Romantic England
In the summer of 2022, Dr. Margaret Payne, Molly Clemons, and Rose Duke explored the literature, landscape and architecture of Romantic England. Their adventures were in connection with Dr. John Mclaughlin's Spring 2022 Romantic Poetry and Pose class. The group of 22 spent two weeks exploring England through hikes and various tours through famous writers' homes.
Student Rose Duke prepared for the trip through extensive readings surrounding the foundational Gothic novels written during the romantic period. Her focus was to explore ways that the Romantics’ use of the Neo-Gothic intersected with theories of ecocriticism to further expand on how writers such as Wordsworth, Coleridge, Keats, Austen, and the Shelleys used their surroundings to fortify the works they created. While visiting England, she captured a visual rendering of Neo-gothic architecture and its ties to literature by documenting the experience through a reflective and descriptive photo journal.
English major Molly Clemons embarked on the journey to examine the unique relationship between the writings of William and Dorothy Wordsworth and the nature of William's poems in relation to Dorothy's journal entries. Following this experience, Molly further her studies by completing an independent studies on Jane Austen and Dorothy Wordsworth.
Dr. Payne's embarked on this adventure with her students to continue her extensive research into women authors on ritual in women's literature.
World of Wonders
In the fall 2022 semester, FHU students had the opportunity to interact with the celebrated author and poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil who gave an evening talk to the campus and community and provided a poetry workshop for English majors and poetry contest winners in the afternoon. There were several goals of this project, the first being the exposure of FHU students to a nationally acclaimed author. Other goals included the formation cross-disciplinary discussion of the themes and issues connected to the poet’s work, to provide writing students with a poetry workshop with a renowned poet, to shape discussions in Comp I and Comp II classes, and to provide a focus on the wonders of God’s creation and an attention to our responsibilities to the environment. As a result, this project had a direct connection to at least 300 FHU students (including students in ENG 101 and 102—on campus and dual enrollment students, students in Creative Writing, honors students, and those from a number of science classes. Ayers auditorium was filled for the evening session, 17 students attended the poetry workshop, and roughly 150 students engaged in discussions and writing projects in ENG 101 and 102. Two Professors on Poetry sessions were conducted in connection with this project including one that featured interplay between English and science faculty members; that event was attended by roughly 25 students.
Philly Cheesesteaks with a Side of Art
In January 2023, a group of fine art majors had the opportunity to spent time in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania exploring some of our nation’s finest museums and art collections, viewing masterpieces from art history to find inspiration that will influence their own creative works. The student photographers in the group also spent time creating a personal series, shooting stranger portraits, street photography, and self-portraits.
Baserunning in Baseball
People often describe baseball as a game of inches. It is described this way due to the propensity of a game to change drastically on one close play. Because of the nature of a baseball game, baseball coaches are always looking for any way to get an advantage over their opponents in hopes of swinging close games in their favor. The use of technology in baseball has exploded over the past five to seven years, with pitchers and hitters using all kinds of equipment to improve their skills and ability to play at a high level. This project allowed the team use a laser timing system to test our coaches’ baserunning theory and determine if our method is the best way to teach baserunning to our baseball players at Freed-Hardeman.
Nursing Medical Missions in Honduras
This bridge-experience provided an opportunity for students to travel to Santa Ana, Honduras to assist in several projects that aided in improving the health and lives of the Hondurans. While in Honduras, the students had the opportunity to be the "hands and feet of Jesus" by providing physical and spiritual care while also sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their work was in cooperation with TORCH Missions and Clinica de Esperanza (Clinic of my Hope).
Nursing students from Freed-Hardeman spent their 2022 Spring Break in Honduras immersed into the Honduran culture, exploring how to identify, initiate, and sustain medicine and housing to enhance the quality of life in a poverty-stricken, third world country. Students were involved in a variety of projects that promoted a holistic approach to healthcare, setting up remote clinics in outlying villages, building a house, assembling and distributing food bags, and educating on the importance of clean water while providing water filtration systems. They were also presented with opportunities to work in local hospitals, the school for the deaf, and the school for the blind.
Nursing Medical Missions in Peru
Remote Area Medical Volunteering
This ELI grant provided funds for students to exercise their desire to serve others through remote medical care. Students were able to get involved with helping others in a very personal way through Remote Area Medical clinics (RAM). RAM is a nonprofit provider of free pop-up clinics whose mission is to provide quality healthcare to underserved and uninsured individuals. This ELI project permitted eight FHU students the opportunity to travel to Mayfield, KY and Springfield, TN to work with RAM to serve those in need through volunteer service. Through the Remote Area Medical clinics, it was also FHU's desire that the students would be able to gain a new perspective on the disparities existing within communities across the country.
FREED-HARDEMAN UNIVERSITY HONORS MCCUTCHEN’S SERVICE, ANNOUNCES ESTES AS NEXT LEADER OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
TWO ATHLETES GARNER NAIA ALL-AMERICAN RECOGNITION
THREE COMPETE IN NAIA TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP
UPC ENRICHES CAMPUS LIFE
The University Program Council is a student-led organization to plan, develop, and present campus-wide programs for the student body. All of these programs provide recreational, cultural or spiritual interactions and involvement. UPC events are free for FHU students. Past programs include hypnotist Jim Wand, comedian Henry Cho, Acrobats of Hebei China, iceless skating rink, UPC carnival, and concerts with Dave Barnes, Matt Wertz, Ingram Hill and Ben Rector. Monthly Coffee Houses provide musical entertainment performed by students. UPC also coordinates campus-wide devotionals throughout the week.
