海角社区

Henderson, Tennessee 鈥� (April 18, 2025) 鈥� 海角社区 supporters, donors and friends recently gathered in the brand new Jones Family Dining Hall and Chick-fil-A庐 to mark the completion of a major FHU Next campaign project. A celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony signaled the beginning of an exciting new era for FHU and its hometown of Henderson.

The idea for a new dining hall on FHU鈥檚 campus first took root in 2019, and fundraising efforts began in 2020. The project was initially challenged by COVID-19 concerns and then by post-COVID-19 supply issues, but construction began to move forward in early 2024. During his ceremonial remarks, FHU President David R. Shannon declared that despite difficulties, 鈥淕od continued to provide, every step of the way.鈥�

The new state-of-the-art construction is a 21,000-square-foot facility that features both indoor and outdoor dining areas and two modern, efficient, well-equipped kitchens. The main dining hall houses seven food stations, each serving a wide selection of meal choices, and a neighboring Lion鈥檚 Pride Express offers a convenient, quick source for delicious, nutritional meals on the go. Although there are hundreds of Chick-fil-A restaurants on college campuses, FHU鈥檚 is unique because it features a full menu and directly faces Main Street, conveniently serving both university students and community residents.

According to Shannon, Jones Dining Hall was intended to create a warm, inviting space to enjoy community and nurture relationships. 鈥淔HU has always been about people and about relationships,鈥� he said. 鈥淚n addition to this beautiful brick and mortar is also the reality that there is a community that is strengthened as we gather around dining tables.鈥�

Among the honored guests at the ceremony was Grant Edwards, a Chick-fil-A franchisee and operator for 15 years. Edwards spoke about his admiration for Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy, whose favorite Bible verse was Proverbs 22:1: 鈥淎 good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.鈥�

鈥淐hick-fil-A has a good name, and Freed-Hardeman has a good name,鈥� Edwards said. 鈥淚t is a privilege to be in business together, and I love it when two good names come together.鈥�

According to Shannon, one longtime FHU supporter deserves recognition for initiating the school鈥檚 relationship with Chick-fil-A. 鈥淪pecial thanks should be given to Rosemary Brown. She first successfully connected us with Chick-fil-A, and none of this would have happened without her,鈥� Shannon said.

The generous contributions of the Jones family, founders of Jones Brothers Construction, were also invaluable in bringing this project to life. Patricia Force Weldon, a representative of the Jones family and a 1972 Freed-Hardeman alumna, credited the hard-working individuals who first paved the way.

鈥淭he real heroes of the story are my grandparents, Guy and Lucille Jones,鈥� Weldon shared. 鈥淭hey taught us to be honest, hardworking in everything we do, to always be faithful, and to love the Lord with all our hearts. As long as it starts there, everything else is gravy.鈥�

FHU also recognized several other individuals and businesses who had a hand in bringing this immense project to life, including John and Rosemary Brown, 4FDesign, the Alliance Corporation, E&T Contracting, First Bank, Creative Dining Services, the FHU Board of Directors, FHU Advancement, and the elected representatives of Henderson and Chester County.

The mission of 海角社区 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鈥檚, master鈥檚, specialist and doctoral degrees.