Welcome to Freed-Hardeman University's news and information site. If you have any questions about the news stories provided here, please contact Jud Davis at 731-983-3118 or jdavis@fhu.edu.
FREED-HARDEMAN FOCUSES ON REORGANIZATION, EFFICIENCY,
CUTS EIGHTEEN POSITIONS, CREATES FIVE NEW POSITIONS, ONE-STOP SHOP
December 16
As Dr. Joe Wiley took office in April of this year, he challenged the university to examine the workforce and determine how the university might run more efficiently. On Tuesday, as part of that effort to reorganize, become more efficient, Freed-Hardeman University laid off 18 employees and created five new positions.
While several positions are being eliminated, at least five new positions are being created with the new structure. Some staff members whose positions were eliminated have been offered reassignments to existing or new positions in an attempt to make the university run as efficiently as possible. Employees not receiving reassignment will be receiving severance compensation packages. Some will complete their contract, while others will be separated from the university immediately.
The reorganization comes after university officials evaluated employee-to-student ratios, the university budget and spending practices across campus.
“This decision is not a reflection of the work of these FHU employees, but rather a decision to make Freed-Hardeman University more efficient,” said Wiley. “The Board of Trustees has charged me with the responsibility for managing and organizing the human and fiscal resources of the institution. To accomplish the critical mission in the most efficient manner, one action we must take is to correlate the number of full-time employees more appropriately with the number of students, as compared statistically with comparable institutions. This reduction in the FHU workforce is just one of the strategies that will be in play as we continue to provide a cost-effective Freed-Hardeman experience for our students.”
Many of the shifts are related to a reorganization of the recruiting efforts. The university is creating a “one-stop shop” for prospective students. In the “shop”, all things necessary for a prospect to become a student at FHU will be located and operated in one location. Currently a prospective student must go to about four or five buildings around campus during the visit. The “shop” will provide admissions, financial aid, bursar and registrar services in the same building, creating an opportunity for some crossover responsibilities. With the opportunity to combine positions, however, came the unfortunate surplus of employees in that area.
“When a prospect came to campus it seemed as if we were sending them all over campus as they tried to enroll, making it a more time-consuming and frustrating process. This way, we can not only make their experience more simple and enjoyable, but we can also create a more efficient operation for the university,” said Wiley. “For example, an employee that might help a student with financial aid could also process their admission application. Prior to this reorganization that would have been the job of two people; now one person can take care of that.” While a specific location for the one-stop shop has yet to be determined, the implementation will begin early next year.
While they believe that this will be the end of personnel cuts, many other adjustments across campus can be expected. University officials say this is just the beginning in the effort to become more efficient.
“We will be analyzing everything from how an employee uses a university-issued credit card to several other budgetary expenses,” said Wiley. “This exercise will continue for the next several months.”
While this layoff does take place at time when many companies are struggling, Freed-Hardeman University continues to enjoy success. This fall was another record enrollment for FHU and as recently as December 5, the university enjoyed another fundraising record with the annual Advisory Board Benefit Dinner. The dinner raised almost $1.3 million for student scholarships.
“Many who read this article may make some assumptions about FHU that aren’t necessarily true,” said Wiley. “We remain a strong, financially sound institution. Our endowment is close to the same size as our budget, our dorms are almost full, our adult programs continue to grow and our constituency continues to provide great support for our university and missions. These decisions are being made to enhance our efficiency and reorganize the structure of our institution so that we may continue to provide a top-quality, affordable Christian education to our students and prospective students.”
FHU NAMES BARRY VON FORTNER TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES
December 12
Freed-Hardeman University has announced its newest member to the university’s Board of Trustees. Barry Von Fortner of Arlington, Tenn., was approved at the board’s December meeting.
Fortner, who serves as a Senior Vice President of Scientific Affairs and Provider Services for P4 Healthcare, graduated from Freed-Hardeman with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1991. He earned his master’s in clinical psychology in 1993 from Murray State University in Murray, Ky., before earning his Ph.D. in clinical psychology in 1999.
Fortner served on the President’s Advisory Board and, in 1998, was awarded the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award from FHU.
Fortner and his wife of 15 years, Terri L. Fortner have three children Alden, 13; Riley, 11; and Morgan, 10. They attend the Oliver Creek Church of Christ where he serves as a deacon.
FHU FACULTY AND STAFF GIVE BACK
December 10
It’s the time of year that people all around the country are remembering that it is better to give than to receive, and the faculty and staff at Freed-Hardeman University have committed to doing just that, and it’s not just a few of them. As of December 5, every single faculty and staff member at Freed-Hardeman University committed to making a donation to give back to the organization that they work so hard for on a daily basis.
“We had never really pushed having 100 percent giving from our faculty and staff before,” said Burton Williams, the Associate Vice President for University Advancement. “When Dr. Wiley came in, he put that goal before us, so we began a campaign to encourage faculty and staff to give back.”
At the end of 2007, 78 percent of Freed-Hardeman’s faculty and staff were giving back to the university’s family fund, which is significantly higher than the national average of 30 percent, but Wiley and the development office felt that the FHU family would be willing to do more.
“Our faculty and staff are committed to this university, and that’s something I noticed from the day I stepped on campus,” said Dr. Joy Wiley, FHU’s president, who has been in office since last April. “They’re committed to working for less money than they could be making in other places because they believe in what Freed-Hardeman stands for, and they have proven that by committing to the university with their time and now with their finances, too.”
Dave Clouse, the vice president of university advancement, and Williams dedicated much of their time to meeting with faculty and staff about giving back monetarily to FHU and gained $213,000 through those commitments. Williams said that many faculty and staff didn’t realize what kind of difference they could make by giving small amounts.
“It was really a campaign for participation,” said Williams. “The size of the gift is secondary to the willingness to give. It just shows how committed our faculty and staff are to the school.”
“I chose to give back to Freed-Hardeman when I started working here,” said Natalie Zlatovich, an administrative assistant for the school of science and mathematics at Freed-Hardeman and an FHU alumna. “I chose to give back because I love this place and I believe in what it stands for, what it’s doing and the mission that it has. If we aren’t willing to give back, how can we expect other people to give to FHU?”
The campaign for 100 percent faculty and staff participation began in September with a series of videos that were sent out over the faculty and staff e-mail featuring several individuals who chose to give back to Freed-Hardeman. The videos had each person explain why they gave back to FHU and were followed up with a final video from Wiley encouraging each member to make a donation to the university.
Since FHU began its Believe campaign, a campaign that was initiated back in June of 1999 to raise $32 million for FHU scholarships, endowment and resources while also building the $10 million Brown-Kopel Business Center, Freed-Hardeman faculty and staff have given over $1.55 million to FHU’s family fund.
