Rooted in Faithfullness
Freed-Hardeman University inaugurates Dr. Keith A. Harris as its 17th president.
President Keith A. Harris has spent nearly five months leading Freed-Hardeman University. In late October, Harris stood before the FHU community to reaffirm the purpose that will guide his presidency: remaining faithful to God, to the university’s Christian mission and to the generations of students it is called to serve.
A Shared Commitment to FHU’s Future
Harris, who officially became FHU’s 17th president June 1, was formally inaugurated October 22 during a ceremony in Dryden Auditorium. Centered on the theme “Faithful,” the ceremony was inspired by Hebrews 10:23: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”
The inauguration marked the culmination of a leadership transition announced nearly a year earlier. Selected by FHU’s Board of Trustees in October 2025, Harris succeeded David R. Shannon, who had served as president since 2017 and has since transitioned to the role of chancellor. The investiture ceremony provided an opportunity to celebrate that transition while reflecting on the university’s 157-year history and the mission that continues to shape its future.
“Mr. Chairman and Board, thank you for trusting me with this great responsibility,” Harris said. “With God’s help, we’ll continue to move forward with confidence while remaining faithful to the purpose that brought us here.”
Throughout his inaugural address, Harris emphasized three commitments he believes are essential to FHU’s future: remembering that God is forever faithful, remaining faithful to His will and preserving the university’s mission of preparing students for lives of professional achievement, Christian service and spiritual growth.
Harris also called on the university community to pray for its students, faculty, staff and leadership, asking that those entrusted with guiding FHU be blessed with the wisdom and courage to make decisions that honor God and strengthen the institution for generations to come.
Then, turning his attention to the faculty and staff who will help carry that mission forward, Harris offered a charge that captured both his vision and his confidence in the university community.
“This is my charge,” Harris said. “With faithful resolve, let’s build up our students and prepare them to lead, let’s strengthen faith and Christian community across campus, let’s create opportunities for generations to come and let’s always remember why we do this. And together, let’s go.”
The ceremony brought together trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni and guests, including more than a dozen delegates representing institutions of higher education and learned societies. U.S. Rep. David Kustoff, Tennessee state Rep. Kirk A. Haston, Henderson Mayor Terry Bell and former FHU presidents Milton R. Sewell, Joe A. Wiley and David R. Shannon, accompanied by their wives, were also among those attending the historic occasion.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
For those who have helped guide FHU through years of growth and change, Harris’s inauguration represented an opportunity to celebrate the university’s history while looking ahead with renewed confidence.
Scott Latham, chairman of FHU’s Board of Trustees and a board member for 14 years, expressed his belief that Harris possesses both the leadership qualities and personal character needed to guide the university into its next chapter.
“My hope and belief is that under his leadership we will continue moving the university forward in our mission of teaching and preparing our students for a life of service and faithfulness,” Latham said. “And he’s well poised because of his heart, compassion and love for people to lead us to new heights.”
Former judge Nathan Pride, who has served on FHU’s Board of Trustees for 22 years, described the moment as one of growth and continuity, particularly as institutions of higher education face questions about the value of a college education.
Pride acknowledged the challenges presented by those who question whether attending college is necessary, but emphasized the university’s role in preparing students for a wide range of careers and opportunities.
He also pointed to several priorities for Harris’s presidency, including recruiting prospective students, maintaining sound financial stewardship, supporting university administrators and strengthening relationships that will help FHU continue fulfilling its mission.
The sense of shared purpose extended beyond FHU’s campus.
Among the more than a dozen delegates representing institutions of higher education and learned societies was Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, executive vice president of Harding University, who viewed the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate FHU’s history while joining others in expressing hope and confidence in its future.
“What I really enjoy about a presidential inauguration is the support, seeing people come from all different types of organizations and other colleges and universities,” Thompson said. “We’re affirming and celebrating history together, but we’re also saying to the new president that we believe in you, and we look forward to what’s going to happen in the future.”
For Thompson, that sense of encouragement is especially meaningful as colleges and universities navigate the challenges facing higher education. He said presidential leadership carries tremendous responsibility, making the support of colleagues and the university community all the more important.
“We’re behind you, and we’re praying for you,” Thompson said.
