In a ceremonial act rich with history and community spirit, Freed-Hardeman University marked a significant construction milestone this week. The final steel beam – signed by students, faculty, staff, local dignitaries and neighbors – was hoisted into place atop the new Jones Family Dining Hall, soon to house a Chick-fil-A restaurant. This beam represents not just the completion of a structure but the strengthening of community bonds and the university’s enduring commitment to growth and service. FHU President David R. Shannon opened the ceremony by thanking God, as the builder of all things, for providing the blessing to celebrate. The dining hall is expected to be completed by November 2024 and will open in January 2025.
Shannon recognized the countless people who have poured time and effort into fundraising, planning and construction. “We appreciate the support from the city of Henderson, the chamber, the county and all of our partners,” Shannon said. “FHU is strengthened by community bonds, and we thank local leaders for their support.”
Chick-fil-A franchisee Grant Edwards was among the dignitaries to sign the beam and offer support for the project. “Proverbs 22:1 talks of how a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor rather than gold or silver. Partnering with Freed-Hardeman is so exciting because they have such a great reputation. We’re excited to serve those in the community and see the opportunities this partnership will bear,” said Edwards, who has been a Chick-fil-A owner/operator for 14 years in Jackson, Tennessee.
Additional people attending the ceremony included: Founder and Board Chair of Alliance Corporation and FHU Board Member Tommy Gumm; Ryan Burris, of the Alliance Corporation; Executive Director of the Henderson/Chester County Chamber of Commerce Blake Hopper; Chester County Mayor Barry Hutcherson; FHU Associate Vice President of Financial Services and Capital Projects Courtney Insell; Dalton Jackson, of the Alliance Corporation; Chester County Mayor Barry Hutcherson; City Alderman Buel Maness; Vice President and Principal of 4F Design Michael Winters; Interior Design and Senior Project Manager of 4F Design Veronica Tansey; FHU Chief Financial Officer Jason Brashier; Vice President of Student Services TJ Kirk; and SGA Vice President Walker Howell.
Howell expressed excitement about the dining hall’s place as a pillar of the local community. “This will be a place where forever memories are established, deep discussions will take place, laughter will echo and bonds will be solidified.”
Additionally, Brashier led a prayer of thanks, followed by the placement of the beam at the entrance of the building. Shannon and Gumm placed an American flag on the beam. The bell in Old Main rang to indicate the event’s conclusion.
For many students who pass by the construction site daily, the ceremony stirs excitement of the building’s approaching completion.
“I was here at the initial groundbreaking, so it has been really cool to see the progress in real time,” said J.W. Riggs, a sophomore majoring in communication and Bible. “Having a new dining hall with more space will be really beneficial for campus. I also think it will be great for the public to see more of FHU and the outreach opportunities that it can present.”
Topping out ceremonies can be traced back to ancient building traditions. Many cultures throughout history have celebrated a successful project by placing something symbolic at the top, such as a tree or bundle of grain. American ceremonies frequently place an American flag on the last beam, and FHU chose to honor this tradition. Chris Ramey, director of alumni engagement, explained the significance of this milestone for the project. “For the FHU community, the ceremony recognizes the appreciation for where we are in the process. It recognizes a significant completion of that process, and the efforts of the workers who’ve reached it. It signifies our thankfulness for a safe workspace and gratefulness to God for overseeing the project.”
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.

Photo captions: #4801 – FHU President David R. Shannon and Founder and Board Chair of Alliance Corporation and FHU Board Member Tommy Gumm led the program during the Topping Out ceremony held Wednesday, May 8, 2024.