Freed-Hardeman University rings in 148th year

HENDERSON, Tenn. — Students enter into a new year on the campus of Freed-Hardeman University, now seeing its 148th year.

Keith Mattix, a freshman computer science major from Memphis, was chosen to represent his class at the annual Tolling of the Bell ceremony.

“This ceremony and this school year in general means the beginning of a lot of new things for me, so I’m excited to see how everything turns out,” Mattix said.

Mattix was joined on stage by a couple well-known to the university, Dr. and Mrs. Milton Sewell.

I feel like it’s an honor to be with him because he has worked so hard for this university, and it’s been not a job but a passion,” Laurel Sewell said about her husband.

Dr. Milton Sewell has served Freed for more than 30 years as vice president, president and chancellor. He was once a freshman at the university.

“It’s a lot easier to teach a person how to make a living than it is to teach them how to live a life that’s full and rich and good, and so that’s what Freed-Hardeman has meant to me,” Dr. Sewell said.

The Sewells have many memories with students and say this day represents a new beginning.

“Learn everything you can from as many people as you can, and build friendships, build a network,” Dr. Sewell said.

With 14 tolls representing each decade the university has been in existence, the school year has officially begun.

The bell only rings twice each year. It rings once at the beginning of the fall semester and at spring commencement.