Thompson said he particularly enjoys watching a university community come together with a renewed sense of hope for what lies ahead. He expressed confidence in Harris’s leadership and emphasized the importance of reminding a new president that he does not have to face the challenges of the position alone.
A Leader Who Loves People
Before Harris delivered his inaugural address, Dr. Bruce McLarty, a close friend and mentor, offered a portrait of the man behind the presidential title.
McLarty spoke of Harris’s preparation for leadership, describing a combination of deep Christian roots, a thoughtful Christian mind, 22 years of church leadership and experience in Christian higher education.
He also reflected on Harris’s character, drawing from the fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control — to describe qualities he has observed in his longtime friend.
McLarty described Harris as a natural leader whose strong character, optimism and confidence are reflected in his interactions with others. He also acknowledged the tremendous responsibility Harris was accepting as the university’s 17th president.
“My friend Keith sincerely likes people and loves FHU,” McLarty said.
McLarty also recognized the role of Harris’s wife, Lindsey, describing her as his trusted adviser, loyal supporter and partner in faith. He spoke warmly of the couple’s two children and the family that has supported Harris throughout his journey.
“I believe that God has given Dr. Keith Harris to this university for such a time as this,” McLarty said.
For students, Harris’s approachable leadership style has already made an impression.
Philly Nong, a senior biology major and member of FHU’s Student Heritage Association, said the transition from former President David Shannon to Harris has felt natural because of the new president’s efforts to connect with students and make them feel valued.
Nong also reflected on the outpouring of encouragement shared online for Harris, saying the messages were so meaningful that reading them would have brought him to tears.
Kaylee Morgan, a senior communication major, shared her thoughts about President Harris and his wife, Lindsey. “I think they are such kind people,” she said. “They show God’s love to everyone and are going to be lights on this campus. I’m very excited to see what they do for FHU.”
Those expressions of support reflected a university community eager to encourage its new president while maintaining the close relationships that have long characterized campus life.
A Week of Faithfulness, Fellowship and Fun
While Thursday’s investiture marked the formal beginning of Harris’s presidency, the celebration extended throughout the week, with events honoring FHU’s history, recognizing the people who carry its mission forward and welcoming Keith and Lindsey Harris into a new chapter of university life.
The week began Monday, Oct. 19, with an Inauguration Week Legacy Luncheon. The gathering honored retired faculty and staff whose years of faithful service helped shape the university and establish the foundation upon which future generations continue to build.
Following Tuesday, Oct. 20, the celebration took on a more relaxed atmosphere as the university community gathered at Heritage Commons for an Inauguration Week Family Picnic and Devotional.
The afternoon brought students, faculty and staff together for fellowship, worship and plenty of fun, with activities ranging from mechanical bull riding and a bounce house to Connect-a-Shot and a pumpkin-carving contest.
Keith and Lindsey Harris spent time mingling with students, greeting familiar faces, meeting new ones and posing for selfies as the festivities unfolded.
For freshman kinesiology major Caleb Smith, the afternoon offered an opportunity to celebrate both a contest victory and a personal encounter with the university’s new president.
Smith took home first place in the pumpkin-carving contest with a scary-themed creation and marked the occasion by taking a selfie with Harris.
“He’s really welcoming and has embraced us,” Smith said of his encounters with the president.
The casual interactions offered another glimpse of the personal approach to leadership that students and university supporters had described throughout the week.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, the focus returned to those whose work sustains the university’s mission during an Inauguration Week Mission Breakfast in the ARC 150 Conference Room.
The gathering honored current faculty and staff for their faithful service to FHU and the students entrusted to their care.
Thursday’s investiture ceremony was followed by a special luncheon, giving guests another opportunity to celebrate the occasion and the university’s future under Harris’s leadership.
Together, Let’s Go
For FHU, the inauguration of its 17th president marked both a continuation of its Christian mission and the beginning of a new chapter shaped by the leadership of Keith Harris.
The message of Hebrews 10:23 served as a reminder that the university’s hope for the future rests in the faithfulness of the One who has guided its past.
And as Harris accepted the responsibility of leading FHU into its next chapter, his charge to the university community offered both a challenge and an invitation: With faithful resolve, FHU must commit to strengthening the faith, serving the students, honoring the mission and preparing the next generation.
Together, let’s go.
