Henderson, Tennessee — (May 2, 2024) — FHU College of Business held its annual Senior Awards Chapel and Luncheon to celebrate the academic achievements of students as they prepare for post-graduate life. Ten seniors and one graduate student were recognized for their work in several disciplines including accounting, marketing, management, business analytics, finance, financial planning and sport administration. In addition, six undergraduates received the Sewell Scholarship, which awards a rising sophomore, junior or senior with a minimum 3.0 grade point average with a $5,000 scholarship ($2,500 a semester). Recipients must demonstrate leadership, integrity and professionalism. “Deciding these awards is never easy,” Dr. Matt Vega, dean of the College of Business, said. “We’re so thankful for all of your efforts. We know whatever your next chapter is, you will not only glorify us, but you will glorify God.”
The following seniors were recognized in their disciplines: Lexi Hearn, accounting, of Kingston Springs, Tennessee; Ana Holland, management, of Swartz Creek, Michigan; Tyler Stafko, business analytics, of Freeburg, Illinois; Hayden Cook, marketing, of Bell Buckle, Tennessee; Thomas Hastings, finance, of Franklin, Tennessee; David Clayton, financial planning, of Myrtle, Mississippi; Derek Griffin, sport administration, of Smyrna, Tennessee; and Caleb Bond, leadership and service, of Harvest, Alabama. Sarah Eddleman, of Blytheville, Arkansas, received the Jim Edmonds Student Achievement Award, which is given to a student who exhibits strong character, competence and servant leadership. The award is the highest bestowed by the College of Business and is named in honor of Jim Edmonds, who served FHU for 30 years.
“This is the highest achievement award,” Vega explained. “We give this award to the person we think best exemplifies integrity, honor, to the profession, to the university and as a person.” Eddleman thanked professors virtually from Venice, Italy, since she is studying abroad in Europe.
A new award recognizing the effort of a graduate student was given to Eric Spears of Columbia, Tennessee, in recognition of his willingness to mentor others.
The following students will receive the Sewell Scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year: Sarah Carmack, a marketing major from Florence, Alabama; Zena Dorris, a marketing major from Brentwood, Tennessee; Aidan Harrison, a business analytics major from Signal Mountain, Tennessee; Jadyn Hope, a marketing major from Hiram, Georgia; Elizabeth McKeeby, an accounting major from Franklin, Tennessee; and Noah Stuart, an accounting major from Dickson, Tennessee. The Sewells, Amy and Scott, sponsored the scholarship. Amy teaches business at FHU while her husband, Scott, is a Principal Program Manager for Microsoft Power BI.
During the luncheon, Dr. Tom DeBerry’s career and upcoming retirement from FHU were celebrated with a special presentation from College of Business Assistant Dean Brandon Lanciloti, who is a former student of DeBerry’s.
Accounting alumni submitted more than 50 memorable quotes and stories from years of DeBerry’s lectures. Lanciloti took their stories and with assistance from Chat GPT, an artificial intelligence writing tool, he crafted a comedic story about DeBerry’s time at FHU.
“We thank you and celebrate you, Tom, a mentor, a friend and true exemplar of Christian values in the field of accounting,” Lanciloti said. “May your retirement be filled with joy, fulfillment and perhaps a little bit of mischief. You’ll be dearly missed, but your legacy and service will continue to inspire us for years to come. May God bless you abundantly in this new chapter of your life.”
DeBerry formerly served as the director of graduate studies in business. Most recently he helped develop the M.S. in accounting and fraud examination program and served as its program coordinator. Over the years, DeBerry prepared FHU students for careers in accounting, especially in the burgeoning field of forensic accounting. He also published numerous articles in professional and peer-reviewed journals and represented the department at many conferences. DeBerry retires as professor emeritus in accounting following 19 years of service.
“Even though many of these awards were recognized during the university-wide chapel, today you will receive the bling,” Vega quipped as he prepared to give students their hardware.
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.