Season Roundup

The Tennessee Iota Chapter of Alpha Chi National Honor Society inducted 19 new student members during a ceremony Tuesday, December 2. The new inductees include Elizabeth Beasley, Grace Colvett, Savana Cook, Emma Fry, Ella Gehlert, Tara Griffith, Sophie Hendley, Nathan King, Abigail Leininger, J.T. Moore, Emilee Moorehead, Lauren Ritter, Emily Seibel, Jeanne Seibel, Lily Simpson, Alaina Stiles, Nathan Thomas, Hannah Westergard and Ella Wright. Alpha Chi recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and scholarship.

Freed-Hardeman University’s nursing program has achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) for the seventh consecutive year. The latest cohort of nursing graduates from the Henderson campus all successfully passed the nationally required licensure exam on their first attempt. This perfect pass rate on the primary benchmark of nursing program effectiveness demonstrates the quality and rigor of FHU’s nursing education.

December education graduates were honored at a pinning ceremony recognizing their completion of the program and preparation to enter the teaching profession. The ceremonial tradition marks the transition from student to educator as graduates prepare to make their impact on the next generation of learners. The university celebrated this milestone achievement with the newest members joining the ranks of FHU-trained teachers.

Freed-Hardeman University’s Honors College presented its fall Honors Forum in November, featuring 15 students who delivered presentations on diverse topics ranging from “Can we really bring back dinosaurs?” to “Should you learn another language?” and “Is there such thing as an unfilmable story?” Under the guidance of Honors College Dean Jenny Johnson, students prepared carefully researched six-minute, 40-second presentations with 20 slides each, demonstrating their ability to explore complex questions and communicate scholarly findings. Presenters included Pike Coldwater, Chloe Wingard, Madeline Prichard, Josh Parham, James Foote, Tess Little, Ariel Faulkner, Alyssa Lyons, Maria Yaegar, Tucker Cates, JaneClaire Lamica, Reagan Ellis, Evan Alsup, William Cheshier and Ben Hodges.

In FHU’s Introduction to Engineering course, freshmen don’t just study concepts — they live them. The goal of the class is to give students a deep understanding of engineering as a process, not just a collection of facts. “The intent is to show how engineers accomplish their jobs daily,” said Dr. Ben Clark, assistant professor of engineering. “What are they trying to achieve? What lives are they trying to improve?” This focus on real-world impact is evident in many of the various student projects that ranged from the practical (such as a wall-mounted medical canister for the nursing department) to the entertaining (an amplifier and bluetooth compatible speaker constructed from cardboard). In the course, students followed key steps including research, prototype, testing, disposal and documentation, as well as “upgrading and constantly making an invention better.”

Freshmen Micaiah Widrig and Matthew Moses are the deserving recipients of this year’s Stephen Hatchett Memorial Scholarship. Awarded for over 20 years, this scholarship honors Stephen Hatchett (1985-2011), who passed away at 25 after a lifelong battle with Batten Disease. Recipients were selected based on essays about a special-needs person who has impacted their lives, with both Micaiah and Matthew writing movingly about their own brothers and the meaningful relationships they share. Stephen’s brother, Rob Hatchett, presented the scholarships to Micaiah and Matthew during chapel Thursday, December 4.

The Lions volleyball team finished with a winning record of 18-16 and earned three All-Conference selections: Audrey Orton, Iza Wos and Avery Young. Freshman Marija Milic rewrote the FHU record books with 78 service aces in a single season, at one point leading all of NAIA in total aces and aces per set. The Lions demonstrated both individual excellence and team success throughout the season.

FHU cross country dominated the Freed Speed Invitational with both men’s and women’s teams claiming team titles, led by individual race winners Bo Scott and Eliza Poe. Poe later set a school record with a time of 22:51 while finishing as runner-up at the MSC Championship race. Both Poe and Mary Pearce earned bids to compete at the NAIA National Championships.

The Lions men’s soccer team concluded a historic season with 10 victories, marking the first time in program history the team has achieved consecutive double-digit-win seasons. Senior Thabo Mahlaha capped his career by tying FHU records for both career assists (33) and single-season assists (12). The Lions also posted back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2014-15.

The Lady Lions women’s soccer team was paced by freshman Isabel Croke, who led the squad with 11 points, and senior Ellie Wood, who contributed four goals on the season. The team showed promise with strong individual performances throughout the year.

