Henderson, Tennessee – (May 2, 2024) – As another academic year draws to a close, Freed-Hardeman University paused to recognize some of its highest achieving students in various fields during special Awards Day chapel presentations April 16 and 17. FHU professors and staff members, each representing a different field of work or study, took to the Loyd Auditorium stage during these two days to celebrate the accomplishments of more than 60 dedicated students.
“Freed-Hardeman students are among the best in the world and these days underscore their greatness,” Dr. C.J. Vires, vice president for academics and provost, said. “Every year, I look forward to celebrating their accomplishments. It provides us with an opportunity to see how students are using their talents for God’s glory!”
Representing communications and public relations, Dr. Janine Dunlap recognized Addie Everson as both the Outstanding Student in Broadcasting and the Outstanding Student in Communication. Additionally, Carter Welch was named Outstanding Student in Journalism, and both Elijah Brewer and Savannah Nelson were named Outstanding Students in PR. Recognition for Service to Communication Majors and Minors Association (COMMA) went to Addie Everson, Elijah Brewer and MacKenzie Scarborough.
Dr. Margaret Payne next presented the award for Outstanding Senior English Major to Deborah Kenney. Payne also announced the results from the annual poetry contest, organized by the English department. For this year’s contest, honorable mentions went to J.T. Moore, for his poem “Translusive Rhetoric,” and Ella Gehlert, for her poem “The Temple”; 2nd place was awarded to Ella Gehlert, for her poem “Imposter”; and 1st place was awarded to Louviers Joseph, for his poem “Mother.”
For math and computer science top honors, Dr. Michael Johnson bestowed the following awards: Outstanding Graduate in Mathematics to Soledad Farber, Outstanding Graduate in Computer Science: Information Systems to Lauren Taylor, Outstanding Graduate in Computer Science: Software Development to Madison Cagle, Outstanding Graduate in Cybersecurity to Kelly Sproule and Lauren Taylor (tie), Rising Mathematician to Carson Kizer and Rookie Programmer to Dillon Daughrity.
Dr. Alan Kinningham, representing the music department, awarded three John and Freda Hall Music Scholarships to students at various levels. The incoming sophomore award went to Ella Allen; the incoming junior award went to Cy Warren; and the incoming senior award went to Kiana Michell.
From the department of behavioral sciences, Lisa Beene recognized Julie Charles as the Outstanding Graduate in Social Work, Carson Sitton as the Outstanding Graduate in Criminal Justice, Allie Bobo as the Outstanding Graduate in Family Sciences and Adrian Judd as the Outstanding Graduate in Psychology.
On behalf of the Bible department, Dr. Kevin Moore presented the Personal Evangelism Award to Zach Bauman and the Missions Emphasis Award to Sarah Johnson Henley; Dr. Donnie Debord presented the Durrington Graduate Award to Dimitri Sims and the Durrington Undergraduate Award to Tara Griffith; and Dr. Doug Burleson named Caleb Hammond as the Lectureship Scholarship Recipient for 2024-25.
Dr. Corey Markum spoke on behalf of the history department, awarding the Jodie Novodoff Award for the Outstanding History Student to Tim Secula.
Representing the sciences, Dr. Brian Butterfield named Nathan Mangrum as the Outstanding Graduate in Kinesiology, Josie Grannon as the Outstanding Graduate in Biology and Hannah Brown as the Outstanding Graduate in Biology: Environmental Science. Dr. Jim Barr recognized Katie Stickles as the Outstanding Graduate in Chemistry, and Dr. Meagan Spencer gave the Communication Sciences and Disorders Award to Kenzie Pressnell.
Continuing in the category of science, Dr. Joe Deweese named both Katie Stickles and Clark Endsley Outstanding Research Students. He also took the time to recognize several individuals who have been involved in various FHU research labs this year, and these students were named Heintzman Research Scholars: Katie Stickles, Breanna Tonkery, Ben Wade, Ella Williams, Jamison Brock, Daniel Corfman, Corey Fleak, Kathryn Johanessen, Madlyn Maples, Mary Katherine Walker, Luke Sullivan, Jonna Burrow, Ruth Smith, Dan Chang, Clark Endsley, Mattalyn Hardin, Allison Jones, Matthew Kuhl, Brooke Latham, Danny Ngabonziza, Addison O’Brian, Ava Cox, Josie Gannon, Bailey Gilbert and Matthew Goodin.
Will McFall next presented a few awards on behalf of university admissions. Victoria Maguffee was recognized for Most Postcards Written, Lexie Bell for Most Tours Given, Tyler Stafko for Most Off-Campus Travels, Will Garrett for Rookie of the Year (Male) and Brenna Hobgood for Rookie of the Year (Female).
At the close of the 2024 Awards Day ceremonies, TJ Kirk, in conjunction with all five social club presidents, made one final special presentation on behalf of student services. Because of his positive influence, his giving heart and his encouraging words, Nolan Gupton was made an honorary member of all five social clubs on campus, earning him the nickname “Swingman.” Gupton is especially remembered for his touching chapel presentation which reminded his audience that “There is always hope.”
Awards for outstanding students in the College of Business were presented during a separate ceremony held Wednesday, April 24.
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.