For nearly five years now I have been privileged to serve on the Board of Trustees for FreedHardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee. I am thankful for the support of the Central
congregation, which enables me to attend the quarterly board meetings. I am also grateful for your
interest in Christian education, and for the work at Freed-Hardeman in particular. I appreciate the
opportunity to give a report of these meetings in order to help us stay abreast of exciting news
concerning young people and the church.
On Thursday, July 20, Marvina and I made the drive to Henderson Tennessee. This time we
were blessed to spend the night in the home of Tristan and Katie Facello, which was enjoyable and
convenient. The meetings occurred on Friday, July 21. Our day began with a devotional conducted
by one of our board members, Lee Johnson, who did a superb job.
I serve on the Spiritual and Student Development Committee, which met at 8:30 following
the morning devotional. T.J. Kirk, Vice President for Student Affairs, conducted the meeting, and
provided encouraging information about spiritual progress on campus. Among other things, he
explained that the theme for chapel programs this year is “Love Like Jesus.” Required chapel
attendance at Freed-Hardeman is an integral part of the spiritual development of students. It also
creates lifelong memories which encourage alumni long after graduation.
The 2023-2024 Student Handbook has been completely updated. I was pleased to see that it
now contains a “Statement of Faith,” which includes the following: At Freed-Hardeman we believe
in “one church, the body of Christ, to which the Lord adds all the saved, which assembles every
first day of the week around the world…and which affirms Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. It’s
important for young people who come to Freed-Hardeman to have their faith in the Lord
reaffirmed, their confidence in his word strengthened, and their appreciation for the CHURCH OF
CHRIST deepened.
Some of the other spiritual components to the new year include Interface 2023, featuring the
Kids Against Hunger Project in August. Students will pack some 31,000 lunches for the needy on
that day. RUSH is scheduled for Dec. 22. The “Forever a Lion Club” officially began, to ensure
that students can uphold the spirit of community, compassion and growth at FHU.
In the general assembly of the Board, we heard an encouraging presentation by President
David Shannon. Some of the upcoming, already-funded projects include the following:
- New Campus Bookstore renovation (We were given a tour in the afternoon)
- The renovation of Hall-Roland Residence Hall is now underway. Originally built in 1922,
this is the third renovation of historic structures on campus, following the Old Main
Administration Building, and Paul Gray Hall. - Excavation for the new dining hall has begun. The construction equipment was busy on
campus during our visit. Located between the Brown-Kopel Business building and Gardner
Center, this exciting new building will feature a Chick-fil-A restaurant to the right, and a
grab-and-go to the left, as well as spaces for “private” dining events and student dining. The
entire facility is estimated to be completed by August, 2024. - New photographic studio, to be completed by December 2023.
- The much-anticipated renovation of Loyd Auditorium will be commencing May 2024, with
completion by approximately November 2024. - The Saunders Center (new student center) is scheduled to begin August 2024, for completion
by May 2025.
Freed-Hardeman had 367 graduates last year (257 in May; 110 in December). Horizons
had another maximum crowd, with over 200 adult staff, and about 1500 students. Studies abroad
continue in Belgium, Bible lands, Costa Rica, Peru, S. Korea, Spain, Stratford, et al. The 8th week
of FHU’s Mid-South Youth Camp is completed, teaching over 1,600 students so far this summer!
The work at Freed-Hardeman is an encouraging “bright spot” in our brotherhood!
