Henderson, TN
Community Engagement and Public Service Activities
Remote Area Medical Clinic
Public Service Activity
In 2021 a chapter of Remote Area Medical was founded at FHU. Remote Area Medical (RAM) is a major nonprofit provider of free pop-up clinics across the nation. Their mission is to prevent pain and alleviate suffering by providing free, quality healthcare to those in need. Across America there is a growing need for care for more and more each year. RAM is one way that those without the means to access healthcare can find assistance. A group of students at FHU were privileged to attend several clinics since 2021. A dental clinic was held in Henderson, Tennessee on September 30 & October 1, 2022. Students continue to develop the skills needed as they plan another clinic in the coming future to provide care to those of Henderson, Tennessee.
Small Group Communication Class Raises Over $25,000 For Local Non-Profit Organization Since 2021
Community Engagement Activity
Since 2021, Dr. Matt Barker and his COM 241 Small Group Communication class have engaged in an experiential learning project that involves organizing a fundraiser for a local non-profit organization. For the past three years, Dr. Barker's class has organized a 5K Run/Walk called FHU's 5K For the Children benefitting the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse in Chester County. Through grant funds and a partnership with Leaders Credit Union along with support from the Chester County community, Dr. Barker and his Small Group Communication class have been able to donate a total of $26,500 to the Carl Perkins Center since 2021 as part of these efforts.
Yucatán Exploration: Discovering Mayan Civilization and Culture in Mexico
Community Engagement Activity
Sprawling cities with hundreds of thousands of inhabitants, popular sporting events, impressive technological innovations, cutting edge art and architecture – characteristics that we might associate with modern day society are, in fact, perfect descriptions of the Mayan civilization that existed before the arrival of the Spanish to the New World. This civilization, along with cultural practices that it spawned and exist to this day, was the focus of an exploration trip taken by the students and professor of FHU course SPA 365 – Latin American Civilizations and Cultures.
With the support of the Engaged Learning Initiative, five FHU students – Wesley Baker, Charlie Fulton, Mallorie Gardner, Collett Heenan, and Elzy Peters – along with Dr. Perry Hardin, traveled to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula to discover and learn about Mayan civilization and culture firsthand. In addition to visiting 5 sites of ancient Mayan ruins (Tulum, Cobá, Muyil, Chichen Itzá, and Uxmal) the group contrasted ancient Mayan culture with modern culture by taking stops in the cities of Tulum, Valladolid, Mérida, and Cancún. These eye-opening experiences led the group to discover that Mayan culture lives on through more than 6 million descendants, more than 30 languages, and the rich history still seen in traditions, beliefs, and practices.
FHU at the Link!
Community Engagement Activity
The event at the Link Centre in Tupelo, Mississippi was a spectacular showcase of FHU's visual and performing arts students. Attendees were treated to outstanding performances by members of FHU Theatre, FHU Chorale, and the FHU Legacy Jazz Ensemble. The evening also featured a gallery displaying original works of art and photography, adding to the cultural richness of the event.
Photo Bootcamp '23
Community Engagement Activity
In June of 2023, the photography department of Freed-Hardeman University along with our professional student organization F/22, hosted a Photo Bootcamp for the community of Henderson and Chester County, Tennessee. More than 40 people attended the three-day workshop to become proficient using their DSLR or mirrorless camera. The workshop was made possible by a grant secured by associate professor Jud Davis through the Tennessee Arts Commission. Topics included aperture, shutter-speed, ISO, composition, posing, editing, keeping digital photos, raw editing and workflow.
The Fields of Dreams
Community Engagement Activity
The Fields of Dreams is the first gallery showing by Dr. C. J. Vires, provost and vice president for academics at Freed-Hardeman University. What began as a hobby has developed into a passion that allows him to share his photographs with others. The public showing was held Feb. 19 – March 18, 2024, in Troy Plunk Art Gallery in the Bulliner-Clayton Visual Arts Building. The title, “The Fields of Dreams,” comes from Vires’ love of baseball and the prairies of the American West.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Community Engagement Activity
FHU Theatre students performed at the world’s largest performing arts festival, The Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The Fringe started in 1947 and has since grown to a three-week event with more than 55,000 performances of 3,500 different shows. And in 2023 FHU Theatre was right in the middle of the action!
Over a two-year period, our students developed an original work of theatre. Then in the summer of 2023, we presented that play for multiple performances, toured the city of Edinburgh and the Scottish countryside, and watched dozens of plays and musicals. We also spent a day volunteering with the East Killbridge church outside of Glasgow.
Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical
Community Engagement Activity
Chester County Youth Theatre partnered with Freed-Hardeman University Theatre to produce a musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's revolutionary work.
Based on the beloved Roald Dahl novel, Matilda is the story of a courageous little girl with an unbounded imagination. Although Matilda’s parents think she is a nuisance, she has won the respect and affection of the hopeful Miss Honey, her teacher. But school days aren’t completely smooth sailing. The monstrous headmistress Miss Trunchbull terrifies both students and teachers alike. When Matilda discovers she has a very special power, she uses her cleverness and courage in equal amounts to teach the grown-ups a lesson. Be warned, the children are revolting! Directed by Becky Hartle, music by Lauren Malecha, and choreographed by Jenna Britt.
Turtle Diversity and Life History at Horse Creek Wildlife Sanctuary
Community Engagement Activity
Dr. Brian Butterfield and Lee Barton are leading group of research students to characterize turtle diversity and life history characteristics of the turtle assemblage at Horse Creek Wildlife Sanctuary. To date, the group has marked and measured over 150 turtles representing seven species. This is a long-term study that began in 2012.
Tennessee Legislative Internship Program
Community Engagement Activity
The Tennessee Legislative Intern Program was established in 1972 to provide university students with an opportunity to work and learn in a legislative environment. Each year 70 to 80 students from around the state participate in this program to learn about leadership responsibilities as well as develop legislative process skills. The interns assist legislative offices with their legislative activities and work functions.
During the 2024 session of the Tennessee General Assembly, FHU senior Law & Politics major Elzy Peters worked with Representative Jason Zachary, chairman of the House Calendar and Rules Committee.
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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. Freed-Hardeman University strives to offer academic preparation and opportunities to practice leadership and service. Mission trips at home and abroad, tornado or hurricane relief, work with health clinics, or volunteering time at a local children’s home or senior citizens’ center provides our students with opportunities to serve their communities. Rigorous classes, individual or group research projects, Honors classes, domestic and foreign travel, internships, and practicums enhance classroom instruction. Our desire is that these experiences will enable our students to form community partners that will allow them to continue to share their talents for His glory beyond their time at FHU.
Henderson, TN 38340