“God has continued to bless generation after generation,” Freed-Hardeman University President David R. Shannon told the student body, faculty and staff, as the school officially opened the 156th academic year with the annual Tolling of the Bell ceremony Wednesday, August 20. The university tradition was particularly poignant this year, as it was Shannon’s final one as president before he returns to full-time ministry.
FHU Vice President Dave Clouse introduced Shannon, highlighting key accomplishments under his leadership. “The FHU Next Campaign raised $90 million for the endowment—$30 million in scholarships and $45 million for capital improvements and new programs,” he said. “And our student enrollment reached record highs as did our retention numbers, which were the highest in the school’s history. We’re grateful to David and Tracie because they returned to their alma mater in 2017, and they taught us how to speak the truth in love and also how to have fun.”
Before issuing his message, Shannon credited Freed-Hareman’s administration for making the improvements and growth possible. “All of those accomplishments we did together and only by the blessings of God,” Shannon said. As Master of the Bell, Shannon’s message to the student body was inspired by Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” He encouraged students to approach academics, athletics, work and their relationships with zeal and purpose. “God doesn’t want your passive all, he wants your passionate all.”
Student Government Association President Birdie Greene, a junior double majoring in law and politics and Bible, accepted the challenge on behalf of the student body. “I am reminded that everything we do, whether in the classroom, on the field, and in our daily relationships, must be done in whole devotion to the Lord,” she said.
Shannon rang the bell 15 times, once for every decade of the university’s existence, symbolizing the continuity of its legacy. The bell was first tolled by A.G. Freed, one of the school’s founders, in the late 1800s at a school he attended in Essary Springs.
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.
FHU President David R. Shannon challenges students to “work heartily” in the 2025-26 academic year during the annual Tolling of the Bell ceremony Aug. 20, 2025.
FHU students returned to campus the week of Aug. 18, 2025.
FHU President David R. Shannon rings the bell 15 times during the annual Tolling of the Bell ceremony Aug. 20, 2025.
