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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 and online classes, FHU offers bachelor’s, master’s, specialist’s and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.
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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 and online classes, FHU offers bachelor’s, master’s, specialist’s and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.
Xi Chi Delta Students Spend Spring Break Evangelizing Around the Country
Several Freed-Hardeman University members of Xi Chi Delta spent their spring break spreading the gospel and encouraging the Church around the country. The club sent a total of 36 people to Taylorsville, North Carolina, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and Kayenta, Arizona. In North Carolina, the students worked with the Liledoun Road Church of Christ. One of the students on the trip, Isaac Amar said the congregation's excitement was inspiring. "Just by us being there made me want to serve them so much more. Their excitement was contagious, and it really inspired the team," Amar said. Students on the Massachusetts trip performed an outreach campaign to publicize the church throughout the area and completed several service projects "The experience made me appreciate how good God's people can be in encouraging each other, and how blessed we are to live in a place where our faith is such a common thing that can be openly acknowledged," Scott said. While in Arizona the group served with the Kayenta Church of Christ encouraging youth and completing service projects in the community. They provided blessing bags with food and encouraging notes to visitors of the local farmer's market. "As a group, we were able to learn so much from the kids and community about showing unconditional love to those around us," said Brenna Hobgood, a junior social work major.
Community Service - May 15
Two FHU Students Recognized by Alpha Chi National Scholarship Program
Two Freed-Hardeman University students have been recognized by the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society for research scholarships and fellowships. Daniel Chang, a junior biology major, was chosen over hundreds of applicants from across the country to receive a $2,000 Alfred H. Nolle Cooperative Scholarship. Josie Gannon, a senior double majoring in biology and English, was chosen as an alternate for a $3,000 H.Y. Benedict Fellowship for her ecological research.
Scholarship - May 16
Freed-Hardeman University's Honors Students Experience the Culture of New Orleans
Freed Hardeman University honor students spent one weekend in April visiting New Orleans, Louisiana, to experience the rich historical culture of the area. The trip was offered as an educational experience to Honors Council members as well as senior students in the Honors College. The following students took part in the four-day tour: Clark Endsley, Emma Robison, Jessie Segars, Josie Gannon, Lily Simpson, MacKenzie Scarborough, Matthan Smith, Matthew Kuhl, Sarah Henley, Thomas Hastings and Tyler Stafko. Dean of the Honors College Dr. Jenny Johnson led the trip.
Honor Society - May 15
FHU College of Business Celebrates Student Achievements with Chapel, Luncheon
FHU College of Business held its annual Senior Awards Chapel and Luncheon to celebrate the academic achievements of students as they prepare for post-graduate life. Ten seniors and one graduate student were recognized for their work in several disciplines including accounting, marketing, management, business analytics, finance, financial planning and sport administration. In addition, six undergraduates received the Sewell Scholarship, which awards a rising sophom*ore, junior or senior with a minimum 3.0 grade point average with a $5,000 scholarship ($2,500 a semester). Recipients must demonstrate leadership, integrity and professionalism. "Deciding these awards is never easy," Dr. Matt Vega, dean of the College of Business, said. "We're so thankful for all of your efforts. We know whatever your next chapter is, you will not only glorify us, but you will glorify God."
Academic Award - May 10
Social Clubs Leave It All on the Stage for FHU's Makin' Music 47
Thousands of visitors flooded the Freed-Hardeman University campus April 5-6 eager to "Make Some Noise" for one of the biggest FHU events of the year. Makin' Music 47 thrilled audiences over four performances full of original club shows, emcee entertainment and hosts and hostess showstoppers. At the conclusion of Saturday evening's closing show, Phi Kappa Alpha was awarded the coveted sweepstakes trophy for the first time in seven years. Xi Chi Delta was awarded second place, while third place went to Chi Beta Chi. This year's Spirit of Makin' Music Award was presented to Omega Chi.
Drama, Artistic, or Musical Achievement - May 7
Senior Students Chosen to Represent University as Mr. and Miss FHU
After a vote by the student body, Freed-Hardeman University announced the winners of Mr. and Miss FHU 2024 during a special chapel presentation held Thursday, April 25. Will Rawson, from Alamo, Tennessee, was named Mr. FHU, while Anniston McCall, from Winter Garden, Florida, was named Miss FHU.
