David Shannon reflects on his tenure as FHU President
HENDERSON, Tenn. — On April 25, David Shannon announced his decision to step down as President of Freed-Hardeman University.
He has served the university for the past eight years, during which he has left a lasting effect on the students, faculty, and staff.
“One of the hardest decisions I’ve made in my life was the decision to step down from being President of Freed-Hardeman University,” Shannon said. “My wife and I began talking about this in October. All of my adult life before being here at Freed-Hardeman was in local church ministry, and that is my heart’s calling. I love local church ministry.”
When Shannon began his tenure, he didn’t have experience being a university president. He shares his gratitude to the vice president and faculty that have helped him along the way.
“Another thing that has been so rewarding is seeing the academic excellence in our students as we have been awarded or achieved certain things that it makes you stop and say, ‘Wow, we really do have talented faculty and talented students,'” Shannon said.
Shannon will be bidding several goodbyes, as this next chapter will also involve his move from Chester County.
“I hope that we all remember that even though we’ve had great memories here, that we’ve gained a great education here,” said Shannon. “What we’ve benefited from here the most is the reminder that every gift that God gives us, we ought to then in turn give it back to others for His glory.”
Freed-Hardeman will begin the process of searching for a successor. Shannon expressed he is willing to serve until the vacancy is filled.
He plans to return to serve full time at Mt. Juliet Church of Christ in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.
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