As a member of the Board of Trustees for Freed-Hardeman University, it is my privilege
to attend meetings four times each year, and publish a report about some of the encouraging things
happening with our young people. This is truly a “bright spot” which I hope you find very
encouraging. Freed-Hardeman is among the oldest of our brotherhood schools, dating its beginning to 1869.
It currently has students from 31 states and 17 foreign countries. The main campus is in
Henderson, Tennessee, although the school also operates a campus in Memphis and also features
studies abroad. Courses are offered by 12 academic departments organized into six schools: Arts
and Humanities, Biblical Studies, Business, Education, Sciences and Mathematics and the Honors
College. All faculty, and traditionally about 80% of the students at Freed-Hardeman are members
of the church of Christ.
The Board met on Friday, October 20, 2023 in the Hope Barber Shull Academic Resource
Center. Opened in 2016, this beautiful building houses the Loden-Daniel Library, KC’s
Coffeehouse and the university tutoring center, named in honor of longtime librarian, Hope Barber
Shull. The days activities began with a devotional, conducted by Dr. John Dodd, longtime board
member and physician.
I serve on the Spiritual and Student Development Committee, which met at 8:30 AM. The
meeting was conducted by T.J. Kirk, Vice President for Student Affairs. The committee was
provided with a report covering student life, housing and disability, chapel, and the counseling
department. Positive student participation rates are occurring in each of these areas. The University
Counseling Center (UCC) has greatly improved its wait time, and is actively assisting students in
counseling sessions as needed. The UCC is operated by two full-time and two part-time staff
members, together with interns and practicum students.
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. A major part of this mission is the service component, and we reviewed
the “Servants Say Service Projects” completed by students last year. The list of these service
projects was lengthy and impressive, and it is encouraging to know that FHU students are actively
involved in serving others as part of their college education.
I continue to be impressed with President Shannon’s leadership, and enthusiasm. In the
general assembly, he provided some highlights of the work at Fred-Hardeman for the current year.
For example, the University now has 12 full-time Bible teachers and 15 adjunct Bible teachers.
When we consider where are the next generation of preachers and church leaders is going to come
from, FHU has a big part to play.
The school enjoyed an 88% student retention rate this year, which is a new record. First
time, full-time students who are members of the church of Christ is now approaching 85%. Current
campus improvements include renovation of Hall-Rowland Hall, scheduled to be completed in
May, 2024. The new dining hall is under construction, with completion, estimated by August, 2024. Renovation of Loyd auditorium is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2024, to be completed
by February, 2025. And the new Saunders Student Center is slated for construction beginning
August, 2024, to be completed by May, 2025.
Fundraising is always a major part of the work of operating a Christian college. The FHUNext Campaign has been underway for several years, with amazing results. The total raised in that Campaign in cash and pledges is now in excess of $128 million. An additional $11.3 million is needed to finish the FHU-Next campaign. The annual Day of Giving is scheduled for November 9th, with a challenge this year to exceed 600 donors.
In an increasingly secular society, it is encouraging to know that our brethren are
providing havens of Christian education for our young people. These schools require a great
amount of money to continue to operate, and they require enormous commitment by faculty and
staff. I am thankful for your interest and your support in this important work
