Freed-Hardeman University

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 newly formed data analytics team from the Freed-Hardeman University College of Business won one of the three top prizes in its first intercollegiate competition. Judges in the 2022 DC DataFest gave FHU the award for Best Insight, noting that the team had "mature and profound" observations that would be useful for a professional data practitioner.

Freed-Hardeman captured the 2022 Mid-South Conference baseball regular-season championship April 23. The Lions finish the regular season with a 34-13 overall record and a 19-5 record in MSC play. Freed-Hardeman wins its first MSC championship and will be the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament which begins on May 5 in Bowling Green, Ky. Freed-Hardeman ranks fourth in the MSC in runs scored (337) and in home runs with 58. On the mound, the Lions rank first in the conference with a 4.49 ERA and fourth with 336 strikeouts.

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.

The Freed-Hardeman Lady Lions take all four games in their final regular-season series over the Bethel University Wildcats. The first game of the day saw Chloe Winters begin the game in the circle as she was able to record 10 strikeouts in just five innings of work, and then was followed up by Brittany Adair for the final two innings, as she allowed no hits in her two innings pitched. The Lady Lions softball team were led by Sophie Dunavant as she blasted a three-run home run in the second inning to guide the already leading FHU team to a quality 8-1 victory. The second game was a closer contest as the Lady Lions clawed back from a 3-0 deficit in the first inning to achieve a 5-4 victory on an Allie Mitchell RBI double in the 9th inning. Cassie Hayes, Annalise Jarnagin, and Anna Kate Norton all collected three hits in the matchup. The Lady Lions finish the regular season with a 45-3 (28-3) record, leaving them as the Mid-South Conference Regular Season Champions. The Lady Lions maintain their No. 4 NAIA National Ranking. The Lady Lions will begin postseason play April 29th. Earlier in April, the team celebrated seven seniors for their outstanding careers both on and off the field. These seniors were: Morgan Crawford, Cassie Hayes, Allie Mitchell, Kennedy Harris, Sophie Dunavant, Caitlin Mitchell, and Emily Bradford.

Freed-Hardeman's social clubs celebrated the 45th annual Makin' Music production, "No Turning Back," Saturday, April 9, 2022. It was the first show performed for a live audience in two years after Covid-19. Xi Chi Delta's "The Spirit of the Samurai" took home the sweepstakes trophy while Sigma Rho's "Rumble at the Raceway" named runner-up and FHU Variants finished third with "The Sound of Sirens." FHU Variants, comprised of students not affiliated with a particular social club, also won the Spirit of Makin' Music Award presented Friday evening. "Makin' Music has been a student-run show from the beginning," Makin' Music Producer Tony Allen said. "We have student staff and student directors; students are what make Makin' Music happen." Five students directed Xi Chi's show: Peyton Cain, Katy, Texas; Hailey Harrington, Ashland City, Tennessee; Elijah Hester, Florence, Alabama; Ella Rhodes, New Johnsonville, Tennessee; Mac Shelton, Henderson, Tennessee; and Laura Beth Welch, Henderson, Tennessee. Winners in the six judged categories were: Choreography and Blocking-Xi Chi Delta, Phi Kappa Alpha and Sigma Rho; Lyrics-FHU Variants, Chi Beta Chi, Xi Chi Delta; Vocals-Chi Beta Chi, Xi Chi Delta, Sigma Rho; Costumes-Xi Chi Delta, FHU Variants, Sigma Rho; Props and Set Design-Sigma Rho, Xi Chi Delta, Phi Kappa Alpha; Entertainment Value-Xi Chi Delta, Sigma Rho, FHU Variants. Suzanna Grady, Makin' Music student coordinator, announced that the show was being dedicated to Roy Sharp, retired administrator and faculty member. Sharp thanked students for the honor via live stream. FHU President David R. Shannon offered a prayer for Sharp, who is currently facing health difficulties. "Moments like Makin' Music remind us just how wonderful the relationships built at Freed-Hardeman are," Shannon said. "We're grateful for the talent of our students and lifetime memories that are made because of Makin' Music."

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.

Xi Chi Delta's "The Spirit of the Samurai" took home the sweepstakes trophy Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Freed-Hardeman's annual Makin' Music production. Sigma Rho's "Rumble at the Raceway" claimed the runner-up spot, while FHU Variants finished third with "The Sound of Sirens." FHU Variants, comprised of students not affiliated with a particular social club, also won the Spirit of Makin' Music Award presented Friday evening. This year marked the 45th anniversary of Makin' Music. However, the previous two years were presented online because of COVID-19. The 2022 presentation was a return to normalcy and a packed house.

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.

FHU student Brinton Eldridge, a senior biochemistry major, was awarded the Sledge Fellowship from the Alpha Chi Honor Society. Recipients receive $4,000 to support a students' first year in graduate or professional school. Alpha Chi awards two fellowships annually. Recipients are awarded based on a students' research, writing, and letter of recommendation from a faculty member.