UNIVERSITY HONORS MR. AND MISS FHU 2022
SPRING BREAK CAMPAIGNS MAKE A COMEBACK
SPORTS ADVISORY COUNCIL BENEFIT DINNER
ROMANTIC ENGLAND
NO GOING BACK: MAKIN’ MUSIC 2022
UNIVERSITY HONORS EIGHT RETIREES
REGIONAL PSYCHOLOGY CONFERENCE SHOWCASES WORK OF FHU STUDENTS
FIVE SCIENCE MAJORS PARTICIPATE IN SUMMER RESEARCH PROGRAM
FHU STUDENTS VISIT WASHINGTON, D.C.
FHU SPRING ENROLLMENT RISES TO NEW HEIGHTS
FHU GRADUATE RECEIVES SLEDGE FELLOWSHIP
FHU DATA ANALYTICS TEAM WINS TOP AWARD
FHU COLLEGE OF BUSINESS HOSTS WOMEN OF INFLUENCE CONFERENCE
Freed-Hardeman University’s College of Business highlighted the contributions, opportunities and challenges for women in business with a half-day conference Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Approximately 120 attended the conference which had been planned by 12 students from the special events management class. Students involved in planning the event include: Brittany Adair; Samuel Cox; Jack Early; Elijah Ellis; Raine Estes; Mason Libla; Lydia May; Mason Minor; Lilly Pendleton; Sydney Phillips; Philip Wallace.
ATS REAFFIRMS ACCREDITATION FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
LION BASEBALL ENDS SEASON AT #22
FREED-HARDEMAN HOSTS OPENING ROUND
FORMER BASEBALL PLAYER MEMORIALIZED
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
Three decades after Freed-Hardeman began playing intercollegiate softball, two of those first players are again at the softball field. This time around, though, they are not on the field. Instead, they are enthusiastic fans and proud moms watching their daughters compete as Lady Lions.
FHU NEXT
Having recently celebrated 150 years of teaching young people “How to Live and How to Make a Living,” Freed-Hardeman University looks confidently toward the future. To honor and celebrate the past, FHU has set forth a bold vision for the future. In the past year, FHU has successfully launched a five-year, $100+-million campaign to answer the question of what’s next for the venerable institution.
“We are building on our rich heritage and significant accomplishments to reach higher than ever before for God’s glory,” FHU President David R. Shannon said.
STUDENTS COMPLETE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS, COLLEGE DEGREES SIMULTANEOUSLY
FHU CELEBRATES GRADUATES, AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP-LEADERSHIP MEDAL TO SWEATT
Approximately 340 Freed-Hardeman University students received degrees Saturday morning, May 14, at the school’s spring commencement. In addition to baccalaureate and graduate degrees, 11 high school students enrolled in the university’s early admission program were awarded Associate of Arts degrees.
ADDING TO SHANNON’S DREAM TEAM
20 YEARS OF FINE CHINA AND FUNDRAISING
Tea for two — or maybe 350 of your closest friends?
Freed-Hardeman University Associates celebrated their 20th year of tea parties by serving a full afternoon tea to approximately 350 guests. The annual rite of spring returned to the home of N.B. Hardeman, long-time president of the university, for the first time in several years, due to a renovation of the Hardeman House followed by COVID-19 restrictions.
Approximately 25 volunteer cooks labored in FHU’s commercial kitchens to prepare 1,200 scones, 1,200 tiny cucumber sandwiches and 600 small lemon-blueberry cupcakes, along with the other delectable treats.
You Served Me
A day with no classes? Indeed. Freed-Hardeman students used Thursday, Sept. 30, as a day of service. More than 1,000 FHU students went into the community to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
You Visited Me
When Lance Mosher was a child, he and his family moved to West Tennessee – where they had no friends or family – “on a whim,” he said. His mother and grandmother had taught him how to pray when he was a child; however, “going to church was not on our radar,” he said. As a teenager, he sought meaning in many things.
You Helped Me
An unforgettable day for residents of five Middle Tennessee counties – Approximately 17” of rain fell on McEwen, Tennessee, in a few hours, setting a new record for daily rainfall in the state. Less, but still substantial, rain fell in Humphreys County. McEwen sits just east and upstream from Waverly, Tennessee. Headwaters of Trace Creek originate in eastern parts of the county, and the water drains westward through Waverly.
You Fed Me
HOPE is both the name and the purpose of an organization which provides supplemental food to at-need children in the seven Chester County public schools. Begun approximately 10 years ago by the late Hope Shull, former FHU librarian, the program provides food to fill backpacks for 150 children each Friday.
You Clothed Me
A class assignment is sometimes, well, just a class assignment. But, for Casey Jackson, a senior from Knoxville, Tennessee, an assignment in Spring 2020 caused her to change her major and focus more clearly on helping those in need. Jackson was enrolled in Service and Philanthropy, an honors class taught by Jay Satterfield.
You Chose Me
Adoption is a beautiful reflection of Christ's compassion and God's love for all of His children.
FHU Climbs into U.S. News & World Report’s Top Five Best Value Schools
Freed-Hardeman University continued to move up in the U.S. News & World Report rankings released this fall. FHU is ranked in the Top Five of the magazine’s Best Value Schools; it is the sole representative of universities supported by members of the churches of Christ to appear in the rankings.
FHU Dedicates Heritage Walk to Kerry and Lisa Couch
Freed-Hardeman University dedicated the Heritage Walk in front of Hope Barber Shull Academic Resource Center to the memory of former trustee Kerry Couch and in honor of his wife Lisa Puckett Couch Friday, Oct 15, 2021.
