Freed-Hardeman University recently
celebrated five longstanding members of its faculty and staff in
recognition of their upcoming retirements. Dr. Tom DeBerry, Mrs. Karen
Hobbs, Dr. Gary McKnight, Mr.
Clarence McNeal and Dr. David Powell, together representing a combined
129 years of service to the university, were honored during a
special chapel presentation and reception on Wednesday, April 10.
HENDERSON, Tenn., April 17,
2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Freed-Hardeman
University recently celebrated five longstanding members of its
faculty and staff in recognition of their upcoming retirements. Dr.
Tom DeBerry, Mrs. Karen Hobbs, Dr. Gary
McKnight, Mr. Clarence McNeal
and Dr. David Powell, together
representing a combined 129 years of service to the university,
were honored during a special chapel presentation and reception on
Wednesday, April 10.
Dr. C.J. Vires, FHU provost and vice president of academics,
remarked on the accomplishments of the honorees during his address
to the student body. "Through their service, these individuals have
brought encouragement, enlightenment and opportunity to many of you
and to the students who were here before you," Vires said. "These
individuals are excellent ambassadors for our university, and today
we want to recognize them for their years of sacrifice and devotion
to her."
After a brief career with Freed-Hardeman in the 1980s, DeBerry returned to
FHU as a professor in the College of Business in 2006. For the next
eight years, he served as the director of graduate studies in
business. Most recently he helped develop the M.S. in accounting
and fraud examination program and served as its program
coordinator. Over the years, DeBerry worked hard to prepare FHU
students for careers in accounting, especially in the burgeoning
field of forensics accounting. He also published numerous articles
in professional and peer reviewed journals and represented the
department in numerous conferences. DeBerry retires as professor
emeritus in accounting following 19 years of service.
Hobbs has been a part of the library team since 1993, working
with processing, interlibrary loans and as a copy cataloger. She
served tirelessly behind the scenes but was well known by the
faculty and students she worked with directly. Hobbs may best be
remembered for the many hard-to-find books and journal articles she
was able to track down and bring to campus from other libraries.
She worked closely with countless professors working on their
dissertations, graduate and honors students working on theses and
faculty members writing for publications or conferences. Hobbs
retires from the university after 30 years of service to the FHU
community.
McKnight began his tenure at the university in 1990 as an
admission representative and now retires as an associate professor
of music. During his tenure, he served as director of the Sonshine
Singers, the University Chorale and numerous homecoming musicals.
McKnight's work has upheld the longstanding legacy of FHU's choral
excellence. His impact on the program and the numerous students he
mentored will be enduring. Under his guidance the University
Chorale flourished, showcasing exceptional talent and
professionalism in every performance. McKnight retires as professor
emeritus in music after 34 years of service.
McNeal is known for his deep desire to serve the students and
the Freed-Hardeman University
community. He takes pride in his work, and over the years he has
worked and supported many areas within dining services. McNeal
found his niche working at the grill where he felt immersed in the
hustle and bustle of student life. Comments from students and
graduates fondly refer to his famous cry of "Quesadilla!" Many
people recognize McNeal as the man who rides his bike everywhere –
in the rain, snow, cold or in the summer's scorching heat. He is
known for his dependability, punctuality and for always giving his
all. McNeal retires from the Gano dining team after 16 years of
service to FHU.
Powell is said to have brought "youthful enthusiasm" to the
classroom for three decades. Students are drawn by his matchless
kindness and dedicated passion to communicate scripture. In
addition to his teaching, Powell served as the assistant dean of
the College of Biblical Studies,
director of Horizons Leadership Camp and as a member of the annual
Bible Lectureship committee. He remains one of the most prominent
preachers in the fellowship and routinely speaks at churches
nationwide. Powell's obvious love for students and colleagues is
exceeded only by his love for his family. Powell retires as
professor emeritus of Bible after 30 years of service.
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 and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor's,
master's, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is
available at fhu.edu.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/fhu-recognizes-retirees-for-their-years-of-service-to-the-university-302119762.html
SOURCE Freed-Hardeman University