In just their second year of competition, FHU’s esports program sent four teams to the playoffs: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Rainbow 6: Siege, Valorant and Rocket League. The Super Smash Bros. and Valorant squads each completed undefeated regular seasons without losing a single set or match before advancing to the semifinals and finishing fourth in their respective competitions. The young program continues to establish itself as a competitive force in collegiate esports.

FHU is launching a women’s flag football program with recruiting underway for the 2026-27 academic year and competition set to begin in fall 2027. Head coach and FHU alumnus Jarred Clayton is recruiting talented athletes from high schools across the region, with a goal of fielding 15 players in the inaugural season. The program’s launch comes as women’s flag football gains momentum nationally. The TSSAA sanctioned the sport last year, and it is slated to become an Olympic sport in 2028.

President David R. Shannon welcomed esteemed educators from across the country Nov. 9-11 when FHU hosted the annual gathering of the Christian College and University Presidents Conference. Visiting presidents included Dr. Kirk Brothers, of Heritage Christian University; Dr. Richard Johnson, of Crowley’s Ridge College; Dr. Michael Williams, of Harding University; Dr. Michael Turner, of Amridge University; Dr. John Baxter, of Nations University; Dr. Timothy Westbrook, of York University; Dr. Jim Gash, of Pepperdine University; Dr. Mitchell Henry, of Faulkner University; and Dr. Scott McDowell, of Lubbock Christian University.

A vibrant new mural now decorates the exterior of Dryden Auditorium, adding a splash of color to campus. Created by Bramblett Group, the artwork required approximately 200 hours of design and painting work and celebrates both the university and the surrounding community. The mural debuted during Homecoming weekend and has quickly become a popular photo spot for students, faculty and visitors alike.

Shortly after being announced as Freed-Hardeman’s next president, Dr. Keith Harris and his wife, Lindsey, visited campus to officially introduce themselves to the FHU community. Dr. Harris addressed students in chapel, encouraging them to rejoice in God’s goodness and faithfulness. Students, faculty and staff then had the opportunity to meet the Harrises during informal gatherings across campus, offering a warm welcome to the university’s future first family.

Winter Storm Fern blanketed campus with inches of ice and snow on January 24-25, creating both challenges and unforgettable memories for the FHU community. Despite temporary power outages, schedule changes and over a week of online classes, students embraced the winter weather with downhill sledding, epic snowball fights and plenty of trips to Besso’s for hot drinks. The rare Southern snowstorm provided a silver lining of college memories that will last a lifetime.

Alumnus Spenser Alsup (class of 2021) was commissioned as an officer and nurse practitioner in the U.S. Air Force on Jan. 23. Dr. Chris White, chair of FHU’s nursing department and retired Army major, administered the oath of office in front of friends and family in the Veteran Resource Center. Alsup will complete officer training school in Montgomery, Alabama, before reporting to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After working toward this goal for approximately a year, the newly commissioned lieutenant expressed excitement about finally beginning his military service. We congratulate Lieutenant Alsup on this achievement!

FHU Theatre staged the musical “Anastasia” November 6-8 in the newly renovated Dryden Auditorium as part of Homecoming festivities. The production featured a cast of over 30 performers from FHU and the surrounding community who brought to life the story of a young woman’s journey to discover whether she is the lost Russian Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov. After eight weeks of rehearsals, the ensemble delivered elaborate choreography, ranging from the Charleston to Swan Lake, supported by a beautiful score exploring themes of identity, family and belonging.

Senior theatre performance major Maci Cagle directed “Recommended Reading for Girls” as her Capstone project, leading an all-female creative team. The production follows Amy Saunders as she returns home to support her mother, Marilynn, through chemotherapy, confronting family issues with her sister Jackie while receiving visits from four iconic literary heroines: Sara Crewe, Anne Shirley, Heidi and Penny Parker. Cast members praised the play’s relatability, with director of dual enrollment Chris Gann noting its focus on mothers, daughters, and shared experiences, while freshman Jenna Salvato highlighted the production’s balance of meaningful lessons with comedic moments.

The FHU Chorale, Vocal Chamber Ensemble and vocal soloists performed beloved Christmas classics at a free holiday concert and sing-along Saturday, December 6, in Chapel Hall. Following the choral performances, audience members joined in singing festive favorites such as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman” and “Jingle Bells.” Guests enjoyed complimentary apple cider, coffee and Christmas cookies, making for a joyful afternoon of music and community celebration.