David Smith: 50 Years of Vision and Leadership
Although Dave Smith may claim that he was “not the best student to ever make it through Freed-Hardeman,” his business acumen and the success of his company MTM Recognition, belie that claim. He began the company as Midwest Trophy Manufacturing in 1971 as a one-man show. The first years saw a gross revenue of under $50,000, which in those days was on par with the competition. These days MTM has grown to upwards of $90 million in revenue. Not bad for an Alabama farm boy who went to college on basketball scholarships.
BSCET
Dr. Bobbie Solley, former director of education development for Healing Hands International and a retired professor from Middle Tennessee State University, has worked in collaboration with the College of Education to establish the Bobbie Solley Center for Excellence in Teaching at Freed-Hardeman University.
FHU Roots Run Deep for FHU Trustee
The Freed-Hardeman University Board of Trustees honored one of its own at the October 2021 board meeting. They recognized 50 years of service by Bill Morgan, Benton, Kentucky. Morgan became a member of the FHU Advisory Board in 1970 and the FHU Board of Trustees in 1993.
MSYC Dining Hall Timelapse
WORK: LIFE - HELPING STUDENTS PREPARE FOR THE TRANSITION TO LIFE AND CAREERS BEYOND GRADUATION
Freed-Hardeman has long embraced the idea of character and career education. The motto created in the 1950s is still just as relevant today: “Teaching How to Live and How to Make a Living.”
UNLIMITED GOOD: FHU ASSOCIATES HONORED FOR $4 MILLION IN LIFETIME GIVING
“When women join hands and work together, there is no limit to the amount of good to be done. Women know how to rally to a cause,” Helen Young, former first lady of Pepperdine University, told female supporters of Freed-Hardeman College in Henderson in the 1960s.
THE YEAR OF THE NURSE
The American Nurses Association and the World Health Organization have extended the International Year of the Nurse into 2021 because of the pandemic and the increased visibility of nurses’ contributions.
THE MUSIC PLAYED ON: MAKIN’ MUSIC 2021
Xi Chi Delta’s “Juke Box Hero” took home the sweepstakes trophy following Saturday evening’s performance of the 44th annual production of Freed-Hardeman University’s Makin’ Music.
STEPPING BACK IN TIME
Art students enrolled in Dr. Barbara England’s alternative processes class traded their digital cameras for a photographic method invented in 1851 by Frederick Scott Archer. This process was used by Mathew Brady to document the Civil War.
Standing in the Middle of Answered Prayers: MSYC TUCKER FAMILY DINING HALL OPENS
“We are standing in the middle of answered prayers,” Mid-South Youth Camp Director Brad Montague said, as camp supporters celebrated the opening of Tucker Family Dining Hall Friday.
WORK: LIFE - HELPING STUDENTS PREPARE FOR THE TRANSITION TO LIFE AND CAREERS BEYOND GRADUATION
SOLLEY CENTER PROVIDES FREE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS FOR EDUCATORS
“Thank you for providing quality professional development opportunities for those of us ‘on the go’ after school hours.”
SHANNON OPENS CONNECT CONFERENCE
Freed-Hardeman University president David R. Shannon opened the Connect Conference Wednesday evening, June 2, 2021, at the Crieve Hall Church of Christ in Nashville.
SEARS EARNS THIRD ALL-AMERICAN HONOR
Senior infielder Josh Sears was named an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention after a stellar season with the Lions.
PARIGGER WINS AWARDS
The Freed-Hardeman University faculty presented the Faculty-Scholarship-Leadership Medal to John Parigger, a 2021 summa cum laude graduate from Manchester, Tennessee, at commencement. He completed a Bachelor of Science in psychology in Spring 2021.
LUCAS RUSSO MEMORIAL FIELD
Freed-Hardeman University dedicated an intramural field to the life and memory of a recent alumnus, Lucas Russo, Thursday, April 8, 2021.
LIVE YOUR FAITH: 2021 SPRING COMMENCEMENT
John DeBerry, senior advisor to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, delivered Freed-Hardeman University’s graduation address Saturday, May 15, 2021. Approximately 300 students received baccalaureate and graduate degrees.
IN HIS STEPS: Endowment Fund to Assist Students Traveling to Israel
Since 2017, Bill and Shelva Biggs and their children, Bill Biggs, Jr. and Desiree Biggs Barnes, have assisted Freed-Hardeman University students in traveling to the Bible Lands. To continue that tradition well into the future, they have established In His Steps, an endowment fund in memory of their daughter and sister, Melissa Renee Biggs. She died in a car accident when she was 16 years old.
Grants to Boost Pipeline of HOMEGROWN TEACHERS IN TENNESSEE
The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) has awarded two competitive grants to Freed-Hardeman University. The initiatives provide no-cost access in order to remove barriers and provide a pathway to the teaching profession for selected participants. These programs will address the need for qualified teachers in Tennessee.
FREED-HARDEMAN HONORS MR. AND MISS FHU
Mr. and Miss Freed-Hardeman University 2021 were celebrated Friday, April 23, during a special chapel presentation. Elected by the students, faculty and staff, the winners were Wisenie Jadis, a nursing major from Davenport, Florida, and Connor Creasy, a secondary education and history major from Milan, Tennessee.