Achievement (Other) - Apr 26
Freed-Hardeman Men's Basketball Wins NAIA National Championship
FHU Lions head coach Drew Stutts and the team brought the Big Red Banner and the championship trophy home to Henderson with a 71-67 championship victory over the Langston (Okla.) University Lions in a hard fought game on March 26, 2024. Utilizing phrases such as "Elite is Earned," and "Today is The Day," and "Committed to the Culture," Coach Stutts believes his team lived up to his expectations, saying, "They have just showed so much resilience and so much toughness tonight. The last thing we talked about before we went out of the locker room was 'the tougher team wins' and I think we have proven that throughout the course of this year." The Lions (32-4) lived up to a championship game with neither team leading by more than two possessions. The Lions of FHU shot 47% from the floor while their opponents ended with a 42% mark from the floor. Despite being out-rebounded 39-27, Freed-Hardeman forced 19 Langston turnovers and turned those into 24 points. "We are extremely proud," Freed-Hardeman University President David R. Shannon said. "Any team that wins the national championship there has to be a lot of grit, a lot of skill, and great coaching. And we get to see that at Freed-Hardeman." "This is a huge accomplishment for Coach Stutts and the team and a great day for Freed-Hardeman athletics and the Freed-Hardeman family," said FHU athletic director Jonathan Estes. "The mission is to utilize your God-given abilities to His glory and I think these guys did that." Making the All-Tournament team were FHU starts Quan Lax, Hunter Scurlock, and JJ Wheat. Wheat was honored with the Charles Stevenson Hustle Award while Hunter Scurlock ended his illustrious FHU career being named as the Chuck Taylor Most Valuable Player of the tournament. "It's a good way to end and it's been worth every bit of the ride," said Scurlock after thinking over his five-year career.
Sports - Apr 2
FHU Freshman Sager Blackman Enlists in Tennessee Army National Guard
Sager Blackman, a Freed-Hardeman University freshman from Lithia, Florida, was officially sworn into the U.S. Army National Guard earlier this month. Blackman is currently studying to earn his Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity from FHU and is also an active participant in the ROTC program. His enlistment into the Tennessee Army National Guard will ensure that his remaining FHU tuition will be taken care of.
Military - Apr 2
FHU Analytics Team Clinches Third Consecutive DataFest Win
For the third consecutive year, Freed-Hardeman's analytics teams brought home honors, this time at the Bluegrass DataFest held in late April at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky. In this competition, students had 48 hours to evaluate a complex, real-world dataset and present their findings. This year, Freed-Hardeman fielded two teams of five students each, doubling in size from the team's inaugural appearance in 2022. Team members Lou Joseph, Eli Combs, Justin Steward, Kate Fitzgerald and Taylor Guess secured the Best in Show and Best Visualization honors. Meanwhile, John Robinson, J.T. Moore, Justin Ellis, Carson Kizer and Aidan Harrison won the Best Use of External Data award. "These results continue to demonstrate our students' academic competitiveness nationwide," said Charlie Smith, one of the DataFest faculty advisors. "Their insights into the data and recommendations for action were on par with professional data analysts. I'm proud of their dedication and abilities."
Academic competition - Apr 25
FHU Communication Sciences and Disorders Students Visit Tennessee Legislators for Day on the Hill
Seven Freed-Hardeman University students studying Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) attended the Tennessee Association of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists (TAASLP) "Day On The Hill" in Nashville, Tennessee, this month where they met with state legislators to discuss professions, answer questions and share issues facing their fields. The students - Allison Collum, Gracie Doyle, Alexa Neglia, Kenzie Pressnell, Elizabeth Roberts, Taylor Triplett, and Gabe Watts- arrived prepared to meet with Senators and Representatives to discuss how they can help the audiology and speech pathology professions as well as those they will serve. These students were able to meet professional SLPs and audiologists as well as students from other undergraduate and graduate CSD programs. FHU instructor Susan Lankford and Dr. Meagan Spencer, director of FHU's CSD program, organized the day for students whose itinerary included delivering one pagers (information sheets) to share with legislators, participating in letter-writing campaigns with Tennessee's StAMP and SEAL representatives. They discussed reimbursem*nt, dismissal of mandated school-age hearing screenings, and reasons why students choose the CSD field. "The goals for the event were to share information with legislators about the fields of audiology and speech-language pathology and to advocate for improved access to services for all Tennesseans," Lankford said. "The FHU Communication Sciences and Disorders department believes strongly that our undergraduate students are ready to take part in this aspect of their future profession. They proved us right with their participation in the TAASLP Day on the Hill."