The Believe campaign was followed with the Beyond Believe campaign, which will conclude in 2009. It is an $80 million campaign that touches every aspect of FHU by renovating the science center, building the fine arts center and library, enhancing student housing, creating several new programs including nursing and the MBA and upgrading the athletics facilities.
Wiley announced the faculty and staff’s commitments at Freed-Hardeman’s 44th-Annual Advisory Board Benefit Dinner on December 5. The dinner, which featured comic legend Tim Conway, raised over $1.28 million for student scholarships, a new record for Freed-Hardeman that keeps the event the largest single-evening fundraiser in the state of Tennessee.
“I’m proud of our faculty and staff for rising to the occasion,” said Wiley. “I’m constantly impressed with dedication that our faculty and staff have to this university, and this just proved that even further.”
FHU BENEFIT DINNER SETS NEW RECORD
December 8
Freed-Hardeman University set a new record on Friday evening, December 5, raising $1,284,686.01 for student scholarships through its 44th-Annual Advisory Board Benefit Dinner.
This year, Freed-Hardeman brought in comic legend Tim Conway with the theme “A Lifetime of Laughter.” Before Conway spoke, Music City Swing, a 21-piece swing band from Nashville, played for about 30 minutes and also showcased two FHU students.
Conway, 74, channeled his famous “Old Man” character from The Carol Burnett Show as he made his way down the isle of Loyd Auditorium, drawing laughs from the over-2,000 donors present.
“When I saw the speakers you’ve had in the past, I thought I was going to have to do something serious,” Conway said in some of his opening statements. “But I don’t have a serious thought in my head, so I’ll just kind of ramble on.”
Conway shared stories from his childhood, his time in the army — “The army and I didn’t get along,” Conway said. “The army, believe it or not, doesn’t really have a sense of humor.” — and the stories behind some of his hilarious outtakes on The Carol Burnett Show.
He ended his speech reminding his audience to take a stand for family-friendly television, to which Conway has devoted much of his career.
For the eighth consecutive year, Freed-Hardeman’s Benefit Dinner has raised over $1 million for student scholarships, making the Benefit Dinner the largest single-evening fundraiser in the state of Tennessee. This year’s mark of $1.28 million is almost $10,000 more than last year’s record with Tom Brokaw.
McMEEN TO SPEAK AT FHU COMMENCEMENT
December 1
Frank McMeen, president of the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation, has been selected to speak at Freed-Hardeman’s commencement ceremony on Friday, December 12.
McMeen, who graduated from Freed-Hardeman in 1979, is a prominent citizen in the Jackson community. He is on the board of directors for the Jackson Rotary Club, the Lambuth Area Neighborhood Association, Aspell Manor, the Tennessee Dental Association Foundation and the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities. He has also served on the board for the Jackson Downtown Development Corporation, for which he currently serves on the fundraising committee. He served as chairman for the Historical Zoning Commission in Jackson for seven years as well. He regularly volunteers with the NAIA National Women’s Championship and the Blue Suede Dinner and Auction.
McMeen spent seven years as the Director of Admission at FHU before becoming president of Columbia Academy in Columbia, Tenn., in 1988. After serving three years as president there, McMeen returned to Freed-Hardeman as Vice President of University Advancement, where he was responsible for fundraising, alumni relations and marketing.
In 1998, McMeen joined the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation where he serves as president. The Foundation now has over 300 funds and assets that total over $15 million, raising a record amount this past year of over $5 million.
McMeen still serves on Freed-Hardeman’s Advisory Board and the National Alumni Board at FHU.
In 2002, he received West Tennessee Healthcare’s highest award, the Presidents Award, and in 2007 the Boys and Girls Club awarded him “Man of the Year.”
Freed-Hardeman will award 129 diplomas on Friday including 44 graduate degrees and 85 bachelor degrees. The commencement ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m. at Loyd Auditorium.
FHU STUDENTS TO HOST “A FREED-HARDEMAN CHRISTMAS” ON DECEMBER 2
November 21
It’s a little more difficult to put up a Christmas tree in a dorm room than in a living room, so the students on Freed-Hardeman’s campus have found another way to get into the Christmas spirit this winter. On Tuesday, December 2, FHU’s Student Government Association will present “A Freed-Hardeman Christmas,” a performance produced entirely by Freed-Hardeman students to showcase the university’s best talent.
The production will include Freed-Hardeman students who will sing a wide variety of songs to entertain audiences of all ages. Following the concert will be the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in the commons on FHU’s campus.
The show is open to the public with tickets on sale for $5 to students and children and $8 to adults. Tickets will be sold at the door. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. on December 2 in Loyd Auditorium, which will be decorated for the occasion. The show, which is expected to last about two hours, is the second0annual performance of A Freed-Hardeman Christmas. For last year’s performance, over 200 guests attended to see the Christmas spirit and talent on FHU’s campus.
FREED-HARDEMAN TO HOST 2009 WORLD MISSIONS WORKSHOP
November 10
Freed-Hardeman University has been announced as the host of the 2009 World Missions Workshop being held on October 22-24, 2009. The weekend holds the theme of “He Must Increase — I Must Decrease [It’s Not About Us!]”
World Mission Workshop, which is devoted to emphasizing mission involvement for students and churches by bringing them together with missionaries, mission teachers and those preparing to go into the field to provide mission information and opportunities, has been held annually each October since 1961 at Freed-Hardeman or one of its sister schools. The workshop was last held at FHU in 2001.
A group of about 40 students and professors at Freed-Hardeman recently returned form the 2008 World Missions Workshop at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Ala.
“The weekend allows students to have personal contact with people who are highly involved with missions in the Church of Christ,” said Glen Henton, the Director of Missions at Freed-Hardeman. “We want the workshop to encourage students to be involved in missions, whether it’s by supporting them financially or being missionaries themselves. Everyone has [his or her] own way to help.”
The workshop, which primarily focuses on foreign missions, typically brings about 500-600 attendants to the hosting university. The days consist of daily devotionals, keynote speakers, classes and displays and meeting locations set up for help join aspiring missionaries with those who can support them or teach them more about missions.
FREED-HARDEMAN SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS RAISE AWARENESS FOR HOMELESSNESS
November 5
“A lot of people have told me to just get a job and get off the street, but they just don’t understand that it’s not that easy,” said Joy Weimer, a 25-year-old mother who is living on the streets — for a night, at least.
On November 3, Freed-Hardeman University’s Populations at Risk class, a required class for social work majors, gathered in the university’s commons to increase awareness of homelessness in West Tennessee by simulating a group of homeless people themselves.