THE MUSIC PLAYED ON: MAKIN’ MUSIC 2021
FHU STUDENTS RECEIVE DURRINGTON AWARDS
Two Freed-Hardeman University students have received the Victor L. Durrington Award for Excellence in Biblical Research: Jon Paul Gulledge, a graduate student in theology from Corinth, Mississippi, and Drew Aldridge, an undergraduate student majoring in biblical studies from Jasper, Alabama.
FHU Launches Endowed Chair for GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
Freed-Hardeman University has announced plans to create an endowed chair for the Graduate School of Theology as it begins the new Doctor of Ministry program. It will be named the Dr. Earl Edwards Chair for the Graduate School of Theology.
COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENTS CREATE APP TO ENGAGE FUTURE STUDENTS
In conjunction with the office of admissions, Freed-Hardeman University computer science majors have produced FHUBound, a new app for iOS and Android designed to excite and engage future FHU students and their families. It is tentatively set to release Fall 2021.
BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL TEAMS ADVANCE TO NAIA OPENING ROUND
Both the Lions baseball team and Lady Lions softball team advanced to the NAIA Opening Round in post-season play.
Lectureship 2021 Recap Video
ADAIR NAMED NFCA ALL-AMERICAN
National Fastpitch Coaches Association named Brittany Adair an All-American after her 2021 record-setting season. She was named a Second Team At-Large-Pitcher All-American for the NFCA after her first season with FHU.
FHU Songwriters’ Showcase Features Student Talent
Three Freed-Hardeman University students share their gifts for songwriting and performing in FHU’s Songwriter’s Showcase, which is available for viewing on the university’s social media platforms.
“Over the years it’s been my privilege to work with many outstanding songwriters,” Alan Kinningham, FHU associate professor of music, said. “I encourage everyone to sit back, get comfortable and just enjoy.”
The three students participating in the Songwriter’s Showcase include: Rachel Cox, a sophomore social work major from Knoxville; Blake Ferrell, a senior music major from Manchester, Tennessee, and Adam Harris, a sophomore music major from Rienzi, Mississippi.
For the artists finding inspiration to write a song derives from many sources including other artists, friendships and relationships.
“I’ve always been inspired by artists who are raw and honest in their songs,” said Cox, whose songs include “Bungalow House,” “Scene” and “The Story Line.” “I love being able to share my stories through songwriting and I hope other people will be able to connect with them,” she said.
His life experiences and those close to him inspired Ferrell’s songs “The Other Day,” “Give It A Try” and “Cloud 9.”
“I enjoy songwriting because it is a great way to share what has inspired you. It is my favorite form of storytelling and also a great way to share little details about your life,” Ferrell said.
Harris enjoys trying out new sounds and his songs, “Dance with You” and “Shoot Your Shot,” reflect his interest in the country music genre.
“I feel like the creative aspect of music is what inspires me to keep at it,” Harris said.
As FHU’s songwriters continue to hone their craft, may they remember the words of successful songwriters before them including Smokey Robinson of Motown fame, “I look at songwriting as my gift from God.”
EDUCATION FACULTY MEMBER COMPLETES Ph.D.
Jennifer Creecy, who teaches in the College of Education, has completed her Ph.D. through Capella University, specializing in K-12 studies. Her dissertation explored the experiences of middle school mathematics teachers with problem solving and problem posing.
FHU DOCTOR OF MENTAL HEALTH GRADUATES TO RECEIVE CEREMONIAL PINS
Freed-Hardeman University’s Doctor of Behavioral Health graduates are now eligible to receive the Arnold P. Gold Foundation’s “Keeping Healthcare Human” ceremonial pin when they graduate.
FHU HONORS MR. AND MISS FHU IN DELAYED CEREMONY
Freed-Hardeman University celebrated the 2020 Mr. and Miss FHU, Katie Morris and Kenneth Moore, Saturday, Aug. 22, in a ceremony in Chapel Hall. The event had been delayed because of COVID-19 and the subsequent early end of the spring semester.
FHU RECOGNIZED AS A BEST VALUE SCHOOL
Building on the momentum of two years of record enrollment, Freed-Hardeman University has again received strong rankings from U.S. News and World Report. FHU is listed in the top ten of Best Value Schools, coming in at number eight. The university is also included in the top one-third of Regional Universities in the organization’s 2021 Best Colleges report.
FHU TO LAUNCH NEW ONLINE MASTER’S PROGRAM
Freed-Hardeman University plans to offer a Master of Science in exercise science and rehabilitation beginning Fall 2021, pending approval of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
FINDING A PATH TO PROFESSIONAL PURPOSE
The FHU Passage initiative, slated to begin with the 2021 freshman class, is geared toward helping students determine “a path to professional purpose.” They will learn to set clear career goals and map a path for reaching them. New students typically enter college with many questions. This program is designed to help them answer at least three questions: What can I do? How do I grow? and Where can I go?
GREEN BAY PACKERS RECRUITER VISITS FHU
Chad Brinker credits his success as an assistant director of pro scouting/salary cap analyst for the Green Bay Packers to his relationship building skills and his ability to spot natural talent. The business is not for the faint of heart, Brinker explained during his visit to Freed-Hardeman University in November. He shared his story in chapel and in a sports marketing class.
FHU PRESIDENT LOOK-A-LIKE FACE MASKS BENEFIT LOCAL NON-PROFIT
Freed-Hardeman University students in Matt Barker’s communication class raised $1,500 for Henderson’s Exchange Club/Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse by selling face masks that resembled the lower, mustached half of FHU President David Shannon’s face. Funding for the project came from a $1,000 LEADS grant from Leaders Credit Union.