Freed-Hardeman Lion Kortland Martin, was named to the NAIA All-American Third Team in late March. Martin scored 18.5 points per game at a 46% clip over his 5-year career. This season, Martin averaged 20.2 points per game, leading the Lions to the NAIA National Tournament. To go along with his illustrious scoring career, Martin has also tallied a total of 459 assists, 157 steals, 423 rebounds, and 334 three-point makes. Martin finished 22nd in the nation in points per game. Martin holds the school's all-time scoring record at 2,321 points. Martin's other accolades include: two-time Honorable Mention All-American, two-time First Team All-AMC, First Team All-MSC, Third Team All-AMC, and AMC Freshman of the Year.

Eleven Freed-Hardeman University students were inducted into the Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society in March. Alpha Chi membership is by invitation only to juniors and seniors with a minimum grade point average of 3.75 on at least 80 credit hours earned hours and be in the top 10% of the junior and senior class to qualify for membership. This semester's inductees all have a GPA of 3.95 or higher. The following students were inducted: Lilly Collum, Catherine Crabb, Jesse Eaton, Sarah Eddleman, Clark Endsley, Camille Erwin, Meagan Frye, Eden Matherley, Alicia Harrington, Hailey Watson and Courtney Willcut. Congratulations to the Spring 2022 inductees to FHU's chapter of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society!

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced the 2021-22 Women's Basketball All-America Teams and Honorable Mentions in late March. All of the selections are made by the All-America Committee and are comprised of first, second, third and honorable mention teams. Freed-Hardeman Lady Lion Alyssa LeMay recently received an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention. LeMay collected 14.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game for the Lady Lions. She led the team in both points and rebounds. She ranked 25th with 78 made 3-pointers as well as 23rd in defensive rebounds (210) and ended the year with nine double-doubles. LeMay etched her name in Lady Lion history crossing the 1,000 career points threshold earlier this season. She was also named to the All-MSC First Team. This recognition marks the second straight season that LeMay was named to the All-American Team as she was also named an Honorable Mention at the conclusion of the 2020-21 season. Freed-Hardeman University congratulates Alyssa on this outstanding achievement.

In late January 2022 more than 30 student volunteers from Freed-Hardeman University traveled to Mayfield, Kentucky to assist in the tornado recovery effort after a devastating storm hit the area Dec. 11, 2021. "Homes are literally gone. You meet the people and they look off in the distance and remember what was there," Curt Graham, a junior public relations and marketing major, said. "It was an eye-opening experience just to be with them and see how grateful they were that we were there." Many of the student volunteers were members of Phi Kappa Alpha social club. They connected with Adam Cross, the club's sponsor, who assisted them with finding families to help in Mayfield while the Henderson Church of Christ provided the transportation.

Freed-Hardeman University photography students inspired Jackson Christian Elementary and Early Learning Village students to consider a career in photography during the school's career week. FHU Assistant Professor of Art Jud Davis asked for student volunteers to serve at the career day booth. Four FHU students dressed up as popular characters for career day kids to select which who they wanted a photograph with. They also could take the opportunity to learn how to take photos. Freshman Madalyn Spicer dressed as Spider-Man, Bradi Mason was Anna from Disney's "Frozen," Anniston McCall was dressed as Elsa also from "Frozen" and Emily Golson dressed as a wizard. Additional FHU students who participated include Brooke Mefford, Micah Barber, Lexie Bell, Brooke Webb, Bradi Mason, Hannah Young and Robert Young, Jr. Brooke Webb and Lexi Bell, both photography majors, are former Jackson Christian students. There were 50 presenters during the Jackson Christian career day including City of Jackson Mayor Scott Conger, the local fire and police departments, Jackson Energy Authority, a hairdresser, banker, dentist and wedding planner. About 350 students attended the career day walk-through. Jackson Christian's fifth annual career day also included job interviews for fifth graders, a career day parade led by Mayor Conger, and three chapel speakers during career week.

Senior Day festivities before the FHU Lions and Lady Lions basketball games put the players in great spirits. The Freed-Hardeman Lady Lions defeated the University of the Cumberlands Patriots by a final score of 84-63 on Senior Day in the Brewer Sports Center. Lady Lions senior players recognized for their service to the university include Alli Crumpler, Alyssa LeMay, Chynia Brooks, Reagan Floyd and Olivia Stubbs. Reagan Floyd's 19 points, Alyssa LeMay's 11 points and Chynia Brooks' 10 points helped the Lady Lions secure the win. Freed-Hardeman Lions men's team celebrated a senior day win with Francis Agbata, Wayna King and Jeremiah Alexander receiving recognition. Wayna King added 11 points to the Lion 87-75 victory over the Cumberland Patriots.

