Freed-Hardeman announces spring 2022 graduates

Freed-Hardeman University held its spring graduation ceremony May 14, 2022, in Loyd Auditorium. Approximately 350 students received degrees. In addition to baccalaureate and graduate degrees, 11 high school students enrolled in the university’s early admission program were awarded Associate in Arts degrees.
Jada Arnold, of Henderson, TN, graduated with an Associates of Arts in AA in General Studies
Collin Baker, of Henderson, TN, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Performance and in Photography
Matthew Bundren, of Henderson, TN, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Brandon Ford, of Henderson, TN, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Photography
John Hartman, of Henderson, TN, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in History and in Law and Politics
Anne Higginbotham, of Henderson, TN, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Katie Hodges, of Henderson, TN, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Public Relations
Nele Kirsch, of Henderson, TN, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in History and in Education Secondary
Teleetha Link, of Jacks Creek, TN, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Alex Lofton, of Henderson, TN, graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management
Lauren Malecha, of Henderson, TN, graduated with a Master of Education in Instructional Leadership Administration and Supervision (Licensure)
Grant Matthews, of Henderson, TN, graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting: Fraud Examination and Master of Science in Accounting: Fraud Examination
Elijah Mayes, of Henderson, TN, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Family Ministry
Collin McPherson, of Henderson, TN, graduated with a Licensure Only in NonTraditional Secondary Licensure
Loren Moore, of Henderson, TN, graduated Summa Cum Laude and Alpha Chi with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology BS
Owen Osburn, of Henderson, TN, graduated with an Associates of Arts in AA in General Studies
Madeline Rudder, of Henderson, TN, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Healthcare Management and Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Healthcare Management
Cory Russell, of Henderson, TN, graduated with a Master of Education in Curriculum Instruction
Hayleigh Smith, of Henderson, TN, graduated with an Associates of Arts in AA in General Studies
Emily Taylor, of Henderson, TN, graduated Summa Cum Laude and Alpha Chi with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with Concentration in Elementary Education and in Interdisciplinary Studies with Concentration in Middle School
Luke Trivette, of Henderson, TN, graduated with an Associates of Arts in AA in General Studies
FHU Board of Trustees Chair and TriStar Bank Chief Executive Officer Ted Williams delivered the commencement address. He encouraged graduates to emulate God in their lives. “God was a giver,” he said. “He gave his son.”
Williams noted the excitement of the day and graduates’ anticipation of the future; however, he cautioned them. “Don’t spend so much time focusing on what’s next,” he said. “Instead, enjoy the journey.”
Following Williams’ address, FHU Provost and Vice President for Academics C.J. Vires presented the Faculty Scholarship-Leadership medal to Corey Sweatt, of Dyer, Tennessee. The award has been presented annually since 1938 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. It is accompanied by a cash award made possible by FHU’s Alpha Chi Honor Society.
To conclude the commencement program, FHU President David R. Shannon reiterated the significant events of the 2021-22 school year and issued a challenge to graduates. He urged them to pray, serve, love and work like Jesus. “Live a life for His glory,” he said, “and remember God loves you more than anyone.” Quoting Isaiah 49:16, Shannon reminded them God said, “See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.”