MAKIN’ MUSIC LIVES ON!
According to Tony Allen, dean of student life and Makin’ Music producer, and his student coordinators, “Some Things Never Change.” Spring is coming, and FHU students will be Makin’ Music April 9-10, 2021. The annual musical extravaganza, derailed last year by COVID-19, was forced to move to an online streaming of a dress rehearsal.
MCCALL CO-WRITES FILM HONORING NICHELLE NICHOLS, “WOMAN IN MOTION”
The story of “Star Trek” legend Nichelle Nichols and how she helped change the nation’s space agency appeared on the big screen for one night only Feb. 2, 2021, in theaters around the country. “Woman in Motion: Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek and the Remaking of NASA” focuses on NASA’s efforts in the late 1970s and ‘80s to recruit people of color and the first female astronauts.
TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAM AMONG TOP IN THE COUNTRY
The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), a nonpartisan, not-for-profit research and policy organization, has named Freed-Hardeman University’s graduate elementary teacher preparation program among the top in the country for strong training in classroom management strategies.
VIDEOS SHARE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE OF FHU FAMILY
FHU’s Office of Alumni Engagement has instituted an initiative designed to share the collective knowledge and wisdom possessed by the FHU family. A series of short videos, called “FHYou…Connecting Your Expertise” provides ideas, advice and best practices across a wide range of topics.
BOBBIE SOLLEY CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING
Dr. Bobbie Solley, former director of education development for Healing Hands International and a retired professor from Middle Tennessee State University, has worked to establish the Bobbie Solley Center for Excellence in Teaching at Freed-Hardeman University. The center was launched officially in January 2021.
SERVING STUDENTS, HONORING SAUNDERS
Freed-Hardeman University’s renovated and expanded Wallace-Gano Dining Hall will be re-named in honor of Professor Emeritus Dr. Elizabeth Saunders, FHU President David R. Shannon announced at the university’s annual benefit dinner. The Dr. Elizabeth Saunders Center will include the cafeteria, the Lion’s Pride Marketplace, student services, bookstore, mail room and the ATPI Center for Digital Innovation, which will initially house four programs: robotics, artificial intelligence, computer engineering and cybersecurity. Funding for the renovation and expansion will be funded by the generosity of John W. and Rosemary K. Brown.
REFLECTING ON FALL 2020
Going into the semester, everyone was unsure what FHU would be like.
NAMING NAIA PRE-SEASON ALL-AMERICANS
Lion baseball players Josh Sears and Alex Huey were named NAIA Preseason All-Americans, the league announced a little over a month and a half before the 2021 season began.
ENCOUNTERING ECCLESIASTES: FINDING MEANING IN A MEANINGLESS WORLD
During the past 85 years, the Freed-Hardeman University Annual Bible Lectureship, has brought thousands of attendees to Henderson for a spiritual feast. Faced with the pandemic, lectureship leadership was forced to re-vision the event for 2021.
FHU DAY OF GIVING CHALLENGE
Freed-Hardeman University’s second annual Day of Giving Nov. 5, 2020, resulted in gifts totaling almost $400,000. Spurred by challenges from two anonymous donors, 1,286 alumni and friends of the university made contributions to 51 projects, ranging from scholarships to equipment for the campus radio station. Requests came from the Associates, social clubs, the library, Mid-South Youth Camp, athletic teams and others.
CONTINUING $1M EXPERIENCE
When Jim Clayton, president of Clayton Bank, began a $1 million stock portfolio in 2007, the intent was that Freed-Hardeman University students would manage it, thereby learning about investing from a very real world perspective. In addition, FHU’s College of Business would share in the profits and pay back any losses.
BROWNS: CHANGING HISTORY AND LIVES
Continuing their years of philanthropy to Freed-Hardeman University, as well as many other entities, John W. and Rosemary K. Brown have pledged to give FHU $15 million over the next five years. It is the largest single gift in the history of the university.
MOVING TO THE PROS
Former Lion Bryan Battle signed a professional contract to play for KK Promo in Bosnia’s top professional basketball division, less than one year removed from his stellar season in an FHU uniform.
ZOOMING WITH SINISE
The Freed-Hardeman University Annual Benefit Dinner for scholarship funds, held Friday night, Dec. 4, 2020, raised more than $1.5 million to assist students. The total exceeded last year’s total, despite the challenge of hosting it during a pandemic.
WINNING WITH HUMILITY
New coaches, new teammates, new conference— Lion guard Kortland Martin has had to deal with a lot of new during his time at FHU. His humility and work ethic not only helped him get through those changes but turned him into one of the top guards in the country also.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
In the midst of a pandemic, live theatre returned to the Freed-Hardeman University stage Nov. 5-7, 2020. “Little Shop of Horrors” was FHU Theatre’s first production since March when COVID-19 closed the curtains.“The show went really well,” Director Cliff Thompson said. “It was well attended and the performances were solid. I received a lot of comments about the excellence of the set; how finished everything appeared.”
SMASHING RECORDS
In the midst of a pandemic, Freed-Hardeman University has again set enrollment records. Total headcount for Fall 2020 stands at 2,188 students, with 1,727 of those being undergraduates. Both are all-time highs.
HONORING HALL OF FAME ALUMNI
Two athletes were inducted into the FHU Sports Hall of Fame Nov. 7, 2020. Jim Carter, Lion first baseman from 1995 to 1997, and Haley Newby McRady, All-American Lady Lions basketball player who graduated in 2015, were added to the illustrious group.