Joy Weimer, whose role for the 24-hour simulation is that of a 25-year old mother who was abandoned by a boyfriend leaving her and her seven-year-old daughter with no income and no shelter, is actually a junior social work major at Freed-Hardeman who is taking the Populations at Risk class.
“I’m amazed at how insensitive people are to the situation,” Weimer said. “People think that if you’re homeless you’ve automatically done it to yourself, but so many people lose their homes to situations that were completely out of their control. How are [the homeless] supposed to get a job if they don’t have a place to shower before work? It’s not always that easy to get back on your feet.”
The simulation also serves as a way to encourage the faculty, staff and students of Freed-Hardeman to bring non-perishable food, clothing and financial donations for the class to donate to the homeless population through RIFA.
“It’s really an opportunity to allow these students to step out of the box and take them away from the textbook and the classroom and give them some hands-on experience,” said Nita Mehr, the Director of Social Work at FHU and instructor of the Populations at Risk class.
The class will also serve at RIFA’s Soup Kitchen and serve at “Room at the Inn” at Skyline Church of Christ at various points throughout the semester.
“I’m not saying that I know what it’s like to be homeless after this project,” said Jessica Allen, a senior social work major playing the role of an executive who lost her job as a result of being unable to overcome Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, “but this really does open your eyes and give you a different perspective to how these people actually live — it gives you an opportunity to see it a little bit from their shoes.”
Each of the 14 students participating has been given a profile to portray during the simulation. There is a table set up for individuals to read the profiles to better understand each person’s role. The roles range from physical or mental handicaps, people with medical bills that consumed their incomes, veterans, single women escaping domestic abuse and alcohol and drug dependencies.
“These roles aren’t intended to be pretty,” said Mehr. “They speak to what constitutes homelessness on the streets, and that is never a feel-good situation. We just want to be sure to help people better understand that these people aren’t all there by poor-decision-making. So many times it’s beyond their control and we want to help them in whatever way we can.”
The students are confined to the commons area of Freed-Hardeman during the project to assure their safety, but they did not attend classes on Monday and had to ‘beg’ for boxes and blankets for shelter and for any food they received. Most students were able to find boxes to serve as their shelter for the night — Monday night’s low temperature was 43 degrees — while others sat closer to buildings surrounding the commons hoping for some added warmth.
“It’s a lot easier to understand why people turn to drugs and alcohol in situations like this,” said Amanda Frazier, a junior social work major. “When you’re stuck between not knowing how to get back on your feet and not having a job or a home to take up your time, it gets so boring out here. You’re just waiting for something to come a long to give you something to do.”
The project was three-fold for the class: to heighten awareness of homelessness, raise money, clothing and food for the homeless and to get through the 24-hour simulation with a better understanding of what homeless individuals have suffered.
“We’re mostly trying to get non-perishable food, money and clothing for the homeless,” said Weimer, “but we also have to get food for ourselves to get us through the day, too.”
“As social work students, sometime during their careers, they’re going to be dealing with people who have been through things like this,” said Mehr. “Hopefully this project will really open their eyes and help them relate to those people in a loving, empathetic way.”
The students sat in the commons from 9:30 a.m. on November 3 until 9:30 the next morning. They will speak at Freed-Hardeman’s chapel serving on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. regarding their experiences as a homeless community.
FHU PRESENTS HOLIDAY CLASSIC DURING HOMECOMING WEEK
November 4
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is a holiday classic and favorite for many Americans and is broadcast on television countless times during the holiday season, but Freed-Hardeman University’s theatre department will give its audience a different perspective of the movie by taking them to a Manhattan studio in 1946 to listen to the play broadcast over radio airwaves rather than a screen.
Five actors will play the part of the 40-plus characters that were made famous in Frank Capra’s Oscar-nominated film. “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”, written by Joe Landry, opens on Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. and will play at that time each evening through Saturday, November 15. An additional performance will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. The play is a part of Freed-Hardeman’s homecoming week.
FHU’s production features live sound effects made popular in radio plays of the era that will be created by two sound effects engineers, FHU students Jordan Smith and Justin Snider. They will generate breaking glass, blowing wind, opening doors, car sound effects and high heels walking across a tile floor right before the audience’s eyes. FHU’s TV 40’s station manager Ray Eaton, an antique radio expert, has worked with the students to create the perfect sound effects for the production.
Featured in the cast are FHU students Roy Justus as George Bailey and newcomer Hannah Hoyt as Mary. Performers voicing multiple roles include Melanie McCullough, Van Richardson and alumnus Matthew Gibson.
“There’s a real nostalgia to this material,” said director Cliff Thompson, professor of theatre at Freed-Hardeman. “The Capra movie is a favorite for many of us. Reliving this heart-warming story by placing it in a 1940’s Manhattan radio station helped us to appreciate it in a new way.”
Performances will take place in Loyd Auditorium November 13-15 on Freed-Hardeman’s campus. Tickets are $11.50 each and are available online at www.fhutickets.com or by calling 731.989.6938. Eaton’s personal collection of antique radios will also be on display in the lobby of Loyd Auditorium to accompany the play.
FREED-HARDEMAN HOSTING NEW HOMECOMING EVENTS NOVEMBER 10-15
October 21
Freed-Hardeman University’s Homecoming is scheduled to take place November 10-15, 2008. With the 1940’s based them “Seems Like Old Times,” the week is full of events catered to students and alumni of Freed-Hardeman University.
With Freed-Hardeman’s upcoming Homecoming week on November 10-15, 2008, the Office of Alumni has added several new events to the lineup for the 2008 event. With the 1940’s-based theme, “Seems Like Old Times,” the week is full of events catered to students and alumni of Freed-Hardeman University.
On top of the events that FHU’s homecoming week typically entails such as the social club competitions, FHU Theatre’s homecoming play and class reunions, Freed-Hardeman has added several new events for this year. On Friday at 7:00 p.m., Freed-Hardeman will host a Homecoming banquet where the Homecoming Court will be introduced. The evening will include a dinner, music and a slideshow of homecoming week and is open to students, faculty, staff and friends of Freed-Hardeman.
At 10:30 on Saturday morning, the student body will lead a pep-rally in preparation for the basketball games later that afternoon. At the pep-rally, the Freed-Hardeman University Band will perform before the Lion Walk to the Sports Center at 11:00 a.m., a walk full of cheers in support of the Lions and Lady Lions as they head to the Lions’ Den.
For lunch that afternoon, there will also be tailgating on University Street in front of Loyd Auditorium with music, food and club tailgating.
The Lady Lions will face Harris-Stowe State at 1:00 p.m. and the FHU Lions will take on Lee University at 3:00 p.m. The Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned between the games.
