How do you measure eight years of service in the life of FHU President David R. Shannon? One might measure it in moments of connection, miles traveled and countless gestures of goodwill. Since April 21, 2017, President Shannon’s journey has been marked by remarkable numbers that tell a story of dedication and a deep love for the FHU community.

Consider this snapshot of his time: During his first year, the Presidential Trek made nearly 200 stops at churches, schools and special events, strengthening bonds across communities — traversing 108 different cities in 13 different states, covering over 27,000 miles to connect with the FHU family far and wide.

The trek served more than 14,000 Moon Pies and 12,000 Cokes, along with other simple treats such as Tracie’s famous bacon-on-a-stick. Each personalized detail created sweet moments of fellowship on the road. Memories were captured in more than 4,000 photos, including over 2,600 selfies (or “Usies” as Shannon calls them) that became a powerful tool for communicating the vibrant spirit of alumni connection.

“We wanted to remove barriers,” Shannon recalls, “by visiting congregations and creating a fun gathering place around our retro camper. During one of the early events, I walked outside afterward to see 150 people gathered around the MIC (mobile information center) talking, reminiscing, and laughing — and we knew this was going to work.” The Presidential Trek was one of Shannon’s first big efforts as the new president, beginning in his first few months on the job in August 2017.

It is also quite the feat for Shannon, who went from having zero social media presence in 2017 to nearly 5,000 Facebook friends and 5,500 Instagram followers in 2025. From his first selfie to his thousandth, Shannon enjoys connecting with students, parents and alumni. “After the first one, I realized ‘I’m going to keep doing this.’”

FHU Vice President Dave Clouse highlighted key accomplishments during Shannon’s tenure. “The FHU Next Campaign raised $90 million for the endowment — $30 million in scholarships and $45 million for capital improvements and new programs. And our student enrollment reached record highs as did our retention numbers, which were the highest in the school’s history. We’re grateful to David and Tracie because they returned to their alma mater in 2017, and they taught us how to speak the truth in love and also how to have fun.”

President Shannon believes the university is in a strong position. He emphasizes that "while the bricks and mortar on campus are important for the student experience, FHU's strength ultimately lies in its people." This conviction drives his continued focus on strong leadership and how well the leadership team can collaborate to guide each department and the university as a whole, ultimately fulfilling its mission.

The cabinet, consisting of four vice presidents — LeAnn Davis (Academics), TJ Kirk (Student Services), Jason Brashier (Chief Financial Officer) and Dave Clouse (Senior Vice President) — has been a cornerstone of his leadership. “We’ve met probably some 400 times,” he said. “I enjoyed the opportunity to be at the table with individuals who lead well and believe in the mission.” The unity was particularly vital during the challenges of COVID-19. “We leaned on each other; we were iron sharpening iron,” he said.

“FHU is blessed with exceptional men and women who are dedicated to fulfilling her mission of developing students. Working alongside them has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. FHU is a special place," Shannon said, "largely due to our shared unity in pursuing the same mission. It's truly a blessing to work with faculty and staff who not only believe our mission is important, but make it their top priority."

Shannon’s connection to the student body is evident on campus. Donna Steele, executive assistant to the president, shared that “the students love him, and they listen to him.”

Shannon said watching the students grow and develop has been one of his favorite things. “I enjoy getting a glimpse into the hearts of the students, how much they love the Lord and all of the good work they’re doing in the community. A lot of good happens on the campus daily, and no one person gets close to knowing it all,” Shannon said. “Their youthful energy is fun to be around. Even the stress of midterms week or the projects they pull off for Servants’ Day — this is a part of the FHU experience that prepares them for life.”

The fall will be Shannon’s ninth Benefit Dinner, and he remembers them all fondly. “Jeff Foxworthy (2021) was very funny, and Clint Black at the Ryman (2025) had great one-liners, and it was casual conversation,” Shannon said. “Tim Tebow was so personable, making everyone feel so comfortable,” he said of his first Benefit Dinner guest in 2017. “But I had a positive experience with all of the Benefit Dinner guests.”

During his first stint as Master of the Bell in 2017, Shannon encouraged students to live passionately, and his message was similar when he reprised this role in August, telling students to work as unto the Lord and to commit heartily.

And while Shannon finalizes his last year as president, he’ll remember his time fondly. “There are so many men and women here who truly make it their life’s mission to guide our students, and they do it well,” he said.