Freed-Hardeman quietly raises $83 million for extensive improvement project

Freed-Hardeman University, which is associated with Churches of Christ, publicly announced last week a $100.5 million fundraising campaign — of which $83 million has already been raised in a private initial phase over the past year and a half.

Called FHU NEXT, the campaign aims to make improvements to the Henderson, Tenn., university’s facilities, programs and faculty that will “ensure the university’s future for the next 150 years” — after it marked the first 150 in 2020.

Among those improvements are a digital innovation center that will offer programs in robotics, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity; a doctoral program in ministry focused on practical scholarship and research; upgrades to spaces for photography majors; renovations to the business and student centers, Loyd Auditorium, residence halls and intercollegiate athletic facilities; a new cafeteria; and an outdoor intramural complex with facilities for softball, soccer, flag football, basketball and volleyball.

The campaign also includes the renaming of the student center to honor FHU’s first Black alumnus and faculty member, Elizabeth Saunders, and greater access to scholarships for people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

It’s the biggest fundraising project in school history. But FHU President David Shannon said FHU NEXT is not just about making a more attractive university.

“Our vision is larger than this world,” Shannon said in the press release. “Our ultimate goal is to impact the kingdom and strengthen the church for His glory. …To emphasize the importance of God’s plan for man’s salvation, a new birth through Jesus, we plan to incorporate a baptistry fountain into one of the building renovations.”

For more information about the campaign, visit FHU’s website.

Filed under: Christian colleges David Shannon Elizabeth Saunders Freed-Hardeman fundraiser National News Partners Top Stories