For questions about ordering banquet tickets, contact Jennifer Crowe at jcrowe@fhu.edu, and to see a full schedule, visit the Alumni website at alumni.fhu.edu.
FREED-HARDEMAN RECEIVES PROCEEDS FROM WEST TENNESSEE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
October 16
As the West Tennessee Bankers held its 22nd-Annual Memorial Golf Tournament, Freed-Hardeman University benefitted.
The tournament, which is sponsored by the Chester County Bank of Henderson, Farmers and Merchants Bank of Adamsville, Tenn., and Plateau Insurance Group of Crossville, Tenn., took place at Shiloh Golf Course in Adamsville.
The tournament memorializes Bob D. East, who was president, C.E.O. and Chairman of the Chester County Bank. East was one of the founders of the Memorial Golf Tournament, and for the past several years the directors of the tournament have raised funds for the Bob East Scholarship at Freed-Hardeman University. This year, the tournament presented a check to FHU president Dr. Joe Wiley on Thursday, October 16 in the amount of $10,000.
“It is an honor to have such a respected man in Freed-Hardeman’s history that, even after his death, his former co-workers are still contributing to his memorial scholarship on a regular basis,” said Wiley.
Dick Williams, president of Plateau Insurance Group, David Greene of Plateau Insurance Group and Bruce Hamblen of Farmers and Merchants serve as tournament directors. Over one hundred bankers and service providers participated in this year’s memorial, contributing to the donation made in East’s memory.
INAUGURATION WEEK AT FREED-HARDEMAN TO BEGIN ON MONDAY
October 10
Monday morning marks the beginning of a week of celebration, inspiration and introduction at Freed-Hardeman University. While Dr. Joe Wiley has been in office as Freed-Hardeman’s president for six months, his inauguration week begins on Monday, October 13 before his inauguration ceremony on Friday, October 17 in Loyd Auditorium at 9:45 a.m.
Most campus events planned for the week focus on the inauguration in some form. Each chapel service for the week will be dedicated to the upcoming inauguration with presentations on the Freed-Hardeman’s Alma Mater, history, legacy and its future. On Wednesday and Thursday, Dr. E Claude Gardner and Dr. Milton Sewell, Freed-Hardeman’s 13th and 14th presidents, respectively, will speak in chapel.
Events have been planned for each evening as well — each designed to appeal to a specific group either on campus or in the community. On Monday, the president and his wife will host a come-and-go reception for the faculty and staff of Freed-Hardeman to allow them an opportunity to get better acquainted with Wiley. On Tuesday night, Wiley will attend the Freed-Hardeman soccer games and a concert with the students so the student body can continue to get to know its new president.
On Wednesday evening, a business reception will take place at the New Old Southern Hotel lobby where anyone from the Jackson community is welcome to come and meet Wiley. The reception will begin at 4:30 p.m. and last until 6:30 p.m. The final event before the inaugural ceremony is the Inaugural Gala on Thursday evening at the Jackson Country Club.
“We are excited about all the events that Freed-Hardeman has planned for this week,” said Mark Castleberry, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “Dr. Wiley has been a very positive addition to our university family, and we are proud to be able to honor him and Freed-Hardeman with this inauguration week.”
On Friday, the inauguration ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. in Loyd Auditorium where Wiley will officially be honored as Freed-Hardeman’s 15th president.
FHU THEATRE OPENS SEMESTER WITH "10 BY 10" THIS WEEKEND
October 8
Respect for parents, respect for life, honesty, gratitude, purity. These are themes developed in Freed-Hardeman Theatre’s first full-length production of the new semester.
FHU Theatre presents “10 BY 10”, which will be presented in Loyd Auditorium October 9-11 on Freed-Hardeman’s campus. Evening performances begin at 7:00 p.m. each night, and one performance is scheduled at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Conceived by Jeff Gottesfeld, “10 BY 10” is a collection of 10 short plays by 10 different writers. Each play deals with issues all young people must wrestle with: integrity, body image and sexual purity. The plays take a robust, entertaining and Bible-centered look at the subject. The FHU production features a dozen young actors, all of whom are new to the FHU stage.
In one piece, a girl steals a cell phone at the school dance and comes face to face with Eve from the Garden of Eden. Other pieces feature a grandmother with a penchant for executing buzzing flies, a couple of young concert-goers waiting to meet their idol and even the creation story told through heavy metal music. “10 BY 10” forms a linked collection of short plays that delight and engage.
Tickets are $7.50 and may be purchased at www.fhutickets.com or by calling 731.989.6938. Group rates are available.
Features in the cast are FHU students Joey Griffeth, Robby Robertson, Chris LaFever, Brandon Yates, Jason Liles, Trenda Maiwald, Caty Douglas, Kristen Mowrey, Stephanie Benge and Recebba Watts. The play is directed by senior theatre major Josh Blanton.
TWO FREED-HARDEMAN STUDENTS WALK TO BENEFIT BREAST CANCER
October 2
Two Freed-Hardeman students, Alison Painter and Courtney Kimbrough, left on a plane Wednesday to fly to Washington, D.C., only to walk 60 miles upon their arrival.
Painter and Kimbrough are participating in a 60-mile walk for breast cancer, benefitting the Susan G. Komen For The Cure Foundation. On Friday morning, the two students, along with their team of 13 other women from Florence, Ala., will walk the first 20 miles of their journey throughout the streets of Washington D.C. At night, they will sleep in tents set up for the walkers in what is called “Tent City” before they walk 20 more miles on Saturday and Sunday.
Over 4,000 people have registered to walk in the event so far, and each participant is required to raise $2,200 to participate, which Painter and Kimbrough have done through bake sales, cook books and a few other, less common, methods.
“We did a fundraiser called Flush Out Breast Cancer,” said Painter’s mother, Regina. “Someone would ‘hire’ us to go and put a pink toilet in someone’s lawn with flower pots in them, then that person would have to call us and pay a fee to have the toilet removed. Of course, they usually wanted the toilet put in someone else’s yard, too.”
Painter, a senior social work major, and Kimbrough, a junior journalism major, trained for the event every week by walking in FHU’s Sports Center throughout the week, usually six to eight miles at a time.
“I’m doing this mostly to raise awareness,” said Painter. “My grandmother is a 15-year breast cancer survivor, and I want to do whatever I can to raise awareness about the disease and help find a cure.”
According to Painter, a history of breast cancer runs in her family with not only her grandmother. Her great grandmother and great aunt also died of breast cancer. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so the students feel they are starting the month off right with their 60-mile commitment to finding a cure. For more information on this walk and other walks like it, visit www.the3day.org.
