The Freed-Hardeman University Board of Trustees has appointed three new officers to lead its governing body: Chairman Scott E. Latham, Vice Chairman Stephen C. Estes and Secretary John D. Dodd.
Scott E. Latham, the newly appointed chairman, brings a wealth of experience to his role. Since 1997, he has served as president and CEO of the Alabama Bankers Association, where he advocates for the interests of commercial banks in Alabama. Dedicated to faith and family, Latham and his wife, Michelle, have two daughters who are FHU graduates. He also serves as an elder at the University church of Christ in Montgomery.
Latham has served on the board of trustees for 10 years and previously served as vice chairman and secretary. “Our board’s goal is to ensure the university’s long-term sustainability,” Latham said, “while firmly maintaining our mission, core values and building on our reputation for academic excellence and overall student success.”
Vice Chairman Stephen C. Estes, an FHU alumnus, earned his BBA in human resource management in 1995. He has been serving on the board of trustees since 2017. Estes is the current chief administrative officer (CAO) at Reynolds Consumer Products in Lake Forest, Illinois, and serves as a deacon at the Northwest church of Christ in Chicago. Estes and his wife, Nicole, have two daughters, one who is a 2022 FHU graduate and one who will graduate from FHU in May.
“As a board, we continue to personally and prayerfully support FHU’s ongoing fundraising campaign, FHU Next, and are excited to see the improvements to the Henderson campus, facilities and programs to ensure the University’s continued success and commitment to excellence,” Estes said.
Secretary John D. Dodd has been an integral part of the FHU community for many years. The FHU alumnus joined the board of trustees in 2000. With a commitment to service, Dodd has also been involved in various community and church activities, including serving as an elder at the Foote Street church of Christ and being on the Mid-South Youth Camp Board for 20 years. Dodd and his wife, Marilyn, have four sons who are Freed-Hardeman graduates. John, an optometrist since 1981, and two of his sons have a clinic in downtown Corinth, Mississippi, and a practice in Adamsville, Tennessee. Reflecting on his role as secretary, Dodd said, “As trustees, we have an obligation to ensure that our university is academically, financially and, most importantly, spiritually sound. We want our students to receive a quality education that prepares them to render service to God and their community.”
Approximately 32 individuals serve as trustees, and the appointment of the new officers reflects FHU’s mission to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.
