Jackson Ruston and Shelby Whitlock Named 2025 Homecoming King and Queen

At the end of a homecoming week filled with reunions, spirit events, performances and competitions, Freed-Hardeman University hosted a coronation ceremony to award the event’s highest student honor Saturday, Nov. 9. After a vote by the student body, seniors Jackson Ruston and Shelby Whitlock, both of Arlington, Tennessee, were crowned the 2025 FHU Homecoming king and queen.

The Homecoming Court is presented during halftime of the women's basketball game.

Jackson is the son of Todd and Leigh Ruston and is majoring in business finance. Throughout his time as a student, he has been heavily involved with Chi Beta Chi social club, previously serving as president, two-time vice president, sports captain and three-time Makin’ Music committee member. He has also served for two years as an Interface leader and one year as an Interface coordinator.

Jackson says that what he appreciates most about Freed-Hardeman is how easy it is to build relationships with the students, faculty and staff. “I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to grow closer to those around me as we all strive to grow closer to God, together.”

Shelby is the daughter of Michael and Christine Whitlock and is majoring in accounting. As a student, she has been a member of the Omega Chi social club as well as the Society of Future Accountants. Like Jackson, Shelby says that she most appreciates the relationships that she has been able to build during her time at FHU.

“Being at Freed-Hardeman, I am surrounded by the most encouraging, kind and uplifting people, whether it be friends, classmates or professors,” she said. “Every relationship I have made has played a part in shaping my experience and helping me grow, both personally and spiritually. The support and genuine care within this community make FHU feel like a second home, and I am so thankful for the friendships and memories I’ve made here.”

Other senior candidates for homecoming royalty were Kannon (Scooty) Scott, an accounting major from Sante Fe, Tennessee; Blake Brown, an accounting major from Gallatin, Tennessee; Ellie Culbreath, a nursing major from Huntingdon, Tennessee; and Dayla Griffin, a child and family studies major from Smyrna, Tennessee.

2025 Homecoming Court - Back row, from left: Jagger Young, Jennifer Vaughn, Adriana Chapman, Ken Kitchen, Lollie Jo Greene. Third row, from left: Eli Pounders, Eden Burleson, Sager Blackman, Jessica Mankin, Nora Stocksdale, Cole Oxley, Logan Daggett. Second row, from left: Jackson Ruston, Kannon (Scooty) Scott, Blake Brown. Front row, from left: Dayla Griffin, Ellie Culbreath, Shelby Whitlock.