The Seculas Make Enrolling at FHU a Family Affair

All five members of the Secula family are simultaneously enrolled at Freed-Hardeman University, each pursuing a degree that reflects individual interests and goals.

Parents Tiffany and Nikolaus are enrolled in the Doctor of Behavioral Health program. Their oldest son, Timothy, a 2024 graduate, is now earning his master’s degree in pastoral care and counseling. Levi, a member of the class of 2027, is completing his undergraduate studies in theatre performance and interactive digital design, while their daughter, Faith, is a freshman majoring in theatre performance.

“What if we end up graduating at the same time as Faith?” Tiffany quipped. “No, we’re not going to do that. We want her to have her time, just like her brothers. We’ll finish our program so that it doesn’t overlap.”

Faith Secula knew from her days in Lads to Leaders that she wanted to attend FHU.

Ironically, the youngest Secula is credited with starting the family’s FHU tradition, even though she is the last to enroll.

“Ever since she was at Lads to Leaders and was too young at the time, she was interested in Freed-Hardeman,” Tiffany said, adding that Faith even kept the first piece of mail she received from the university.

Now that she is finally an FHU student, Faith is pursuing that longtime interest through her own passions. A theatre major, aspiring costume designer and clarinet player, she is excited to pursue her goals among fellow driven artists.

“I love the idea of doing something I love so much with my peers who are dedicated and want the same things for themselves,” Faith said.

Faith Secula began her freshman year at FHU joining her two brothers and parents as students at the university.

For Tiffany and Nikolaus, enrolling at FHU means returning to the classroom after many years away. The Doctor of Behavioral Health degree will be Tiffany’s first doctorate and Nikolaus’ second.

The couple worked in counseling separately until earlier this year, when they opened In Christian Love LLC, their own counseling practice in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where they work with individuals, couples and families. Now, as they pursue the same doctoral degree, they’ll have each other to lean on.

“We’ll help each other through our doctoral program,” Nikolaus said.

The parents plan to visit campus, especially when there is a theatre performance, and take comfort in knowing Faith will find her way with older brother Levi on campus as well. For Levi, being there for his younger sister brings his own FHU experience full circle.

“My siblings are all three years apart. I was a freshman when Timothy was a senior, so I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can be there for Faith as she’s figuring things out,” Levi said.

Timothy, who is now married (to Madalyn who he met at FHU) and works as a youth minister, continues his FHU education through the master’s program in pastoral care and counseling. With his older brother continuing his education and his parents beginning their doctoral studies, Levi sees something larger in having his entire family pursuing their goals at the same time.

“I support everyone in my family in pursuing their dreams and what they’re trying to fulfill in their educational goals,” Levi said. “I hope we find ways to better ourselves and the world.”