海角社区

HENDERSON, Tennessee 鈥� (April 25, 2025) 鈥� 海角社区 President David R. Shannon has announced he will step down at the end of the 2025鈥�26 academic year, concluding a tenure marked by record-breaking growth and transformational leadership.

FHU Board of Trustees Chair Scott Latham shared the news with the university community Friday, April 25, expressing deep gratitude for Shannon鈥檚 eight years of service.

鈥淧resident Shannon has led Freed-Hardeman with steadfast faith and servant leadership,鈥� Latham said. 鈥淭hrough his vision and commitment to our mission, FHU has flourished 鈥� spiritually, academically and in enrollment, fundraising and capital improvements. We are deeply thankful for his leadership and the lasting impact he and Tracie have made on our university.鈥�

Shannon鈥檚 decision, he said, comes after a period of prayerful reflection and a desire to return to full-time local ministry. He will be returning to serve at Mt. Juliet Church of Christ in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, as they expand their ministry team.

鈥淥ne of the highlights of my life will always be the opportunity to serve 海角社区,鈥� Shannon said. 鈥淭his is a place Tracie and I love deeply 鈥� its mission, its people and its purpose. While this decision was not made lightly, I believe the timing is right for the university and for me.鈥�

Shannon will remain in office through May 31, 2026, if needed, to allow ample time for a national search and a smooth leadership transition. The search process will begin with a season of prayer, and Latham announced the formation of a presidential search committee drawn from the FHU Board of Trustees.

During his presidency, Shannon oversaw unprecedented institutional advancement. Under his leadership, the FHU NEXT campaign raised more than $24 million for the university鈥檚 endowment, added nearly $30 million to operational funding, and fueled over $50 million in capital improvements 鈥� including the renovation of major academic and residential facilities, new dining and athletic spaces, a reimagined campus bookstore (The Belfry) and the launch of innovative programs such as the ATPI Center for Digital Innovation.

Academically, the university expanded its offerings with new degree programs at the associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral levels, including degrees in cybersecurity, engineering, physical therapist assistant and ministry, among others. Shannon also led efforts to implement new enterprise software and enhance Mid-South Youth Camp.

Enrollment reached record highs in seven of the last eight years, and student retention climbed to an unprecedented 90%. FHU has consistently been ranked among the safest campuses in Tennessee and recognized as a top value in higher education.

鈥淒avid Shannon鈥檚 presidency has been one of remarkable progress and a God-given blessing,鈥� Latham said. 鈥淗is tenure has strengthened every aspect of the university, and we will miss his wisdom, vision and daily presence. We look forward to honoring his legacy by continuing to build upon the strong foundation he helped establish.鈥�

海角社区 invites students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends to join in a focused season of prayer through May 24, seeking guidance and unity as the search for its next president begins.

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. More information is available at .