FREED-HARDEMAN TO CELEBRATE EIGHTH-ANNUAL FINE ARTS WEEK
September 19
Freed-Hardeman’s Department of Fine Arts is hosting its 8th-annual Fine Arts Week during the week of September 22-26. The week, designed to reach out to Freed-Hardeman’s campus as well as the community about the arts, will begin with chapel at Freed-Hardeman on Monday morning, which will be hosted by the theatre program.
The first performance of the week will come as the theatre department brings Doug Berky to FHU’s campus. Berkey, an internationally acclaimed mask and movement artist, has over two decades of experience and will perform his show, entitled “No Show”, in Loyd Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. on Monday night. Admission to the show is free to students and the community.
“Doug is a very talented movement artist whose work appeals to children and adults alike,” said Cliff Thompson, the director of theatre at FHU. “He’ll make an excellent addition to all the things we have planned for our Fine Arts Week.”
On Tuesday evening, Brian Bundren, FHU’s newest faculty member in the fine arts department, will display his artwork in the Plunk Fine Art Gallery in the Bulliner-Clayton Visual Arts Center. His exhibition, which includes his paintings from 2004-2008, will begin with a lecture at 5:00 p.m. and the reception will last until 7:00. Bundren’s artwork belongs to a number of private collections spreading from Los Angeles to Chicago, and he has several paintings on permanent display at LAMP Fine Art Gallery in downtown Indianapolis. Bundren, who is originally from Indianapolis, earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Indiana University’s Herron School of Art and, while continuing a 10-year career with the Indianapolis Museum of Art, he earned his Master of Arts in 2006 at the University of Indianapolis.
On Wednesday and Thursday, the focus will turn toward musical arts as there will be performances by vocal students and Freed-Hardeman’s two choruses in chapel. On Thursday, the music program will have its first “Brown Bag” lunch performance of the academic year featuring Kari Bragg, a senior voice major at Freed-Hardeman. Bragg has competed on the Young Artists Competition and was a finalist in the Jackson Symphony Voice Competition. The Brown Bag program series is in its sixth year of providing lunch-time music programs on FHU’s campus, where students, faculty, staff and members of the community are welcome to attend the performances in Old Chapel Hall at 12:00 p.m. Other junior and senior vocal students will also be performing.
Fine Arts Week will conclude on Friday at chapel, as the FHU band will perform.
“This is the eighth year we have had Fine Arts Week,” notes Barbara England, the Chair of FHU’s Department of Fine Arts. “We want to use this time to celebrate the arts on the campus of Freed-Hardeman and provide opportunities for our students and the community to participate in events ranging from theatre production to art exhibits to music performances.”
For more information regarding the performances and events associated with Fine Arts Week, please contact Barbara England at 731-989-6069 or blengland@fhu.edu
FREED-HARDEMAN ANNOUNCES NEW ADVISTORY BOARD MEMBER
September 16
Freed-Hardeman University has formally announced John Talbott of Finger, Tenn., to its President’s Advisory Board. Talbott, who is an attorney at law in Henderson, is married to Michelle Smith Talbott, and they have two children, Ava Jewell and Claire Eliabeth, ages two and one, respectively.
Talbott graduated from Freed-Hardeman in 1995, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree before earning his Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis in 2002.
The Freed-Hardeman President’s Advisory Board is a group dedicated to supporting the university through suggestions and helpful insight while identifying potential students and donors, while representing the university in communities throughout the nation.
FREED-HARDEMAN ASSOCIATES CELEBRATE 45TH ANNIVERSARY
September 6
On September 5, the Freed-Hardeman Associates gathered for a luncheon to celebrate the 45th anniversary of raising funds for Freed-Hardeman student scholarships. Since their organization meeting on September 5, 1963, the women’s group has helped raise over $3 million for FHU.
“We’ve reached a record-level of giving to the university,” said Martha Alls, National President of the Associates. “We are second only to one other donor in the amount of money given to Freed-Hardeman, and many of the students today are beneficiaries of those funds and could not be here without our help.”
Of the amount the Associates have given to Freed-Hardeman, over $1 million of that has been contributed to student scholarships. The remainder of the money has been used to purchase or help purchase two buses, a computer system, the WFHU 91.5 radio station, the language laboratory, the Associates Science Center, Loyd Auditorium, the Garden Center, chapel seats, library books, printing equipment, a softball field and a parking lot, plus contributions made to the school’s general operations fund and for building renovations over the years.
On September 5, two of the National Officers of the associates, Diane Smith and Lana Pirtle, presented an eight-foot check to Dr. Joe Wiley, Freed-Hardeman’s president, representing the $3 million raised for FHU.
During the 45th anniversary party and national meeting that was held on September 6, the associates also honored Mrs. LaVonne Scott, who was celebrating her 90th birthday and has served in the Associates for all 45 years.
Alls, who is serving her ninth term as National President of the Associates, has been a member of the organization since its seventh year.
The Freed-Hardeman Associates also have chapters throughout Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama and Mississippi, with members-at-large in many other states. To raise funds, the associates pay dues to the organization as well as have events such bake sales, garage sales and rummage sales. They also write and sell women’s Bible study books and cook books. Each April, they hold a Victorian Tea Party at the Hardeman House to contribute to the Associates Scholarship.
To learn more about the Freed-Hardeman Associates, visit www.fhu.edu/associates.
FREED-HARDEMAN ANNOUNCES RECORD ENROLLMENT
August 29
For the second consecutive year, Freed-Hardeman University has established a record-setting enrollment for the fall semester. After the final registration, Freed-Hardeman’s enrollment stands at 2,060 students, with 1,534 undergraduate students and 526 graduate students. The number is up 49 students from last year.
Dr. Belinda Anderson, the director of admissions, credits the enrollment jump to the involvement of the faculty and staff and their assistance in recruiting and to an increasing number of campus events that admissions coordinates for prospective students.
On May 2, Freed-Hardeman hosted its first Crow Hop Festival, a day dedicated to early registration for incoming freshmen which allowed them to pick up their new laptops as a part of the iKnow Initiative, register for classes, make their students IDs and attend a concert later that night. Admissions also hosts Maroon and Gold days, R.U.S.H. and several other events to bring prospective students to campus, a method which has proven to be among the most effective in getting students to attend a university.
Some students have acknowledged that the introduction of Freed-Hardeman’s iKnow Initiative played a role in their attendance of FHU. With 503 first-time students this fall, over a third of FHU’s undergraduate students are already participating in the program.
"The admissions team are the reason we ended the recruiting year with record applicants, record accepted students, record registered students and 35 more new students for this year," said Anderson. "Their time, organization, energy, attention to detail, love of FHU and team work are why we accumulated 503 new students this year."
The quality of a Freed-Hardeman education has received national attention recently as FHU was ranked No. 39 among U.S. News and World Report’s college rankings and is ranked No. 13 among the south’s best value for a master’s-level degree, one of only two universities in the state of Tennessee with that distinction.
