Freed-Hardeman University’s Office of Student Services has revamped the ways it supports students during the academic year. New features include providing airport shuttles for international students, continuing the on-campus health clinic opened during COVID-19 epidemic, starting a women’s Bible study group and launching an E-gaming intramural team.
“Our goal is to find a way to connect with the students,” said TJ Kirk, vice president of student services at FHU. “I want to make sure we’re helping students in all the ways that we can.”
Additional members of the student services team are: Tony Allen, dean of student life; Lacy Crowell, dean of students; Missie Ellis, director of residence life and coordinator of student accessibility; Amy Smith, office manager; Nathan Judd, counseling director, Tavia Carlucci, mental health counselor; Stacy Dalton, mental health counselor; Josh Taylor, mental health counselor and Laura Beth Jones, nurse. FHU dorm parents provide students with guidance in the residence halls and are part of the student services team. The dorm parents include Amber Milner (Sewell), Amanda Carter (Farrow), Glenda Williams (Scott), TJ Maddox (Dixon), Diane Tucker (Porter Terry), Brittany Wood (Bradfield), Beth Anne Clayton (Benson), Breanna Clouse (Paul Gray).
Kirk said one of the team’s focuses has been promoting unity across the campus. “We should be open with each other and break down the things that Satan uses to divide us.”
The team has also given the university’s counseling center a makeover to provide students with mental health support in a more comfortable and supportive environment.
“We’re about the students,” Kirk said. “They don’t add to our work. They are our work.
And we’re about customer service and giving the customers — the students — the best possible experience we can when they come to us for help or guidance or whatever they need.”
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 and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees.