Intelligent.com ranks multiple Freed-Hardeman University programs among best in U.S. for 2025
Intelligent.com, a respected source for higher education rankings and research, has recognized multiple programs at Freed-Hardeman University in its 2025 rankings. The university has been awarded top honors across several disciplines, reinforcing its status as a leader in higher education.
Using a data-driven methodology, Intelligent.com evaluated programs across a broad range of criteria, including academic quality, graduation rates, cost and return on investment (ROI), and student resources. Each program was scored on a proprietary scale of 0 to 100, drawing on trusted sources like the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, U.S. News & World Report and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This rigorous evaluation ensures that only institutions and programs with a proven track record of academic excellence and strong student outcomes receive recognition.
The following Freed-Hardeman University programs have been ranked among the best in the U.S. by Intelligent.com for 2025:
Best Online Master’s in Christian Counseling Degree Programs of 2025 | Ranked 10 https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-masters-in-christian-counseling-degree-programs/#freed_hardeman_university
Best Master’s in Ministry Degree Programs of 2025 | Ranked 14 https://www.intelligent.com/best-masters-in-ministry-degree-programs/#freed_hardeman_university
Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Programs of 2025 | Ranked 28 https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-mba-in-healthcare-management-degree-programs/#freed_hardeman_university
Best Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Degree Programs of 2025 | Ranked 30 https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-masters-in-curriculum-and-instruction-degree-programs/#freed_hardeman_university
This distinction underscores the university’s commitment to providing students with high-quality education and the tools needed for career success. With a focus on both academic rigor and affordability, Freed-Hardeman University continues to prepare students for the evolving demands of the workforce.
“Intelligent.com’s rankings are a reflection of our dedication to academic excellence,” FHU President David R. Shannon said. “We are proud that our programs have been recognized, further demonstrating the commitment of our faculty and staff to helping students succeed in both their educational and professional pursuits.”
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.
FHU adds four new schools to dual enrollment program
In its continued effort to create an expanded community of Christian learning, Freed-Hardeman University has joined with four new partnering Christian high schools across Tennessee and Alabama. Ezell-Harding Christian School, Winchester Christian Academy, Mars Hill Bible School and Jefferson Christian Academy have joined FHU this academic year as new dual enrollment partners.
“I’m very excited to partner with each of these schools through FHU’s dual enrollment program,” Dr. Jared Gott, assistant dean of emerging and innovative programs, said. “Each of these schools has a special relationship with Freed-Hardeman University, and we look forward to watching these relationships grow even further.”
Ezell-Harding Christian School, located in Antioch, Tennessee, was one of FHU’s first dual enrollment partners when the program was in its earliest stages. Now, both schools are looking forward to working together once again. Approximately 18 EHCS students are enrolled in FHU classes, including English Composition I, American History I and college algebra, with plans to offer English Composition II and American History II in the spring.
“This partnership offers our students a valuable opportunity to begin their college journey while still in high school,” said Eric Carroll, guidance counselor for Ezell-Harding Christian School. “By enrolling in these courses, they can complete essential general education requirements ahead of time, all at no additional cost, thanks to the TN Dual Enrollment Grant. It’s a significant advantage that prepares them for the next step in their academic careers while easing the financial burden of higher education.”
Winchester Christian Academy, in Winchester, Tennessee, has been steadily adding grade levels and expanding its academic offerings over the past few years. This year, eight students from the school’s first junior class will take advantage of FHU English Composition I in the fall and English Composition II in the spring. They anticipate celebrating the graduation of their inaugural senior class in 2025-26.
Mars Hill Bible School, out of Florence, Alabama, has a long history of connections with Freed-Hardeman, and numerous MHBS alumni have made their way to FHU over the years. Now, the connections will extend to the high school as approximately 30 of their students will be taking General Biology II in the spring semester.
“We are very proud to enter into this agreement that we believe will be mutually beneficial,” Matt Burgess, academic dean for Mars Hill Bible School, said. “Through FHU, our students will network with a university that shares the same values of Christian education as we do at MHBS. We’re excited that the academic and technology aspects of the class will be student-centered. Our on-campus teacher, Scott Goodwin, has over 30 years of experience in education and we hope this partnership will continue to grow for years to come.”
