Freed-Hardeman University has named Dr. Sharen Cypress Dean of the School of Education. Cypress will replace retiring Dr. John Sweeney in June of this year.
Cypress, a 12-year veteran of higher education, has been an important part of the growth the FHU School of Education has enjoyed over the last 10 years. With degrees from Freed-Hardeman and the University of Memphis, Cypress has the pedigree to take the FHU program into a highly anticipated and exciting future.
“I believe the degree Freed-Hardeman provides to graduates, both on the undergraduate and graduate level, has been perceived to be the most prestigious by those in the field of education within our region for years,” said Cypress. “I hope to expand our reach and continue to enhance our reputation.”
“Dr. Cypress is the right choice,” said Dr. John Sweeney, current Dean of the School of Education. “Her dedication to the mission of this place and her work ethic will mean a bright future for the students that choose to major in education at Freed-Hardeman. I have every confidence in her ability to lead this area and look forward to working with her as she takes on these new responsibilities.”
Cypress graduated from Fayette-Ware Comprehensive High School in 1987 and began her undergraduate work later that year at Freed-Hardeman University. Following her graduation from FHU, she worked as an elementary and middle school teacher and as a school counselor while completing her M.Ed. from the University of Memphis. In 1998, she returned to FHU as an instructor and soon completed her Ed.D. from the University of Memphis in 2003. During her tenure at FHU, Cypress has received more than $500,000 in grant money, has been published numerous times and was promoted to the rank of associate professor before her most recent promotion to dean.
Cypress became the third dean named by Dr. Joe Wiley since taking over the reigns as president in 2008. Dr. LeAnn Self Davis and Dr. Jenny Johnson have also been appointed to the position of dean within the last year.