A group of FHU students traveled to New York City in January for an immersive theatre experience that included attending Broadway productions such as “Ragtime,” “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” “Wicked” and “Maybe Happy Ending,” with some students choosing to see additional shows during their free time. For many students, the five-day trip marked their first opportunity to see professional theatre on Broadway. The group also visited the 9/11 Museum and Memorial and explored the city, with students enjoying diverse restaurants, neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy, and iconic landmarks including Times Square and the Empire State Building.

The FHU Legacy Jazz Ensemble recently completed a regional tour, performing at five Christian schools and one congregation alongside a 12-member chamber vocal group and the 40-member symphonic band. Tour stops included Clarksville Christian, Nashville Christian, Bellevue Church of Christ, Santa Fe Christian, Columbia Christian and Mars Hill. The 25-member jazz ensemble also received a prestigious invitation from the West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association (WTSBOA) executive committee to perform at the 2026 All-West Convention at the Memphis Convention Center — an honor typically reserved for larger schools.

The second annual Zenith Film Festival showcased 13 student films in November 2025, sponsored by Brad Grantham of the Luez Theatre in Bolivar and organized by associate professor of art Jud Davis. Senior Grady McCall won first place for the second consecutive year with “Scattered,” while Scooty (Kannon Scott) took second place and Audience Favorite with “Help! Someone Strapped a Bomb to My Chest” and senior Mark Miles earned third place for “The Order of Things.” Cash prizes were awarded to the top three finalists, with additional recognitions given for best actor/actress, best director, special effects, sound and score.

Old Main became a festive crime scene one November evening as the Psychology Club hosted a holiday-themed murder mystery event centered around the death of Cocoa Frostington, lead guitarist for the elf band “The South Poles.” Students examined evidence, interviewed quirky suspects including Prancer and Snickerdoodle, and worked with fictional operatives from the E-I-B (Elves in Black) to solve the case. The interactive evening, brought to life with help from FHU Theatre alumni and volunteers Kevin and Marla Record, concluded with hot cocoa, cookies and prize drawings for students who correctly identified the culprit.

Finals week can be intense, but this tradition is a helpful reminder of what’s really important. Before the holiday break, faculty and staff were up late serving breakfast to students as a way to say, “We’re cheering you on!” Finals Breakfast is one of those simple, joyful moments that captures the heart of FHU — support, encouragement and showing up for one another when it matters most.

The 14th annual Epulor, an event challenging participants to identify exotic foods, concluded with senior biology major Ella Embry taking first place, Ruth Kersey in second and freshman finance major Will Beasley in third, with all three winners receiving Amazon gift cards. The event featured unusual fare including bacon-wrapped Alligator mississippiensis (alligator) and Bos taurus (cow heart), testing students’ knowledge of biology and culinary courage. Participants employed various strategies, from tasting small portions of everything to relying on anatomical knowledge, with items ranging from easily identified frog legs to the more challenging white-tailed deer, known as the “ghost of the woods.”

Eleven FHU students, including 10 nursing majors and one Bible and biochemistry major, traveled to Ghana, Africa, in January to serve at the Village of Hope and Hope Christian Hospital. The group provided critical medical equipment including fetal heart monitors, a defibrillator, portable patient monitors and other supplies to the hospital. Students gained hands-on clinical experience in surgery, maternity, emergency and public health settings while conducting CPR training for 35 hospital staff members and wellness checks for 44 community members. Beyond medical work, the team conducted devotionals and a two-day Vacation Bible School with 228 children in attendance, refreshed the basketball court and provided all 86 Village of Hope children with new shoes, backpacks filled with school supplies and personal hygiene items.

The FHU Library hosted its third annual Douglass Day Transcribe-a-Thon in February, joining schools and organizations nationwide in transcribing historical documents related to the Colored Conventions, a 70-year movement where Black Americans gathered to discuss political action before, during and after the Civil War. Technology and technical services librarian Marla Record organized the event, explaining, “I think it’s really meaningful to engage with historical documents and actually hear the voices from the past and find out what people thought.” Students, including senior computer science major Nima Afsari, spent the day converting scanned images into searchable, readable text that will be made freely available as an educational resource. Reflecting on the work’s significance, Afsari noted, “Preserving history matters, and education matters, and by transcribing, both of these happen.”