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FREED-HARDEMAN RANKED AMONG BEST BUYS AND BEST UNIVERSITIES BY U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT
August 21
According to the results released on August 22 by U.S. News and World Report, Freed-Hardeman University is ranked No. 13 for the Best Value for a master’s degree among southern colleges. Only two universities in Tennessee were ranked in this category, which is based on the percentage of students receiving grants based on their needs and the average cost of the degree before and after the grants are received.
According to U.S. News and World Report, only schools ranked in or near the top half of their categories are included, based on the premise that the most significant values are among colleges that are above average academically.
The release of these rankings follow GetEducated.com naming Freed-Hardeman University at No. 10 on its list for best buys in distance learning and online MBA last month. The list features the top 40 accredited universities that offer a high-quality distance MBA program to a national audience at tuition that rates well below the national average. GetEducated.com is rated as the No. 1 source for students seeking online degrees.
“These awards are just a reflection of Freed-Hardeman’s commitment to academic excellence and overall quality,” said FHU president, Dr. Joe Wiley. “It is an honor to be included on this list, and we are proud that students who attend Freed-Hardeman can know that they are receiving a degree of high quality and value.”
Also in these rankings, Freed-Hardeman was listed at No. 39 among southern regional universities in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Universities — Master’s Category. The categories of this award are based on evaluations of colleges and universities nation-wide, noting standings in terms of students-to-faculty ratio, class sizes, freshman retention, graduation rates, financial resources and academic reputation.
U.S. News and World Report bases its southern region out of 12 states and selected the universities to be published in its 2009 edition of “America’s Best Colleges.” In 2006, Freed-Hardeman was ranked No. 50 on the Best Universities list and has since jumped to No. 39, among the most significant jumps in the southern region.
“We want to take these standings and continue to grow and achieve greater things,” said Wiley. “These rankings just confirm what we already knew: Freed-Hardeman is a great place to achieve a quality education and a good price, and we want to maintain that and improve upon it in the years to come.”
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FHU STUDENT DEREK PAVATTE DIES
July 29
Derek Wesley Pavatte, who attended Freed-Hardeman as a sophomore for the 2007-2008 school year, died on Thursday, July 24 at the Southern Tennessee Medical Center in Winchester, Tenn.
Pavatte was diagnosed with bipolar disease and schizophrenia, both conditions that are little understood and often attack young men in their early 20s, in February and struggled with recovery. Because of his illness, Pavatte left Freed-Hardeman after spring break to have the opportunity to put more focus on his difficult recovery. According to his family, Pavatte had lost hope with the chances of living a “normal life” and took his own life last week.
“His love of life, music, learning and people all hid a sorrow Derek was concealing that he hoped he could mask by saying he had ‘racing thoughts’,” said Dale Pavatte, Derek’s father. “Derek knew something was wrong, but he didn’t know what it was.”
After two hospitalizations, doctors diagnosed Derek with bipolar disease and schizophrenia, for which they heavily medicated him. On May 2, he was released from the hospital and began to feel comfortable enough on his medications to return to church and some of his social activities. He eventually started a part-time job delivering pizzas, determined not to live a life of helplessness.
In mid-July, Derek began to take a turn for the worse, reaching such a strong desire for a life of normalcy he feared he would never have. Doctors increased his medications, but Derek never felt a feeling of happiness or contentment, his father said.
“Our comfort is the knowledge that God does not measure us by any one single act that we may do, but by the sum total of what we do with our life to benefit others,” said Dale Pavatte. “Derek’s entire life was about others, and as the disease slowly robbed him, Derek again wanted to reach out and help others come to grip with the legitimacy of mental health disease. He told us that he felt like Job — that despite his struggles, he never lost faith, but he was ready to meet his God. The disease took away the person that Derek was.”
Dale, who attended Freed-Hardeman as well, dreamed for Derek to attend Freed-Hardeman, and it became a goal of Derek’s as well.
“His dream was to be able to go back to Freed this fall,” said Dale. “His sudden disease this past spring prevented that, but we are so thankful for the help of all the faculty and staff at Freed-Hardeman that tried to help him.”
Pavatte was active in the Freed-Hardeman University Singers and enjoyed songwriting and playing piano and guitar. He was a business administration major during his time at FHU. A native of Winchester, Tenn., he is survived by his parents, Dale and Beverly Pavatte, and his brother, Justin. Derek would have turned 20 on August 6.
Many of Derek’s friends remember him for his Christian example that he led, for his friendliness and for always having his Bible with him. When his interest moved from soccer and baseball more toward music in his teenage years, he often used his talents to entertain at local nursing homes.
“Our hearts are hurting for this good family,” said Wayne Scott, vice president for enrollment management at Freed-Hardeman. “Derek was a fine young man and will be missed.”
Services were held on Sunday, July 27, at the Winchester Church of Christ with Ed Boggess, the congregation’s minister, officiating, and the Pavatte family expressed their appreciation for the Freed-Hardeman students that attended the services. The burial followed at the Franklin Memorial Garden. Donations can be made in Derek’s memory to the Franklin County Christian Scholarship Fund or to the Winchester Christian Pre-School by contacting the Winchester Church of Christ office.
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TIM CONWAY TO SPEAK AT 44th BENEFIT DINNER
July 18
Freed-Hardeman University has announced Tim Conway to be its guest speaker for its 44th Annual Advisory Board Benefit Dinner, which will take place on Dec. 5, 2008. Conway, an award-winning actor, has been honored for his performances in family-friendly motion pictures, television and stage acting.
Conway is best known for his 11-year run co-starring on TV’s classic Carol Burnett Show. The show earned him five Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. Conway was known for using his humor to intentionally make his co-stars laugh while filming, and, unlike many other shows of the time, the producers often chose to keep the outtakes in the show.
“It’s an honor to have someone like Tim Conway to be speaking to us this year,” said Dr. Joe Wiley, who will be attending his first Benefit Dinner as president of Freed-Hardeman. “I admire his standing for family-friendly television, and I know he will be appreciated by all of our guests this year.”
Conway grew up in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and earned a degree from Bowling Green State University in television and radio. He worked in local television until he moved to New York City in 1956 and earned a part on The Steve Allen Show. After two years with Allen, Conway played in McHale’s Navy before Burnett invited him to join her ensemble.
Conway’s latest accomplishments include an eight-year spot in Together Again, a show for which he toured some of the country’s most respected performing arts centers across the nation. According to Pollstar Magazine, the concert industry’s primary trade magazine, the comedy series achieved success putting it among the annual top-grossing shows six times.