EARNING NAIA BASKETBALL HONORS
In an abbreviated season that had no national tournaments, four Freed-Hardeman University basketball players garnered national recognition.
FINDING NEW WAYS TO SERVE
Feeding the Freed-Hardeman University, family a “real” Thanksgiving meal made the Lion’s Pride Dining Services staff happy, to say nothing of the students, faculty and staff. “We were super excited to offer a wide variety of more traditional holiday items,” Tamie Torres said. “This is the largest number of items we have been able to serve all semester, and we could not have been happier.”
COMMENCING
Freed-Hardeman University honored 2020 spring and winter graduates at separate ceremonies Saturday, Nov. 21, in Loyd Auditorium.
PROTECTING THE PRIDE
Freed-Hardeman University President David R. Shannon has announced plans to welcome students back for on-campus instruction in August 2020. “We can’t wait to welcome new students and reunite with returning students on campus,” he said. “We are family, and we love spending time with family. We also want to keep our family safe, and as Lions, we want to Protect the Pride!”
PROTECTING THE PRIDE
Freed-Hardeman University President David R. Shannon has announced plans to welcome students back for on-campus instruction in August 2020. “We can’t wait to welcome new students and reunite with returning students on campus,” he said. “We are family, and we love spending time with family. We also want to keep our family safe, and as Lions, we want to Protect the Pride!”
SUE SHELTON WHITE: LADY WARRIOR
Suffragist, attorney, writer and politician, Sue Shelton White rose from being the orphaned daughter of Chester County teachers to become one of the state’s and nation’s leaders in the fight for women’s rights, particularly the right to vote. Generally referred to as “Miss Sue,” her petite size belied her considerable abilities and will. James Tate, general counsel for the federal Social Security Board, called her “a lady warrior” – both a Southern gentlewoman and a fighter.
OVER JUST LIKE THAT
All spring sports at FHU, as well as the rest of the country, ceased in 2020.
The sounds of sports were silenced: no crack of the bat, no swish of the net.
The hush of the golf course seemed permanent. There would be no trip to the national tournament for the Lady Lion basketball team, and the NAIA World Series was not to be played.
MAKIN’ MUSIC 2020: SING ME BACK HOME
Makin’ Music, Freed-Hardeman University’s annual musical extravaganza, did not take the stage in April for the first time in its more-than-40 year history. Hundreds of students had practiced for months. They had written lyrics, practiced choreography, designed costumes and staging and rehearsed for endless hours, all in anticipation of the annual event which typically draws large crowds to campus. Makin’ Music was canceled by concerns about the COVID-19 virus.
MAKIN’ MUSIC 2020: THE WORLD’S GONE CRAZY
Makin’ Music, Freed-Hardeman University’s annual musical extravaganza, did not take the stage in April for the first time in its more-than-40 year history. Hundreds of students had practiced for months. They had written lyrics, practiced choreography, designed costumes and staging and rehearsed for endless hours, all in anticipation of the annual event which typically draws large crowds to campus. Makin’ Music was canceled by concerns about the COVID-19 virus.
FHU VINYL PROJECT
Freed-Hardeman University alumnus Rodger Holtin (‘72), lover of music, history, and vinyl, is nearing completion of a project to find and make available to friends of Freed-Hardeman, the sounds of her past. The FHU Vinyl Project, as he calls it, entails finding vinyl recordings of the college choral groups, chapel, the Pied Pipers and sermons, converting them to digital and making them available to other FHU alumni and friends.
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: THEY AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’
To improve their musicality and to sharpen their audition skills, a group of FHU students participated in a theatre workshop at Playhouse on the Square. The venue is Memphis’ premier professional, regional theatre. They toured the facility and participated in a workshop with executive producer Michael Detroit and music director Nathan McHenry.
Your Gifts: Amelia Beames
Amelia Beames, criminal justice and photography double major, used an ELI (Engaged Learning Initiative) grant to create a children's book and research about various national parks across the country.
"Freed-Hardeman has a lot to offer and a lot of courses," Beames said. "You can find what you're interested in, even if it's not a defined major."
"It offers so many different opportunities," Beames said. "I've had experiences here that I never dreamed of having. I never thought I would end up studying abroad or going on a trip like this. There are so many incredible opportunities if you take a look."
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: HEADED WEST
Two FHU students, Amelia Beames and Hannah Mabry, took the ultimate college road trip last summer, visiting 17 national parks and monuments as they completed an Engaged Learning Initiative (ELI) project.
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: CARING FOR CUSCO
Eleven students, accompanied by two members of the nursing faculty, Dr. Sarah Pierce and Linda Hodges, went to Cusco, Peru, for two weeks in January, 2020. “This project was all about providing medical care to the lower income people of Cusco,” Pierce said. They worked with the CerviCusco clinic.
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: ADVOCATING FOR EDUCATING
Forty teacher education students drawn from the Introduction to Education and Special Education Foundations classes, along with their teachers, Dr. Alesha Northcutt and Ashley Estes, visited the Tennessee capitol for “Legislative Day on the Hill.” The day was designed to help students understand how to be advocates for education.
BREAKING BARRIERS
Dr. Vicki M. Johnson didn’t set out to break any barriers or shatter any glass ceilings when she returned to her alma mater to teach in 1979. “I never really thought about it,” she said. She came to teach business education, which she did, including typewriting, shorthand, and office management. Returning to her alma mater as a member of the faculty was, she says, “fulfilling a dream.” She counts working with two of her mentors, Wynelle Hiten and Dr. J. Walker Whittle, as highlights of her teaching career.
