Freed-Hardeman Names Keith Harris Its 17th President
Freed-Hardeman University will inaugurate Dr. Keith Harris as its 17th president on Oct. 22, 2026, in Henderson, Tennessee.
By Academic Writing Club Newsroom
Freed-Hardeman University will inaugurate Dr. Keith Harris as its 17th president on Oct. 22, 2026. The 10:30 a.m. ceremony will take place in Dryden Auditorium in Henderson, Tennessee. Harris assumed the presidency June 1, succeeding David R. Shannon, who is now FHU chancellor. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests will attend the investiture ceremony.
Inauguration Week Events
FHU will hold an Inauguration Week Legacy Luncheon for retired faculty and staff on Oct. 19 at 11:30 a.m. in the Hope Barber Shull Academic Resource Center. The university community will gather Oct. 20 for pumpkin carving, games, a picnic dinner and a student-led devotional. Faculty and staff will also hold a breakfast on Oct. 21.
Faithful Theme
The inauguration will use Hebrews 10:23 and the theme “Faithful.” The ceremony will include worship, greetings from university leaders and an inaugural address by Harris.
Dr. Keith Harris, President at Freed-Hardeman University, said:
“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. 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.”
Presidential Medallion
Harris will receive the presidential medallion during the ceremony. The medallion replicates the official FHU seal and includes 17 discs bearing the names and dates of service of the university’s previous presidents.