Conway frequently appears as a guest-star on sitcoms such as Yes, Dear and 30 Rock, for which he just received an Outstanding Guest Performer Emmy nomination, and is a regular on ABC Family Channel's Living the Life. He has also spent time doing voice-over work for the popular animated program Sponge Bob Square Pants in which he is “Barnacle Boy.”
His film career has included starring roles in The Apple Dumpling Gang, The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again, Dear God and The World’s Greatest Athlete. He also wrote and starred in They Went That Way and That Way and The Long Shot.
His stage career includes 182 performances as Felix in The Odd Couple and starring in Just For Laughs. He toured for 130 performances of A Day with Gates and Mills, which he also wrote.
With all of his accomplishments, Conway has earned his star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and recently he and his long-time sidekick Harvey Korman were inducted into the Academy of Television and Sciences Hall of Fame. In 2004, Conway was named a Disney Legend and a year later, the cast of The Carol Burnett Show received TV Land’s Legend Award.
Honored by Regent University’s Candlelight Award for outstanding contributions to family-friendly film and television, Conway is an advocate for good family programming and serves on the advisory board of The Parents Television Council. An avid fan of thoroughbred racing, he is the co-founder of the Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund to aid injured and disabled jockeys.
Conway’s lengthy list of contributions he has made to family-friendly entertainment makes him a prime choice for Freed-Hardeman’s Advisory Board Benefit Dinner, which has raised more then $1 million for student scholarships each year since 2001. Other recent speakers for FHU’s Benefit Dinner include George H.W. and Barbara Bush, Walter Cronkite, Cal Ripken Jr. and last year’s speaker Tom Brokaw.
Sponsorships for FHU’s 44th Annual Advisory Board Benefit Dinner are available from $600 to $100,000. To reserve seats, contact the FHU Office of Development at 800-630-3482. Click to purchase tickets now!
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POLIO SUFFERER DIANNE ODELL DIES
May 28
Dianne Odell, at age 61, was the oldest living polio survivor in an iron lung, but around 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, a power outage occurred at the Odell’s home in Jackson and the generator failed to power on. Despite her father’s tireless attempts to manually pump her iron lung, Dianne died in the early hours Wednesday morning.
Odell obtained a severe form of polio, Bulbar-Spinal Polio, when she was just three years old. The disease left her paralyzed and unable to breathe on her own, putting her in an iron lung for the rest of her life. While Odell was constantly in pain – the disease paralyzed her muscles but not her nerves – she never complained about it.
Despite her health complications, Odell graduated from a homebound program at Jackson High School with honors in 1965 and attended the University of Tennessee before transferring to Freed-Hardeman College in 1968, where she studied psychology. She later had to return home due to health problems, but she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Freed-Hardeman in 1987.
Odell was determined to never let her disabilities prohibit her from any of her dreams in life. When Odell wanted to learn to write at a young age, her family helped teach her how to write with her toes since she could not move her arms. She later wrote a book titled Blinky Less Light – a children’s’ book about the smallest star in heaven. Although the book took Odell nearly 10 years to write, it has nearly sold out of the 100,000 copies that were printed.
“Dianne was a kind and loving lady, and she demonstrated that to everyone who came to see her,” said FHU Chancellor Dr. Milton Sewell. “In my visits with her, I always felt the love that she had for people and for life.”
Recently, Odell had struggled with further health complications as she suffered several mini strokes making it difficult for her to swallow. With the power outage on Wednesday, Odell’s weakening body couldn’t tolerate the change in pressure in the 750-pound iron lung. Odell lived with her parents, Freeman and Geneva, who, despite being in their early 80s, continually took care of their daughter. A generous donation from the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation also provided constant personal assistance to help take care of Dianne.
“Dianne’s family was devoted to taking care of her, and I truly believe that they helped sustain her life, both physically and emotionally, for these past 61 years,” said Sewell. “They surrounded her with love all this time and never gave up on her, despite what doctors may have said, and they need to truly be commended for that.”
Funeral arrangements have not been finalized, but Odell’s visitation will be held on Friday at the Campbell St. Church of Christ in Jackson, Tenn., and the funeral will be held at the church on Saturday. Arrington Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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FREED-HARDEMAN HOLDS FIRST PINNING CEREMONY FOR NEW NURSING PROGRAM
May 10
On Friday, May 9, Freed-Hardeman University’s nursing program held its first pinning ceremony to celebrate the commencement of its first nursing class. The ceremony began at 5:00 p.m. in Ayers Auditorium on the FHU campus where 18 graduates were honored.
The tradition of the pinning ceremony for nursing programs dates back to 1860 at the Nightingale School of Nursing at St. Thomas Hospital in London. Florence Nightingale began the tradition by giving her graduates medals of excellence. At the Freed-Hardeman ceremony, faculty members presented each student with a pin that was designed specifically for FHU.
Dr. Lynn Patterson, former chairman of the board of trustees who was an instrumental part of beginning the nursing program at FHU, spoke at the ceremony.
Four awards are given at the ceremony for students’ outstanding performance in the school year. The Spirit of Job Award was given to Ashby Cripps. The award is voted on by faculty and is given to a student who has overcome adversity and has shown great improvement and endurance. The Servant’s Heart Award, which is given to someone who demonstrates Christ’s attitude and is caring, compassionate and helpful to peers and patients, was given to Jenni Thomas.
The Lion/Lioness Award represents a graduate, voted for by the students, who shows strong leadership skills and a Christian attitude while the Nightingale Award is the highest honor a nursing student can receive. It represents someone who is an excellent clinician, has a high GPA, is involved in the community and is a resource for his or her peers. Both the Lion/Lioness Award and the Nightingale Award were given to Jessica Foulk.
The nursing students concluded the ceremony with the traditional lamp lighting, which represents the care and devotion nurses administer to the sick and injured. Traditionally, Florence Nightingale would light a lamp and pass the flame to each nurse as they recited the Nightingale Pledge.
Approximately 200 people were in attendance for the ceremony.
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FHU HONORS GENERAL BILL MORGAN WITH HONORARY DOCTORATE
May 9
On Saturday, May 10, Freed-Hardeman presented General Bill Morgan with an honorary doctorate at its spring 2008 graduation ceremony. Morgan has been a long-time supporter of Freed-Hardeman and has had a distinguished and accomplished career in the military.
Morgan was a 1948 graduate of Freed-Hardeman College before moving on to Murray State University, from where he attained his Bachelor of Science degree. Upon his graduation, Morgan enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and by June of 1952, he had received his pilot wings and was commissioned a second lieutenant.
“My relations with Freed-Hardeman go way back with my family as well as the time that I spent there,” said Morgan. “It is an honor that deepens and strengthens those relationships, and I am very appreciative.”
