Henderson, Tennessee — Defying the odds, Freed-Hardeman University set a new spring semester enrollment record. After setting enrollment records in Fall 2019 and 2020, Freed-Hardeman University has again reported a growing enrollment.

According to a press release from Tajuana Cheshier – The Bramblett Group – head count for Spring 2021 stands at 2,061 students, 440 graduate students and 1,621 undergraduates, an almost 7% increase over Spring 2020. Henderson undergraduate enrollment led with an increase of 112 students, almost 12%. Graduate enrollment was up 4.5%.

The fall-to-spring retention rate of 95% ties the all-time record. “Even though our daily lives have adjusted to the physical health issues presented by COVID, I am thankful the campus community at Freed-Hardeman is finding a balance that also places a high value on mental, social and spiritual health,” FHU President David R. Shannon said. “We are thankful the vast majority of students decided to return to their Freed-Hardeman home.”

Because of the pandemic, some school activities were curtailed during the fall semester. Wearing masks and social distancing altered social interaction among students and between students and faculty. In addition, several students were restricted to their rooms because of quarantine regulations. “It was not a typical fall semester, but it was a good one,” Shannon said. “Students returned in record numbers. They refused to let the pandemic define their semester. We are grateful for their resilience and commitment.”

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. With locations in Henderson, Memphis and Dickson, FHU offers bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.

(PHOTO: Freed-Hardeman University – courtesy Tajuana Cheshier – The Bramblett Group)