Johnson Encourages Class of 2026 To Focus on Life’s Constants

A sea of caps, gowns, cords and tassels filled Dryden Auditorium May 16 as Freed-Hardeman University conferred more than 300 degrees to the class of 2026 during its spring commencement ceremony. Graduating students earned nine doctorates, two education specialist degrees, 79 master’s degrees, 219 bachelor’s degrees and seven associate degrees, marking the culmination of years of academic achievement and preparation.

Retired U.S. Air Force Major General Paul Johnson delivered the keynote address to graduates, encouraging them to embrace the unforeseen challenges of life while holding tight to the things that remain constant.

Graduates take one final walk through the commons before crossing the stage in Dryden Auditorium.

“This World Is Not My Home”

Following his time as a Freed-Hardeman student from 1976-78, Johnson spent more than 30 years serving on active duty with the United States Air Force. Having served during numerous combat missions across Iraq and Afghanistan, Johnson was the recipient of several distinguished military decorations, such as the Air Force Cross, two Bronze Stars and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Marking the nation’s 250th birthday, Johnson reflected on enduring symbols such as the American flag, calling it “a reminder of shared sacrifice, shared accomplishments and shared efforts in something larger than ourselves.”

But Johnson quickly shifted from the flag to what he described as an even greater symbol of hope: the cross. “Because in the end, this world is not my home,” he said. “I hold citizenship in a spiritual world. A kingdom that is ruled by someone who is just, gracious, loving, sovereign and supreme.”

Johnson urged graduates not to define themselves by their careers but instead by the relationships and faith that would remain constant throughout life’s changes. For Johnson, these constants were his relationship with the Freed-Hardeman community; his supportive wife, Patricia; and Christ, who always remained the center of his home.

As graduates prepared to enter a new season of life, he encouraged establishing their own constants and ensuring they remain firmly in place, even when life takes unexpected turns. “In all cases, whatever comes in your professional life, don’t ever confuse what you do with who you are. You are [God’s] child.”

Students listen to parting words of wisdom from Retired Major General Johnson.

Shannon’s Final Message

In his last commencement as president of Freed-Hardeman University, David R. Shannon reminded the FHU family of the beautiful and vital mission of Christian education: to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory. He then celebrated the many ways the class of 2026 had already begun fulfilling that mission.

Shannon highlighted the various accomplishments of the class of 2026, from building AI chatbots and competing in DataFest to writing and directing original films, sequencing ancient DNA and leading championship athletic teams.

Their impact reached beyond the classroom as well. Graduates raised money for families in need, provided translation services for immigrants, visited residents of assisted living facilities and participated in mission work around the globe.

Many have already been accepted into medical schools, law schools or graduate programs, and others are entering directly into the workforce as teachers, nurses, marketing professionals, ministers or engineers.

“Class of 2026, when we say, we’re proud of you, we’re truly proud,” Shannon said. “We’re proud of how you’ve served, how you’ve grown and what you’ve accomplished.”

President Shannon congratulates the graduates on their achievements.

Faculty Scholarship Leadership Medal

Each year, FHU awards a medal to the student in the graduating class who possesses, to the highest degree, the following attributes: ability, quality of work, accuracy, love of knowledge and leadership. This year, Dr. LeAnn Davis, vice president for academics, presented the 2026 Faculty Scholarship Leadership Medal to Carson Kizer, “for his outstanding scholarship, his leadership in service and his embodiment of the mission of Freed-Hardeman University.”

Double-majoring in accounting and finance with a minor in mathematics, Kizer graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Throughout his time as a student, he was a member of the Alpha Chi and Delta Mu honor societies, the DataFest team, the Student Government Association, the Hatchett Investment Team and the Omega Chi social club. He also served as Omega Chi’s mission chair and treasurer, a University Scholars’ Day presenter and a doctoral research assistant.

Following graduation, Kizer will begin his career in tax accounting with Deloitte, one of the world’s premier professional services firms.

Graduate Carson Kizer is awarded the 2026 Faculty Scholarship Leadership Medal.

A Parting Charge

Before graduates left Dryden Auditorium to begin their next chapter, Shannon offered one final reminder of the one constant that would never leave them: God’s faithfulness.

“You’re not alone. You’ve never been alone, and you never will be alone. God is faithful. And our whole life is a response to his faithfulness. In the next season of life, I hope you choose to be faithful.”

New FHU alumni proudly display their diplomas.