Community Engagement and Public Service Activities

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.

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.

On May 13-19, 2024, the Zeteo women's Bible study club at Freed-Hardeman University had the privilege of conducting the first ever Mission Ladies' Day. Seven students and their sponsor were able to travel to Albert Lea, Minnesota and spend the week ministering to the local congregation and their community, culminating in a ladies' day on Saturday. With a regular Sunday morning attendance of 12 Christians, the ladies' day was a tremendous success with over 30 local women participating, some of whom had driven three hours to attend. By the end of the week both the local brethren, and the participating students were asking to make this an annual event. 

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On May 22, 2024, five students from Freed-Hardeman University, along with their sponsor, traveled to East Africa, specifically Tanzania. They spent three weeks working in Kisongo and Arusha. Their work involved leading two children's seminars, two mental health seminars, and one on the Holy Spirit. They made more than 60 visits to community members to offer encouragement, prayers, and Bible studies. During their time there, more than 25 Africans were baptized into Christ, becoming Christians. 

In addition to their work with local churches of Christ, the students had the opportunity to engage the culture and witness some of the wonders of God's creation while participating in two safaris. They toured Arusha National Park and the beautiful landscape of Mount Meru, seeing several amazing animals roaming in their natural habitat. The group also traveled to the Ngorongoro Crater—the world's largest inactive volcano. There, they traveled over the volcano's rim, into the lush grass area that has become one of the homes to Africa's Big Five—leopard, lion, African buffalo, elephant, and rhinoceros. One final treat before leaving Tanzania was a beautiful view of the tallest free-standing mountain in the world—Mount Kilimanjaro. 

The students who traveled to Tanzania are currently pursuing degrees in missions, music, photography, nursing, and counseling. One of the great benefits of this trip was learning that no matter their academic interest and future employment, they know that they are equipped to serve God in a global community.

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Rudy Tucker, a preservice teachers and FHU baseball players, gained necessary experience coaching through constructive engagement. Coach Tucker had the opportunity to serve on the coaching staff of an 18U summer baseball team- Lions Baseball Club, with a roster of players from throughout the Mid-South region. He was mentored by a former college coach- Jonathan Estes. The club consisted of many rising freshman Lions who Coach Tucker will continue to coach as a graduate assistant this season. Throughout the summer, Coach Tucker had the opportunity to evaluate and assess his own instructional practices as well as discuss observed instructional practices utilized by other coaches and teams. Coach Tucker was able to develop relationships and make connections with players before they arrived on campus and begin practice this fall. He will also be able to transfer some of his coaching knowledge and experience gained this summer into the Lions program this fall. Through this experience, Coach Tucker gained baseball and life lessons which will help him in his future coaching career. The players were able to learn skills and form connections that will help them as they prepare to be collegiate teammates. Coach Estes was able to help develop players and coaches throughout the summer season. We call this project all around a win-win-win. 

Freed-Hardeman University's Physical Therapist Assistant Program traveled to Catacamas, Honduras from July 27-August 3, 2024, in partnership with Mision Para Cristo from Grapevine, Texas to perform physical therapy screenings and provide therapy services to over 400 children and adult patients. Three licensed physical therapists and six PTA students made up the therapy team that participated in the mission trip. The team worked at The Good Samaritan School, known as "Kingdom Kids", under the direction of Benny Baker, director of MPC. The school serves impoverished children by providing food, education, medicine, and medical care. Students also provided care to adult patients at the Predisan Hospital for individuals who do not have access to healthcare services. 

"Our mission is to serve the physical needs of the community first, demonstrating Christ through our actions and service,"-Brian Vaughn, Director of Clinical Education

Ms. Carla Kirkland and Dylan Purvis visited FHU's campus to share with students about the importance of domestic violence and the available resources. 

Ms. Kirland, former TNA President and current AANP TN Representative, spoke on Domestic Violence Awareness. She has worked with a task force to streamline domestic violence (DV) resources in Shelby County, which is part of a grant through the University of Memphis Public Safety Institute.

Dylan Purvis, Domestic Violence Project Director with WRAP, also shared local statistics regarding domestic violence and resources available with WRAP.

Items such as canned goods, socks, etc were collected and donated to WRAP. Cards were written as well. Two student groups went into the community to serve. One group went to Scarlett Rope and washed windows. The second group went to the Women of Hope and organized a clothing closet.

As part of FHU's annual Service Day, students in the education department had the opportunity to serve in many ways including in two of our local schools. Students helped to beautify the school grounds at Jacks Creek Elementary. Students also helped to prepare for the upcoming Fall Festival by making signs. Other students had the opportunity to help at East Chester Elementary by working in the outside areas of the school with clean up and beautification. Chester County Schools are one of our primary partners for our department of education allowing us to observe and teach in classrooms for our clinical experiences for our pre-service teachers. Our students continually learn and grow in the professions because of this mentorship. It was a privilege for our students to be able to serve these local schools on Service Day.

The FHU disaster response team jumps into action when disaster strikes the Southeast. A group of 18 students, two volunteers, and one chaperone went to Johnson City to help those affected by flooding. The Central congregation in Johnson City housed the group and provided meals for the volunteers. Students worked tirelessly to support the affected community members. Students pulled up and replaced flooring, built shelves, mucked homes' subflooring, cleared brush, and packed supplies boxes. Students worked for two days in the affected area and helped countless community members.