Freed-Hardeman University

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

Freed-Hardeman University's 57th Annual Benefit Dinner raised more than $1.3 million this year. The evening's total marks the 21st consecutive year that the dinner has grossed more than a million dollars. The event featured comedian and best-selling author Jeff Foxworthy, whose books have sold more than a million copies. Foxworthy shared with the audience that he hoped that laughter would release some of the pressure and stress everyone has felt during the nearly two-year Covid-19 pandemic. Foxworthy's jokes about helping his mother learn to text on an iPhone after getting rid of her flip phone and his wife's packing routine for family trips filled the auditorium with laughter. During a sit-down conversation with FHU President David Shannon, Foxworthy shared how discovering his gift helped shape his life. FHU's annual benefit dinner is typically the state's largest single-night fundraiser. Since its inception, the benefit dinner has provided students with scholarships to help bridge the gap between tuition costs and financial aid. Forever Communications was the premier media sponsor. For the second year in a row, benefit dinner guests enjoyed Christmas in the Commons which featured horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers and a hot drink station. The Merry Market, also a part of the event, offered 11 vendors for Christmas shopping. 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, Memphis and Dickson, FHU offers bachelor's, master's, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.

Freed-Hardeman University's Sixth Annual University Scholars' Day celebrates students' scholarship and academic achievement during the fall semester. FHU alumnus Darren Heintzman served as the keynote speaker for University Scholars' Day. He graduated from FHU in 2017 with a bachelor's in science, and he is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Molecular Pathology and Immunology in the lab of Dr. Jeffrey Rathmell. More than 40 students participated in the morning-long event held in Loyd Auditorium. Students gave presentations on various subjects including The Perils & Persecutions of Paul's Life, Fathers and Sons: Songs from The Burnt Part Boys and Who Am I? The Effects of Growing Up as a Third Culture Kid. Being accepted as a presenter for Scholars' Day was exciting for Sarah Johnson. Johnson's presentation was about her experience as a "Third Culture Kid," a term used to define a person who has spent a significant amount of his or her developmental years outside of the parents' culture. Johnson, a sophomore, is a Bible and Interactive Digital Design major. For Grant Hunter, a junior math major, making his presentation, The Perils & Persecutions of Paul's Life, interactive and comprehensive was an interesting challenge. "I was nervous about the transfer of my seven-page paper into a few minutes of discussion," he said. FHU President David Shannon said that everyone looks forward to students and faculty presenting their research and findings. "Here at FHU, we embrace our mission that empowers students with an education that integrates three pillars: Christian Faith, Scholarship, and Service!"

Groups of students completed more than 40 community service projects during FHU's inaugural Servant's Day held in late September. Some of the service projects included assisting with a special needs talent show, serving several schools, praying for medical personnel, swabbing to save lives, helping out with construction and making improvements at the local animal shelter and many others. "University Servant's Day was magnificent and hopefully God received the Glory as we set out with our hearts and hands saying, 'Make me a servant; Lord, make me like you,'" FHU President David Shannon said.

The Inaugural Lucas Russo Benefit Tournament raised more than $4,300 to launch improvement projects for Russo Field. During the two-day tournament, three women's teams and eight men's teams played. The women's teams were made up of social club teams. The winning teams were Linda's Ladies and Phi Kappa Alpha's team The Bees. The team from Sigma Rho finished in second place. The winning men's team was from Tacos for Life and Doug's Dawgs, Chi Beta Chi's team, finished in second place. Other participating men's teams were Phi Kappa Alpha's alumni team and #LoveLikeLucas, a team organized by Richard Russo, Lucas' father. In a great act of sportsmanship, Tacos for Life gave Doug's Dawgs the championship trophy so that it would stay on FHU's campus. Tournament coordinators were Adam Cross, FHU's regional development director, and students Alexis Bradford and Chase Rowe. The Lucas Russo field was named in his honor following his death Nov. 9, 2020.

Eighteen Freed-Hardeman University students were inducted into the Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society this fall. All inductees this semester had a GPA of 3.9 or higher. 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. The top 10% of this year's inductees all earned a GPA of 3.92 or higher.

FHU senior theatre major Jessica Hixson will make history as the first student in more than two decades to direct this year's Homecoming Musical, "The Burnt Part Boys," which opens Nov. 4, 2021, at 7 p.m. in Loyd Auditorium. "The Burnt Part Boys" is set in a 1960s West Virginia mining town and brings together the fathers who died in a mining accident a decade earlier and their children who never knew them. "The story centers a lot on family," Hixson explained. "There are some light-hearted parts, but there are parts that are really moving and emotional as well. We want the story to be moving for the audience."

Freed-Hardeman University students have chosen 18 of their peers for the Homecoming Court. These individuals will be honored, and the queen and king crowned at FHU's 2021 Homecoming Celebration Saturday, Nov. 6, at halftime of the women's basketball game.