Leadership - Mar 21
FHU's Principles of Management Class Engages in Eye-Opening Poverty Simulation with WestStar Leadership and CAPS
FHU's Principles of Management class participated in an eye-opening poverty exercise with Missouri's Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) and West Tennessee's WestStar Leadership class in late February. In the exercise participants take on the roles of individuals and families with limited finances and how they must navigate life's challenges such as unemployment, homelessness and strained financial resources. The simulations raise awareness, foster empathy and inspire participants to make a difference. The project certainly had that effect on FHU sophom*ore Renae Tabor, who participated in the simulation. "This simulation brought to light how large this problem of poverty really is and how I need to be a part of the solution. I can make a difference in the lives of people I meet if I just talk to them, get to know them and their situation, and actively look for ways to alleviate some of their burdens," said Tabor, an English major. "It would be incredibly selfish, uncaring, and ungodly to sit by in relative comfort and watch this suffering continue." Tabor was one of 28 FHU students to participate in the simulation. Students in principles of management learn how to achieve organizational objectives and cover the history and purpose of organizational management. Students also learn the four core functions of planning - organizing, leading, controlling, and the development of basic management skills.
Business/professional - Mar 13
FHU Photography Students Capture NYC Experience
During winter break, a group of FHU photography students embarked on a transformative journey to New York City for ART339: NYC Photography. This immersive experience took them through the vibrant streets of the Big Apple, where they captured iconic landmarks and intimate moments, each lens revealing a unique perspective. Participating students receive class hour credit for the trip. The pinnacle of their adventure? A full day at Pier59 Studios, where they refined their skills alongside professional models, pushing their boundaries and unlocking new levels of creativity. Splitting into smaller groups, students enjoyed an intimate setting with models ranging from novices to seasoned professionals. Tabitha Edwards, a senior double majoring in public relations and photography, found inspiration in the diverse personalities of the models.
Experiential Learning - Mar 6
Freed-Hardeman University Announces Fall 2023 President's, Dean's Lists
Freed-Hardeman University has released the names of students who made the President's and Dean's Lists for the Fall 2023 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 on their academic success.
Academic Excellence - Jan 10
Freed-Hardeman University Announces December Graduates
Freed-Hardeman University held its fall commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, in Loyd Auditorium where more than 100 students received certificates, associates, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. 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. More information is available at fhu.edu.
Graduation - Jan 10
Freed-Hardeman University's Biology Club Epulor XII Continues to Test Student Taste Buds
More than 30 people participated in a unique feast where the goal was to "try edible foods popular in foreign parts of the world." Epulor XII, which was hosted by the Biology Club, celebrated its 12th year with first-time and repeat guests willing to step outside of their culinary comfort zones in late November. "Everyone really loves this event," Allison Jones, a senior biology major, said. Jones is president of the Biology Club. "It's fun, exciting and there are 17 dishes on the menu game. The winner will receive a $20 gift card to Besso's." The menu game isn't as easy as it sounds. The multiple choice questions identify the menu items by their scientific names - for example elk is called "Cervus canadensis" while turkey is called "Meleagris gallopavo." Long time friends, seniors and biology majors Mary Katherine Walker and Madlyn Maples challenged each other to taste many of the items on the unique buffet as they sat across from each other. "I feel like we should taste these in order," Maples said. "We're kind of scared," Walker added. On the opposite side of fear sat biology and Bible major Luke Sullivan who embraced trying new things. "Last year's alligator tasted better than turkey," he said. "This year my favorite was the eel on rice." Sullivan is also the treasurer of the Biology Club.
Club or Organization - 2023 Dec 18
Freed-Hardeman University's Honors Council Embarks on Transformative Trip to Chicago
Freed-Hardeman University's Honors Council recently traveled to Chicago in early November, where they explored, learned and gathered new ideas. The 58th annual National Collegiate Honors Council held its conference from Nov. 8-12, with the theme "Liberty, Equality, and Humanity." Session topics included student moderator training, research and honors, student socials, as well as networking opportunities. FHU's honors program promotes the free exchange of ideas, and students are regularly invited to make honors presentations at the conference meetings of the Tennessee Honors Council, the Southern Regional Honors Council and the National Collegiate Honors Council. "It was helpful in planning the honors competition for high school seniors looking to attend Freed-Hardeman," said Matthan Smith, a senior double major in accounting and financial planning. "I think our advisor, Dr. Jenny Johnson, gathered fun ideas for the competition." Johnson is the dean of the honors college and director of FHU study abroad.