ANSWERING THE CALL FOR UNITY
JESUS DECLARED, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
YOUR PLACE IN HISTORY
As the first book to chronicle the entirety of FHU’s history is produced, you can add your or your family’s name in it. For a gift of $250, your name will be included and you will be among the first to receive a copy of this extraordinary book when it is printed in 2020. This limited opportunity is available only to early respondents.
ONE, TWO, THREE, ONCE UPON A TIME
One, two, three . . . once upon a time, a showman came to a hamlet in Tennessee with a dream in his head and a love of children in his heart. Henry A. McDaniel, Jr. came to Freed-Hardeman College in 1969 to establish a theatre program. He brought with him an idea he had picked up at Florida State University. He would form a troupe of actors who would entertain children of all ages with songs, poems and stories. They would create magic without the aid of sets or props. With only their imagination and the cooperation of their audience, they would cast a spell on young and old and everyone in between.
GOD BLESS YOU, GO WITH GOD
Bible professor Stan Mitchell transitioned from this earth in Jackson, Tennessee, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, following a heart attack suffered the previous Friday on the Freed-Hardeman campus.
FHU SMASHES ENROLLMENT RECORDS IN 150TH YEAR
In its 150th year, Freed-Hardeman University is celebrating more than its history. This fall’s numbers show another year of record enrollment, according to FHU President David R. Shannon. Total head count for the Fall 2019 semester stands at a record-breaking 2,117 students, an increase of 100 over last year.
FHU SINGERS PERFORM AT SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
Seven Freed-Hardeman University students sang with the Young Adult Honors Performance Series in August 2019 at the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia.
HARDEMAN HOUSE RESTORATION COMPLETE
Restoration of the Hardeman House, home of long-time Freed-Hardeman President N.B. Hardeman, has been completed. FHU hosted a ribbon cutting and viewing of the house Aug. 21. Frank “Brad” Bradshaw, great-grandson of the Hardemans, spoke at the re-opening of the house.
FHU JUMPS IN US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT RANKINGS
Freed-Hardeman University moved up eight spots in the 2020 U.S. News and World Report ranking of colleges and universities, making this the second consecutive year FHU has made major gains in the standings. In the past two years, the university has moved up 15 spots.
FHU Student Commissioned to Create Lectureship Painting Celebrating Freed-Hardeman's 150th Anniversary
Christina Hines, sophomore art education major, was commissioned to paint a three by four foot canvas which will hang in Old Main to commemorate 150 years of FHU. The painting includes familiar faces such as FHU students, professors, past presidents and members of the Shannon family.
Band of Brothers
Think Bibles and bikers are an unlikely combination? Not to this gang. For almost 15 years, a group of FHU Bible teachers, along with a few of their friends, have taken extended motorcycle tours.
Makin' Music 42 Recap
Watch our recap of FHU's 42nd Makin' Music performance.
2019 Golden Year Reunion
Golden Year Reunion is your annual opportunity to return to your FHC days…to return to campus, walk the halls and remember those years, to spend time in the company of friends and share stories, legend and lore, and to remember the blessings brought to each of us from our time at Freed-Hardeman.
Your Gifts: His Glory - Brown Research Team
The Brown Legacy Research Team was a group of business school students who came together to conduct research on the legacy of John and Rosemary Brown, FHU alumni and founders of the Stryker Corporation. The studied the Brown’s impact on the business world and their management and leadership styles.
Van Kampen Receives Recognition
A former member of the Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lion soccer team has received a top character award from the American Midwest Conference. Avis Van Kampen, a 2019 graduate from Atoka, Tennessee, has been selected as a finalist for the NAIA’s Dr. LeRoy Walker Character Award.
SAC Benefit Dinner with Paul Finebaum
More than 500 persons gathered in Freed-Hardeman University’s Brewer Sports Center Saturday evening, April 27, to hear Paul Finebaum, a leading voice for sports coverage in the Southeast. Proceeds from the dinner benefit intercollegiate athletics at FHU.
Peggy Weaver Makin' Music Endowment Fund
Freed-Hardeman University has established an endowment fund to ensure future editions of Makin’ Music continue to enhance the experience of FHU students participating in the annual extravaganza.
Your Gifts: His Glory - Joel Turner
Joel Turner is a biology major who spent his Summer working at Oak Ridge National Laboratories in East Tennessee. He worked with researchers to recreate the environment of the human mouth for a project funded by the National Institute of Health to help fight gum disease.
Your Gifts: His Glory - Ellie Leonard
Ellie Leornard is a Bachelor of Fine Arts student who has learned to trust God with the details of her life while using the gifts He has given her. Ellie used those gifts to paint the 2019 Lectureship painting that shows Moses parting the Red Sea and delivering the children of Israel out of Egypt. Studying art and its history had grown and strengthened her as a person.
Lions Host NAIA Opening Round
FHU hosted the opening round of the NAIA Baseball National Tournament for the first time in school history, allowing the Lions to punch their ticket to the NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho, in front of an appreciative home audience. Eight other sites across the country hosted opening round tournaments, also.
Lions Host NAIA Opening Round
FHU hosted the opening round of the NAIA Baseball National Tournament for the first time in school history, allowing the Lions to punch their ticket to the NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho, in front of an appreciative home audience. Eight other sites across the country hosted opening round tournaments, also.
Dining Hall Planned for MSYC
Mid-South Youth Camp, operated by Freed-Hardeman University, announced a campaign to raise $1.65 million to build a new dining hall. Several hundred attended the July 21 event, “A Celebration of God’s Abundant Blessings,” as they thanked God for what He had done this summer, kicked off the final week of summer camp and announced that $1,140,000 had been raised.
