by Robert C. Veil, Jr.
On Friday, April 26th I attended the regular Committee meeting and general Board meeting
of Trustees at Freed-Hardeman University, in Henderson, TN. Returning to the campus where I
attended college from 1977-81 is always a warm and special experience for me. My memories of
those years are full of joy and gratitude, and it is a definite privilege to have a small part in giving
back to the University which has meant so much to me over the years. I am very thankful to the
Central congregation for supporting me in our efforts to guide and support this remarkable
Christian school.
Our day began with a devotional conducted by two special members of the Freed-Hardeman
family who are retiring this year. Dr. Gary McKnight, who for many years has conducted the
University Corral and numerous choral programs, led a well-worded prayer. Dr. David Powell,
(not to be confused with the David Powell who previously preached here at Central), has taught in
the Bible program at Freed-Hardeman for over 30 years. He gave a tremendous lesson on, “God
will Provide.” I had David for several online courses in my graduate studies. He served for many
years as the Pulpit Minister at the North Jackson church of Christ, in Jackson, Tennessee. His
message was full of gratitude and encouragement as he looked back over his career with the
University.
In breakout committee meetings, I met with T.J. Kirk, Vice President for Student Affairs.
As usual, T.J. did an amazing job at the meeting, and was reassuring about a wide range of student
affairs on campus. His is a difficult job, dealing with disciplinary issues, and all related matters of
daily student life on campus. About 7,500 guests and participants enjoyed the 47th annual Makin’
Music program on April 5-6, 2024. This is a major, annual event, which draws thousands of
prospective students and other guests to the campus for an enthusiastic musical presentation by the
various social clubs. Horizons 2024 is scheduled for July 7-12. The theme this year is “Renovate!”
Every room in the dorms will be filled, and pre-registration is required. Also, the University
Counseling Center is fully staffed and busy. Next year the plan is to begin offering on-line
counseling services to members of the church other than students.
After the committee meetings, we attended an inspiring chapel presentation in Loyd
Auditorium, and then we had lunch with the Freed-Hardeman men’s basketball team, which won
the NAIA National Men’s Basketball Championship this year! What a thrilling experience to sit
and talk with these amazing young men over lunch!
The general meeting of the Board included an encouraging presentation from President
David Shannon. He reported that the Feb. 4-8th annual Bible lectureship had 3,347 registered
guests this year, from 39 states and 6 countries. Mid-South Youth Camp had a ribbon-cutting for
the new Dodd pavilion. The school recently received a Tennessee Safety Grant of approx.
$177,000 to provide upgraded card access to the dorms and 8 new security cameras. Spring break
had 253 FHU students conducting 12 evangelistic campaigns. The new Chalmers clubhouse has
been opened, as well as Tucker softball field. New computer software for residence hall
reservations has been implemented.
Some statistics of note: The school enjoyed a 98% retention rate, and about 70 new
students for the spring semester. For this fall, applications are up 42 despite a national FAFSA
information release delay. There are 360 new students projected for the fall. The FHU-Next
Capital Campaign balance has increased over $12.2 million since our February meeting, and now
totals over $146 million. Renovations to Hall-Roland dorm are on schedule for completion next
month, and the new dining hall for November. Major renovations to Loyd Auditorium are
scheduled to be completed by spring of 2025.
Report from Freed-Hardeman
