kortland is just a special young man. He isn't just a talented player; he is a special person," Head Coach Drew Stutts said. One thing that made him special is that he didn't mind playing different roles; he just wanted to win. "That attitude and approach speak to his character and the young man he is on and off the court," Stutts said. "Kortland is simply a winner."

Freed-Hardeman University celebrated its Spring 2022 education and nursing graduates during pinning ceremonies held during graduation weekend in mid-May. Nursing majors Emma Campbell, Jacob July and Teleetha Link were recognized during the ceremony. Campbell received the Certificate of Excellence Servant's Heart Award, which is presented to a student who demonstrates a Christian attitude, is helpful to their peers and patients, and demonstrates caring and compassion in all they do. The student is given the bee because it symbolizes service, gathering, and community. July received the Certificate of Excellence Nightingale Award, the highest honor given to a nursing student. This is awarded to a student that is an excellent clinician, has a high GPA, is involved in the community, and is a resource for their peers. The student is given the turtle because it symbolizes love, protection, healing, and knowledge. Link received the Certificate of Excellence Spirit of Job Award. It is presented to a student who has faced struggles, overcome adversity, shown great improvement, and great endurance. The student is given the elephant because it symbolizes one that can shoulder heavy burdens and continue pressing forward to their goal. Twenty-eight education majors were recognized during a pinning ceremony. Those students are: Adam Chalmers, Emily Cisco, Toria Clark, Kaila Donaldson, Christina Evins, Hannah Gillson, Clay Glass, Minlie Glover, Christina Hines, Zavier Hofstetter, Skylar Holland, Mallory Hollaway, Anna Hudson, Elly Johnson, Kizzey Lane, Calum Langdale, BrittLeigh Lawson, Shaelyn Maguffee, Emily Mann, Brianna Parshall, Alyssa Sandefur, Dakota Smith, Emily Snow, Corey Sweatt, William Swinney, Emily Taylor, Hallie Whitesides and Kristen Yost. These graduates performed exceptionally well in their student teaching placements and cooperating teachers and university supervisors complimented them on their performance in the classroom. They have met the requirements to graduate with a degree in education, with most having accepted positions in schools. FHU President David Shannon celebrated the graduates on social media. "Congratulations to our education and nursing graduates! Their individual pinning ceremonies were full of symbolism and celebration. We wish each graduate success with future testing and careers. These graduates will impact the world by serving the sick and educating the minds for decades to come."

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.

A group of Freed-Hardeman University students comprised of nursing and non-nursing majors and FHU alumni traveled to Honduras over spring break for a medical mission trip. While in Honduras, the group built two houses, distributed 100 bags of food bags and 100 water filters and provided medical care to around 600 people. Volunteers also distributed 7,000 masks at the local hospital, repaired a basketball court at a school for the deaf, and built a playground for an elementary school.