Honors Program - 2023 Dec 18
FHU's Sixth Annual ALUMination Day Connects Alumni, Students
A scientist, a journalist, a law enforcement officer, a minister and a financial planner were among approximately 40 Freed-Hardeman University alumni to return to campus to share their professional journeys with current students during homecoming week in early November. Now in its sixth year, ALUMination Day has grown from a single day to several days of alumni visits in classes as well as guest speakers in daily chapel. This year's chapel speakers were Chuck Morris, class of 1995; Drew Kizer, class of 1997; and Elizabeth Gentle, class of 1996.
Alumni - 2023 Dec 7
Freed-Hardeman University Crowns Homecoming King and Queen
At the end of a week-long celebration of homecoming festivities, the Freed-Hardeman University study body announced their choices for the 2023 homecoming king and queen in a special coronation ceremony Saturday, Nov. 11. This year, Elijah Brewer, a senior communication and public relations major from Lexington, Tennessee, was crowned king, and Julie Gann, a kinesiology major from Huntsville, Alabama, was crowned queen.
Student Excellence - 2023 Dec 7
FHU Students Elect Homecoming Royalty
Freed-Hardeman University students have chosen king and queen candidates from members of their classes to represent them on the Homecoming Court. They will be presented to the student body during chapel Tuesday, Nov. 8. The king and queen will be crowned Saturday, Nov. 12, at halftime of the women's basketball game. King candidates, elected from the senior class, are Nathan Brown, an accounting major from Manchester, Tennessee; Ethan Buckner, a finance major from Mount Juliet, Tennessee, and John Sadler, a biology major from Katy, Texas. Queen candidates are Morgan Perkins, a kinesiology major from Iuka, Mississippi, Brooke Roberts, a biology major from Knoxville, Tennessee; and Kayley Wadlington, an elementary education major from Cadiz, Kentucky. Junior class representatives are Sara Browning, a marketing and digital design major from Lewisburg, Tennessee; Addie Everson, a public relations major from Mesquite, Texas; Keegan Maguffee, a marketing major from Flint, Michigan, and Omer Shifris, a sports administration and speech communication major from Kibbutz, Israel. Representing the sophom*ore class are Mattie Barkley, a marketing and digital design major from Bethel Springs, Tennessee; Sam Elrod, an accounting major from Rockvale, Tennessee; Lily Robinett, a nursing major from Bessemer, Alabama; and Luke Wamble, a youth and family ministry major from Lebanon, Tennessee. The freshman class elected the following: Kate Boyd, a public relations major from Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Jacy Haislip, a marketing major from Lawrenceburg, Tennessee; Grady McCall, from Winter Garden, Florida, who wants to pursue film and television production; and Jack Zondervan, a finance and marketing major from Hudsonville, Michigan. Utilizing a theme of "The Story of Us," FHU students will enjoy multiple activities during Homecoming Week, Nov. 6-13. In addition to the many alumni and families who are expected for the weekend, high school juniors and seniors are invited Saturday for a special Maroon and Gold Day. A complete listing of Homecoming events is available at fhu.edu/homecoming/schedule. 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 associates, bachelor's, master's, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at http://www.fhu.edu.
School Spirit - 2022 Nov 1
FHU College of Business Students Experience Real World with Summer Internships
Freed-Hardeman University senior Sydney Phillips credits her internship with Murray State University's athletic department for introducing her to new career possibilities and reinforcing her classroom experiences. Phillips was among 27 business students who were celebrated for successfully completing summer internships during the FHU College of Business Beyond BK Recognition Dinner Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Beyond BK stands for Beyond Brown-Kopel, which is the name of the building that houses the FHU College of Business. Beyond BK is a school initiative that focuses students on career exploration and gaining real-world professional experience in their fields early in their college careers.
