Local colleges, universities welcome students to campus

JACKSON, Tenn. — Kenneth Frierson is making sure Lane College’s first-year students have the tools they need to graduate in four years.

“Students seem to be really excited,” said Frierson, director of first-year experience. “We just completed our Discovery Week where we brought in all of our new students, went through a week of engagement opportunities, helping them become acclimated to the college.”

The freshman class begins semester one this week with an orientation course where Frierson says he teaches college survival skills.

“Make sure that you go to class, get involved, call home, and make sure you seek God in everything that you do,” Frierson said.

Across the community, students at the University of Memphis Lambuth Campus were treated Tuesday morning to a welcome back breakfast.

“We have all kinds of things going on this week,” Dr. Niles Reddick said.

Reddick, vice provost for the Lambuth campus, said the campus is now in its sixth year as Tigers. The campus has grown from 200 to more than 1,000 students, a 20 percent growth rate each year.

“There are things that not only we’re doing to try and help West Tennessee and help the workforce of this region but also to benefit potential students out there who have a need,” Reddick said.

U of M Lambuth says it’s adding more graduate programs in the coming years.

Freed-Hardeman will be hosting its annual tolling of the bells Wednesday, and Jackson State Community College will be hosting an event for Tennessee Promise students.