Commissioner Greg Gonzales of the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions encouraged FHU students to use their unique Christian education to do something positive in their communities. "Tennessee needs you as leaders," said Gonzales, who quoted Theodore Roosevelt's "The Man in the Arena," during his chapel address Tuesday, March 8. "I urge you to enter the arena and give yourself to a great cause." Gonzales began his day on FHU's campus as a guest lecturer in Instructor Michael Prentice's Financial Markets and Institutions class where he discussed the importance of community banks, the difference between state-monitored and federally monitored institutions, and the growth of digital assets and Cryptocurrency in the state. During his chapel lecture, Gonzales shared with the student body the scripture that inspired him to enter into public service. He spent his lunchtime with local leaders of financial institutions and finished the day meeting members of the Freed-Hardeman Investment Team, a $1 million student-managed investment fund. With mostly junior and senior business majors, the student-led, student-managed investment opportunity provides them with real-world experience. Since 2007, it has generated more than $154,000 for the FHU finance program. The finance program uses these funds to strengthen the program. He watched as the students debated the pros and cons of an investment. "This is a standard day for us," Associate VP of Finance Jay Satterfield explained to Gonzales. "It's rapid fire. They know to come prepared for a discussion, be dressed for work, and ready to share their knowledge." Gonzales praised the students' efforts. "What an impressive group, you all are doing a magnificent job," he said.

Freed-Hardeman University's Social Work Students in Action professional club organized a campus-wide canned food drive donating more than 700 cans to benefit the Henderson Soup Kitchen in late February.

In January Freed-Hardeman University students returned to New York City for the annual theatre trip, which in 2021 was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While in New York students' itineraries include visits to multiple Broadway shows and independent sightseeing. As a January short course, students have the opportunity to receive college credit for the trip. FHU Theatre Professor Dr. Cliff Thompson has been taking students to New York since the late 1990s. "I think the first trip was in 1998 and we've gone every year, sometimes twice a year, since then. It's really refreshing to see the city through the eyes of students who've never been before," he said. "Spending nearly a week in NYC teaches students a lot about themselves. They learn self-reliance as they navigate the subway system. Budgeting and planning as they decide how to spend their precious days in New York." Thompson said the trip helps theatre majors see more career possibilities. "Some years I invite a working theatre professional to have lunch with my majors. That really opens their eyes and 'demystifies' the industry a bit," he said.

And You Clothed Me, a Freed-Hardeman University student-led nonprofit, held its first event in late January offering free clothing to individuals in need. The idea for the organization began when Casey Jackson was taking an honors course in Leadership Service and Philanthropy during the Spring 2020 semester. Jackson wrote a business plan for the organization after changing her major from nursing to education.

Freed-Hardeman University has released the names of students who made the President's and Dean's Lists for the fall 2021 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 fall 2021 semester.

Freed-Hardeman University held its fall graduation ceremony Dec. 10, 2021, in Loyd Auditorium. Approximately 96 students received baccalaureate and graduate degrees.

The fall semester was pretty busy for Freed-Hardeman University's Student Government Association. Members met with the university's administration on behalf of the student body and logged several hours of community service since the fall semester began. The student leaders plan to continue their efforts in Spring 2022. With a new group of freshman leaders serving as officers, SGA President Cameron Miller is excited about the work ahead. "Our vice president, Kayley Wadlington, and I met with the cabinet and discussed how we can be more effective," Miller said. "We also talked about plans for campus buildings, facilities and renovations in the residence halls."

Freed-Hardeman University alumni offered wisdom and career insights to current students during the Fourth Annual ALUMination Day. Held annually during FHU's Homecoming week, ALUMination Day is hosted by the Division of Academics, the President's Office and the Division of Community Engagement. Since its inception in 2017, more than 100 alumni have returned to campus to participate. This fall FHU alumnus Tony Miller, class of 1992, gave the chapel address. Miller is the senior director of financial planning and analysis for CoreCivic, the nation's largest owner of partnership correctional, detention and residential reentry facilities. In addition to Miller, more than 20 professional alumni spoke to various classes, majors and fields of study including web design, preaching, criminal justice and consumer behavior this year. According to Vice President of Academics C.J. Vires, the event provides an opportunity for current students to interact with successful alumni and learn from their experiences.

For the second consecutive year, Freed-Hardeman University Professor Matt Barker and his Small Group Communication class organized a 5K Run/Walk in mid-November raising $6,400 to benefit the Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse in Chester County. Student organizers applied for a Leaders Credit Union LEADS Grant, which provided them with $1,000 to help purchase event T-shirts and support their efforts leading up to the fundraiser. The event was sponsored by 25 businesses and individuals, and more than 120 people registered to participate. Following the run/walk, Barker and his students presented the donation to the local Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.