Dr. Keith Harris To Be Inaugurated as President of Freed-Hardeman University

HENDERSON, Tenn., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Freed-Hardeman University will open a new chapter in its 157-year history Thursday, Oct. 22, as Dr. Keith Harris takes his place as the university's 17th president. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and honored guests will gather at 10:30 a.m. in Dryden Auditorium for the inauguration and investiture ceremony, celebrating the legacy that shaped FHU while looking ahead to the leadership and opportunities that will define its future.

"I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to serve as president of Freed-Hardeman University and to follow the faithful leadership of those who have come before me," Harris said. "For 157 years, God has used the people of this university to make a lasting difference in the lives of students, and I am grateful to be part of that continuing story. My prayer is that, together, we can honor the foundation that has been laid while faithfully pursuing the opportunities God places before us and preparing FHU for a strong and meaningful future."

Harris assumed the presidency June 1, succeeding David R. Shannon, who now serves as FHU chancellor. The inauguration will be centered on Hebrews 10:23 and the theme "Faithful," celebrating God's enduring faithfulness to Freed-Hardeman while looking ahead to the university's future under Harris' leadership. The ceremony will invite the FHU family and members of the surrounding community to mark this important moment in the life of the university.

Leading up to the inauguration, the campus community will participate in several events celebrating the occasion. FHU will honor the faithful service of retired faculty and staff members with an Inauguration Week Legacy Luncheon Monday, Oct. 19, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hope Barber Shull Academic Resource Center.

The following day, Tuesday, Oct. 20, the wider FHU community will gather in Heritage Commons for pumpkin carving and games from 4:30-5:30 p.m., followed by a picnic dinner for students, faculty and staff starting at 5 p.m. A student-led devotional will begin at 6:30 p.m. that evening. Faculty and staff will gather for a come-and-go breakfast from 7:30-9 a.m. in the Hope Barber Shull Academic Resource Center Wednesday, Oct. 21.

The inauguration ceremony Thursday will feature a period of worship, greetings from university leaders and an inaugural address by Harris. As part of the ceremony, Harris will receive the presidential medallion, a symbol of Freed-Hardeman's history, values and mission. The medallion is a replica of the official FHU seal suspended on a chain of 17 discs, each bearing the name and dates of service of the university's previous presidents.

The mission of Freed-Hardeman University 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. Located in Henderson, Tennessee, FHU offers associate, bachelor's, master's, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.

SOURCE Freed-Hardeman University