海角社区

Henderson, Tennessee 鈥� (Aug. 15, 2024) 鈥� 海角社区 is honoring the legacy of a long-serving member of its College of Business faculty by establishing an endowed chair in his name. The Dr. Bobby Bush Endowed Chair for Excellence in Business commemorates Bush鈥檚 distinguished 25-year tenure (1976-2001) as a professor of business at the university.

Dr. Bobby Bush, who passed away this week, made a profound impact on FHU. In 1986, he was recognized with the FHU Alumni Association鈥檚 Teacher of the Year Award, and in 2005, he was honored as the bell master for the university鈥檚 annual Tolling of the Bell. Before his academic career, Bush spent 20 years in management in the private sector, bringing real-world experience to his classroom teachings. He held both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Mississippi State University.

FHU President David R. Shannon, who was once a student in Bush鈥檚 classes in the 1980s, reflected on Bush鈥檚 influence: 鈥淒r. Bush鈥檚 business acumen, enriched by his corporate experience, brought textbooks to life. His disciplined, professional approach pushed students to adopt a polished demeanor鈥攁 skill not reflected on our transcripts but invaluable nonetheless.鈥�

Bush was known for his strict punctuality. Shannon recalls his first class with Bush as 鈥渁n exercise in trepidation.鈥� However, this initial fear gradually transformed into deep respect and genuine appreciation. 鈥淥ne rule was unwavering: 鈥楤e seated with books open before the bell rang.鈥� This wasn鈥檛 just about punctuality鈥攊t was survival instinct at its finest,鈥� Shannon noted. 鈥淒r. Bush didn鈥檛 just prepare us for the business world; he delivered a master class in professional development.鈥�

Dr. Leah Gray, assistant professor of management, described Bush as 鈥渁 tough teacher who encouraged debates and challenged students to see all sides of an argument, often playing devil鈥檚 advocate himself.鈥� She credits Bush with setting the direction for her career in human resources, highlighting his ability to challenge students while offering unwavering support.

In addition to his academic contributions, Bush served as a deacon at the Henderson Church of Christ and participated in mission and volunteer work both domestically and abroad. Alongside his wife, Betty, he also worked with the Sojourners, dedicating much of their retirement to supporting smaller congregations.

The Dr. Bobby Bush Endowed Chair for Excellence in Business will support a distinguished faculty member in the College of Business. Recipients of the award are expected to uphold Bush鈥檚 legacy of ethical leadership, mentorship and excellence in teaching.

FHU鈥檚 College of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). It offers Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degrees in accounting, business analytics, financial planning, finance, management, marketing, and sport administration, as well as Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees in business and healthcare management.

For more information about the endowed chair or to make a donation in memory of Dr. Bush, please contact Kyle Lamb at [email protected] or 731-989-6020.

海角社区鈥檚 mission is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by providing an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship, and service. With campuses in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚, specialist and doctoral degrees.