Finally, Jefferson Christian Academy has a rich history with over 50 years of Christian education in Birmingham, Alabama. This fall, 23 of their students are enrolled in English Composition I and world literature through FHU, and there are plans to offer English Composition II as well as speech communication in the spring.
With the addition of these schools, FHU now partners with a total of 17 high schools in its dual enrollment program while also serving many homeschooled families through online dual enrollment courses. For more information about the program, please visit fhu.edu/admissions-aid/undergrad/dual-enrollment, or contact Chris Gann at cgann@fhu.edu.
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.
Fourteen FHU students inducted into
the Alpha Chi National Honor Society
Fourteen Freed-Hardeman University students were officially inducted into the Tennessee Iota Chapter of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society Monday, Oct. 21, in Old Main Administration Building’s Chapel Hall.
Membership in Alpha Chi is open to students who have earned a minimum GPA of 3.75 on 80 credit hours and who are in the top 10% of the junior and senior classes. This semester, all inductees have a minimum GPA of 3.92.
The following students were inducted into the organization: Hannah Ballentine, Molli Deere, Darden Goode, Mia Griffin, Aleia Klamm, Noah LaRue, Elizabeth McKeeby, Mia Morris, Kanvas Phelps, Brenley Ramey, Campbell Scott, Jensen Smith, Ben Wade and Brooke Webb.
During the austere ceremony, students were invited to bring their candles, symbolizing learning, to light from a central gold candle, symbolizing knowledge, before repeating a personal pledge of membership: “I pledge myself to uphold the purposes of Alpha Chi, striving to make its ideals my ideals, in scholarship and in service.”
Dr. John McLaughlin, Alpha Chi chapter sponsor, congratulated new members and reminded them of their responsibilities to themselves, to one another and to their school. “I charge you in making this solemn pledge of membership to guard with due diligence the scholarship of this university, the honesty and integrity of its scholars, and the moral and religious ideals of your alma mater,” he said.
Griffin, a junior accounting and financial planning major from Rogersville, Alabama, considers it “a really big honor” to be invited to join such an esteemed organization on campus. She said she is most looking forward to participating in the service aspect of the club. “I think that even if you have the grades and the intellect, if you don’t use that for good then you’re not really fulfilling your purpose,” Griffin shared.
Throughout the academic year, Alpha Chi members will have opportunities to become involved with service projects, apply for scholarships, present original research or participate in the upcoming national convention which will be held virtually in 2025. Founded in 1922, Alpha Chi is a national academic honor society whose purpose is to recognize and promote academic excellence and character. The Tennessee Iota Chapter has existed at Freed-Hardeman since 1976.
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.
FHU Invites alumni and friends to experience “The Best of Eastern Canada” in the fall of 2025
Freed-Hardeman University’s alumni travel program invites alumni and friends to embark on a journey through “The Best of Eastern Canada,” October 10-18, 2025. Organized in partnership with Collette travel, this exclusive nine-day tour will be led by representatives from FHU’s Office of Alumni Engagement, offering travelers a rich experience through some of Canada’s most iconic destinations, including Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal, while enjoying peak foliage season for this part of North America.
“We’re excited to offer our alumni and friends another unforgettable travel experience through our travel program,” said Chris Ramey, director of alumni engagement. “Eastern Canada offers an incredible blend of natural beauty, rich history and unique cultural experiences. Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or making new memories with family, this trip is a wonderful opportunity to explore amazing destinations while strengthening the bonds of our Freed-Hardeman community.”
Open to FHU alumni of all ages, as well as interested friends and family, the tour will consist of two days each in the cities of Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal. Highlights include visits to Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake, a Thousand Islands cruise, an Indigenous Heritage Farm experience, and an exploration of Quebec City by bus or a walking tour through Old Quebec City. Guests will also visit Montmorency Falls and a traditional maple sugar shack, offering an authentic taste of Canadian culture.
Following the recent relaunch of the FHU Office of Alumni Engagement travel program, this Canadian adventure marks the second travel opportunity scheduled for 2025. A 10-day sold-out tour of the Hawaiian Islands is also taking place in the spring. Previous alumni trips have included such destinations as Colonial Williamsburg, New York City, New England, the Canadian Rockies and a western tour of U.S. National Parks.
More information about the trip, including cost and a full itinerary of activities, can be found at gateway.gocollette.com/link/1281145. Please send all inquiries to Chris Ramey at cramey@fhu.edu. Spots are limited, and enrollment is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
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.
