Top level administrative changes approved by the Board of Trustees in April took effect in June at the beginning of the academic year, according to FHU President Joe Wiley.

Two new vice presidents have begun their duties and one has changed positions. Mark Scott became vice president of technology and innovation. Dr. C.J. Vires assumed the role of vice president for academics and Dr. Sam Jones became vice president for spiritual development. Jones had been the vice president for academics.

Vice president of spiritual development is a new position. Wiley explained its creation saying, "Spiritual development of our students is paramount, and, up until this point, no one had it as a primary responsibility. Since many of our faculty and staff are involved with and concerned about the spiritual growth of our students, our hope is this new position will strengthen their efforts."

Vice president of technology and innovation is also a new position. Scott began teaching at FHU as an adjunct professor in 2002 and became an assistant professor in 2005. Three years later, he was named the director of instructional technology and in 2009 he became an associate vice president for academics. He is now the university’s chief technology officer. For seven years, he was the managing partner of Memphis Technology Group, LLC. He has extensive experience with medical technology. Scott attended Freed-Hardeman 1972-74 and he holds a Bachelor of Science in medical technology from University of Memphis and a master’s in telecommunications and information systems management with a concentration in business administration from Christian Brothers University. He has also completed course work for a doctorate in business administration from Capella University. Vires came to FHU last summer as director of academic success. He had been an administrator at East Central University in Ada, Okla., since 1999. He had served the university there as associate vice president for research and advancement and associate vice president for sponsored programs and research, as well as interim assistant vice president for academic affairs. In addition, he has owned Dream Catcher Consulting, LLC which offers grant writing services for educational, health care, and tribal organizations. Vires holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music Education from East Central University and a Ph.D. in adult and higher education from the University of Oklahoma.

Jones has been a member of the FHU factulty since 1991 and became vice president for academics and enrollment management in 2002. He is also the director of graduate studies and a professor of family studies, of Bible, and of counseling. Jones has also been the dean of the School of Arts and Humanities and chairman of the Department of Behavioral Sciences. He holds a bachelor’s from Freed-Hardeman, and a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy from Mississippi State University. In addition to his work at Freed-Hardeman, Jones preaches regularly for the Oak Grove Church of Christ and holds gospel meetings. He is also a member of the Chester County School Board.

In other action, the board agreed to purchase the property currently housing the Office of Alumni Relations on White Avenue and approved the 2011-12 operating budget. They also reappointed President Wiley and three current vice presidents: Dr. Dwayne Wilson, executive vice president; Dave Clouse, vice president for university advancement; and Dr. Wayne Scott, vice president for student services. "I believe this organizational structure will best serve our students as well as utilize the talents of these men," Wiley said. "I look forward to working with them in the upcoming year as we continue to promote the growth and development of Freed-Hardeman."