Mission Trips at FHU
While some college students made headlines with their spring break beach trips, many Freed-Hardeman University students chose to spend their time away from campus in a far different way. Some went with fellow social club members; others went with local congregations.
Your Gifts: His Glory - Keith Mattix
Keith Mattix is a Computer Science major with a passion for using artificial intelligence for social good. He has seen how it can be used to aid hurricane relief efforts and has worked to create his own artificial intelligence network through our a.i. course on campus. He continues his work and research, so that one day people can use if to further God’s kingdom by helping those in need.
Your Gifts: His Glory - Matthew Johnson
Matthew Johnson is a Bible, English and Pre-Engineering major that spent ten weeks working with Georgia Tech researched and graduate students to create microfluidic devices using nano technology.
Xi Chi Delta Wins Makin’ Music Awards
Henderson, Tennessee — (April 9, 2019) — Social club Xi Chi Delta’s “How the West Was Won” claimed Makin’ Music 2019’s top prize Saturday night, April 6, 2019, at Freed-Hardeman University’s Loyd auditorium.
FHU Faculty Awards Scholarship-Leadership Medal to Harris
Dr. C.J. Vires, provost and vice president for academics, presented the Faculty Scholarship-Leadership Medal to Isabel Harris, who graduated summa cum laude, with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics. Multiple faculty members described her as “one of the finest students they have had the opportunity to teach,” Vires said.
Your Gifts: His Glory - Wayne Baker
Wayne Baker is a Biology major who worked on the continuation of a multi-year, multi-capture study of the local turtle population. He and the team studied the growth and change of the turtle population, the size of individual turtles and more while gaining experience in field research.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
FHU’s Engaged Learning Initiative (ELI) exists to enhance the academic experience for FHU undergraduate students (fhu.edu/eli). It connects the classroom with the real world – from theory to applied practice. Megan Luffman, senior communication and English double major, was among a small group of students who explored Europe this summer to study Freed-Hardeman alumni who served during World War II, and she shared her experience.
Conference Move Will Renew Old Rivalries
During a joint press conference at the Jackson Chamber Boardroom in Jackson, Tennessee, the presidents of Bethel University, Freed-Hardeman University and Martin Methodist College announced their schools’ transfers to the Mid-South Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Teams will first compete in their new conference in the 2020-21 academic year.
Joris Ray on FHU/Memphis
Dr. Joris Ray, Superintendent of Shelby County schools, talks about his thoughts on FHU/Memphis.
Joris M. Ray: Leading with Passion
Dr. Joris M. Ray spent much of his career in education working for the public schools in Memphis. Now he is the district’s new superintendent, leader of 110,000 students and the second largest employer in Shelby County.
On the Trail: Darby Miskelly
To celebrate the completion of her master’s degree in school counseling, Darby Miskelly and two of her friends, Chelsea Jones and Kristen Shouse, hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2018.
Casey Gower: Through His Lens
Casey Gower, a 2019 graduate with multiple majors, soon scored not one, but two jobs. “Majoring in computer science, interactive digital design and photography allowed me to open my wings and express myself in so many different ways,” he said.
Giving Compassionate Care: Brooklyn Polk
A member of the first nursing cohort at FHU/Dickson, alumna Brooklyn Polk works in the emergency department of TriStar Horizon Medical Center in Dickson. “I absolutely love my job,” she commented. “I love the excitement and fast pace of the workflow.”
FHU Celebrates Black History Month by Listening, Learning and Loving
Love one another as I have loved you, by this all men will know you are my disciples. John 13:34
Nursing Medical Missions in Haiti
In January 2017, nine FHU nursing students and two nursing faculty members traveled to Thomazeau, Haiti, for seven days to serve on a medical mission team with LiveBeyond.
SciFood: Exploring the Principles of Biology through Food
The goal of this project was to expose students to biological topics such as diffusion, fermentation, metabolism, pH, plant biology, food source sustainability, muscle structure, blood viscosity, lipid transport, biomolecules, water, the scientific method and G protein coupled receptors in a novel way. To do this, students in BIO 110 explored these topics by performing experiments using the kitchen as a classroom and laboratory in the Fall 2016 semester. Student perception of learning gains in this course was assessed, and the results will be presented to the SENCER Summer Institute in 2017.
Help-Portrait
Help-Portrait was founded by celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart and Kyle Chowning in 2008. Each December, photographers, hairstylists and makeup artists around the world find people in need and take, print and deliver portraits — free of charge.
NYC Fashion Photography
In August 2016 FHU photography majors traveled to New York City where they learned from professionals at MILK STUDIOS located in the city’s artist-centered Chelsea neighborhood. The Engaged Learning Initiative (ELI) provided students enrolled in ART 299/399 Fashion Photography the opportunity to step outside of the classroom and experience the life of a professional photographer.
Sports Marketing
In August 2016, a group of Freed-Hardeman University students participated in a sports marketing course that gave them the opportunity to gain real world experience.
Spanish Immersion Program
In July 2016, FHU students participated in the third FHU Abroad trip in Madrid since 2013. Excursions are a vital part of the immersion experience in Spain. Most of the excursions were guided tours, with one of the professors from the University of Madrid in attendance. Weekend excursions and day trips allowed for extended forays into the heart and soul of Spain. As a means of evaluation, students completed a reflective journal as part of the requirement for the immersion credit designated as SPA 367.