Internship - 2022 Sep 26
FHU Interface Promotes Connection, Welcomes New Students "Home"
Freed-Hardeman University welcomed a new class of freshmen and transferring students into the FHU family this semester with another successful week of "Interface." While many university campuses around the country offer new student orientation, FHU goes the extra mile to build relationships and a strong sense of community on campus by providing incoming freshmen additional opportunities to bond and make their first of many college memories.
Student Orientation - 2023 Oct 16
FHU Study Abroad Tours Romantic England, Experiences Literature, Nature
After a two-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FHU Study Abroad two-week tour of romantic England returned with approximately 22 travelers who set off for their great adventure in late May. They left as strangers but returned as good friends. Six FHU students traveled in the group - Josie Gannon, Caroyln Smith, Ashton Rose Duke, Hannah Sprouse, Molly Clemons and Emma Grace Owens - although not all of them are English majors, the students said the trip gave them a greater appreciation for the authors they studied while visiting England. The Romantic England tour is organized by John McLaughlin, who teaches American literature, romantic poetry and prose and renaissance drama. "The trip is set up to complement the course I teach, English literature of the romantic period," he said. "While visiting different sites, we discuss the writers from that period, experience nature and the countryside." McLaughlin's wife, Debbie, also serves as a leader on the Romantic England tour. "We got to do so much - from group activities, free time, and small groups," Debbie McLaughlin said. "What I remember most are the bonds that were created, that's my favorite part." FHU student Molly Clemons, an English and history major, enjoyed her first trip abroad and what she learned about the writers she admires. "I really appreciated being where the writers were and seeing the landscape and understanding what they were seeing," Clemons said. "But the best part of the trip was the people and getting to know them," Clemons said. FHU nursing major Emma Grace Owens agreed with Clemons. "I didn't know anyone but my friends on my trip, but by the end, we were like 'this is family,'" she said. Learning about the authors encouraged Owens to read more of their works. "I've always been about science and math, but learning more about the writers opened my mind." Owens purchased Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" while touring the author's home, now a museum, in Chawton, England. "I planned to spend my summer reading while sitting and looking at things more." In addition to touring, hiking and sightseeing, the group tried to leave no stone unturned during this trip. "We got to do so much - we were able to see a lot all over England," Debbie McLaughlin said. "The goal is to broaden everyone's horizons and see what the rest of the world does and is like. We use public transportation, trains and buses, because it adds to the knowledge gained about the world. That's valuable to young people and benefits everyone." The next Romantic England study abroad trip will take place in 2024.
Study Abroad - 2022 Jul 29
New FHU Students to Arrive Aug.13, Begin Semester with Interface Activities
Approximately 400 new students are expected to arrive on the Freed-Hardeman University campus Saturday, Aug. 13, for a week of making new friends, learning about their new home-away-from-home, worship and service, and planned and impromptu recreational activities. Leading them through all these new experiences will be a 36-person team of current FHU students. Interface coordinators Julie Gann, a junior kinesiology major from Harvest, Alabama, and Patrick Frans, a senior youth ministry major from Mount Juliet, Tennessee, have chosen a theme, organized the team and planned activities. Gann and Frans have dubbed the 2022 edition of Interface "Ohana," a Hawaiian word loosely translated as "family." "We decided that since 'Ohana' means family, and family means no one gets left behind, it sums up what Freed-Hardeman is as a school, community and people. We are welcoming the freshmen class to an unfamiliar environment. They are probably really scared and nervous for this new phase in life," Gann said. "Interface is all about taking away the fear and unfamiliarity of college life." "The theme conveys that, number one, we are God's family, and we will take care of one another and, two, we are a family here at Freed-Hardeman who love each other and feel at home here." Franz explained. "We want the freshmen to come in and feel God's love and that they are a part of His family and that as the week goes on, they will feel a part of the FHU family and call this place home."
Residence Life - 2022 Jul 20
Freed-Hardeman University Announces Fall 2021 President's, Dean's List
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.
Honors List - 2022 Jan 27
Freed-Hardeman University's Enrollment Continues to Buck National Trends
FHU's undergraduate enrollment for fall 2021 jumped 4% for a record 1,797, including the greatest number of first-time freshmen in 11 years. The full-time equivalent of 1,630 is also a record.
Enrollment - 2021 Oct 12
FHU Student Government Association Serves Campus, Community
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."
Student Government - 2021 Dec 23
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