Morgan’s military decorations and awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon with three oak leaf clusters, Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with seven oak leaf clusters and Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two hourglass devices.
As a civilian, Morgan is a realtor and vice president of Morgan, Trevathan & Gunn, Inc, an insurance and real estate company in Benton, Ky. He also serves as the vice chairman and director of The People Bank in Madison, Ky.
Morgan served Freed-Hardeman as chairman of the board from 2000-2004. He is a member of the Freed-Hardeman Lion Backer Club, which supports FHU athletics. Morgan Stadium, the university’s softball field, was named in his honor because of his continuous support of Freed-Hardeman athletics. He also organized and serves as a member of the FHU Sports Athletic Council. In 2005, he was awarded FHU’s Most Outstanding Alumnus Award.
Morgan is also involved in foreign missions. He is a charter member and director of French African Christian Education (FACE), an organization that trains native Africans to preach the gospel to their own people. The school is located in the French-speaking Benin in West Africa. When Morgan first visited the nation in 1994, there were no known Christians in the country. Now, there are over 2,000 Christians in 100 congregations.
“Naturally, receiving this honorary doctorate is one of the more exciting and humbling experiences I’ve ever had in my lifetime,” Morgan said. “It’s one that I will always cherish and that I will never forget, particularly because it came from Freed-Hardeman.”
Morgan is a native of Benton, Ky., and a graduate of Murray State University’s class of 1950. He attained his master’s degree from Texas Technological University in Lubbock in 1960. He continues to support each school he attended.
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U.S. SUPREME COURT CANDIDATE TO SPEAK AT FHU COMMENCEMENT
May 9
At Freed-Hardeman University’s commencement service this Saturday, Judge Janice Rogers Brown will speak to the graduates and their guests.
Brown, who has served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, was the first African-American female to serve on the California Supreme Court, and she is a rumored contender for the U.S. Supreme Court. Brown was confirmed to the U.S. Court of Appeals on June 8, 2005.
“It is such an honor to have someone with the credibility and accomplishments of Judge Brown to speak at Freed-Hardeman,” said new FHU president Dr. Joe Wiley. “She deals directly with many of today’s important issues, and she brings unique perspectives and experiences to share with our students.”
Prior to her time in the California Supreme Court, she served as an Associate Judge on the Third District Court of Appeals in Sacramento and as the Legal Affairs Secretary to Governor Pete Wilson.
Brown served as a member of the Independent Advisory Board to the Institute for Legislative Practice at the McGeorge School of Law, and she is a former member of the Judicial Council of California, having served on the Judgeship Needs Advisory Committee and the 2020 Vision Commission on the Future of the California Courts. She chaired California’s White Collar Crime Task Force and is affiliated with the American Judges Association, the American Judicature Society and the Federalist Society. She also sits on the Board of Regents for both Pepperdine University and the University of the Pacific.
Brown earned doctorate degrees from Pepperdine University, Southwestern School of Law and Ave Maria School of Law, and she received the UCLA School of Law Alumnus of the Year award in 1998 and UCLA’s 2004 Award for Excellence in Public Service. She also has been honored with the Jurisprudence Award of the Claremont Institute’s Center for Constitutional Jurisprudence, a Distinguished Service Award from the California State University, Sacramento, Alumni Association, as well as a Distinguished Jurist Award from the California Lincoln Club.
Judge Brown is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law and California State University, Sacramento, where she majored in Economics. In 2004, Judge Brown received a Master of Laws degree in Judicial Process after completing the Graduate Program for Judges at the University of Virginia School of Law.
“It is an incredible honor and privilege for Freed-Hardeman to have a graduation speaker of the caliber and national prominence of Judge Janice Rogers Brown,” said Stephen Morris, associate professor of political science at FHU. “She has an incredible life story, an impressive legal and judicial resume and a reputation as a solid, conservative jurist. I look forward to hearing what she has to say.”
While it is the 139th year of commencement ceremonies at Freed-Hardeman, it will be the first FHU commencement for Wiley. At the ceremony on Saturday, 264 graduates will receive their degrees.
Freed-Hardeman’s graduation will be held on May 10 at 10:00 a.m. in Loyd Auditorium and is open to the public.
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FREED-HARDEMAN ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH APPLE, INC, IKNOW INITIATIVE .
April 21
Freed-Hardeman President Joe Wiley has only been in office for a week, but he is already among the driving forces of Freed-Hardeman’s biggest technology announcement in its history.
Effective by the fall 2008 semester, Freed-Hardeman will give all students an opportunity to have an Apple MacBook and an iPhone or iPod touch. Freed-Hardeman becomes one of three universities in the nation to combine the MacBook and iPhone/iPod as part of its academic curriculum. But according to FHU administrators, this is not about the equipment; it’s about the overall campus experience.
It’s about the FHU experience
“I have always tried to look at new, innovative ways of learning,” said Wiley. “I am a big believer in using technology to enhance learning.”
Following the traditional Apple products’ names, the university decided to call the program iKnow, releasing videos to the students on Friday in chapel similar to the Apple advertisements.
iKnow, which will cost students the equivalent of one additional hour per semester, has been in the works for about three years, according to FHU’s Chief Information Officer, John Bentley.
“We’ve been researching different solutions/programs for the last three years. We got serious about implementation for the fall semester when we saw that Apple was releasing their iPhone SDK and support for Exchange this past spring,” said Bentley.
With a post-doctoral fellowship in computer science, Wiley believed the program was an obvious choice.
“It isn’t something that I made up when I came here. IT has been working on it for a long time. The program is very well-thought-out,” Wiley said.
The program was designed to improve the students’ academic, social and spiritual experience while they are on campus. In an annual survey conducted by the university, the satisfaction for student technology had fallen over the past year. To improve satisfaction on campus and meet their growing expectations, the program was developed. While this will be a great tool for students, the iKnow initiative will also outfit the faculty of Freed-Hardeman University with the tools necessary to provide the best academic experience possible. The first year of the program, one quarter of the faculty will also receive MacBooks and the iPhone or iPod touch.
“I believe this to be a great way to unite our campus community and help our students be competitive,” said Ashlee Hirsh, instructor at Freed-Hardeman University. “More importantly, it will challenge us as faculty to meet students where they already are and push us to provide an education that takes advantage of our students’ ability to multi-task and utilize technology. Beyond that, these tools will allow us to administer paper-less tests, take attendance, survey our classes and things I have yet to even think about. But what I think it will do that sometimes goes overlooked is it will allow us to stay in touch with our students personally, which continues to be a foundation of the Freed-Hardeman University experience.”
“The thought of every student having a laptop with the ability to be on the same level playing field is exciting for me,” said Dr. LeAn