Freed-Hardeman University (FHU), located in Henderson, Tennessee, stands as a beacon for those seeking meaningful careers in higher education within a faith-centered environment. Nesting on a picturesque 120-acre campus in the heart of West Tennessee, FHU offers a range of jobs that blend academic rigor with Christian values rooted in the Churches of Christ tradition. Whether you're eyeing faculty positions, administrative roles, or support staff opportunities, jobs at Freed-Hardeman University emphasize teaching excellence, community engagement, and spiritual growth. This private liberal arts institution, with around 2,400 students, prioritizes undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like Bible and ministry, education, business, nursing, and agriculture, making it an attractive destination for educators passionate about integrating faith and learning.
The university's commitment to Christ-centered education shapes its employment landscape. Faculty members not only teach but also mentor students in daily chapel services and mission trips, fostering holistic development. For professionals interested in higher ed faculty jobs, FHU provides a supportive setting where your expertise can impact lives eternally.
FHU traces its origins to 1921 when it was founded as a Bible college by educator Athens Clay Pullias in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1942, it relocated to Henderson, merging with the Freed-Hardeman College legacy established earlier by brothers J.W. and N.B. Hardeman. This move solidified its position as a key institution for Churches of Christ education. Over the decades, FHU evolved from a junior college to granting bachelor's degrees in 1954 and achieving university status in 1994. Key milestones include the establishment of the graduate school in 1988 and expansions in health sciences and online programs. Today, jobs at FHU continue this legacy, offering roles that contribute to its mission of developing servant-leaders grounded in biblical truth.
The university's growth reflects Tennessee's higher education landscape, where small private colleges like FHU thrive by emphasizing personal attention and moral formation. Historical figures like President Joe A. Aguillard have steered expansions, including new facilities for nursing and agriculture, creating diverse job openings in these areas.
FHU boasts over 100 majors across six colleges: Biblical Studies, Business, Education, Humanities, Natural and Health Sciences, and University Studies. Standout programs include the acclaimed teacher education (with 98% placement rate), pre-professional tracks in medicine and law, and the renowned Bible major, which attracts students nationwide. Graduate offerings encompass Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.).
Jobs at Freed-Hardeman University often align with these strengths. For instance, education faculty positions require expertise in pedagogy, while nursing roles demand clinical experience. The agriculture department, unique for a liberal arts school, focuses on sustainable farming, appealing to researchers in rural Tennessee contexts.
Opportunities span tenure-track professor jobs, adjunct lecturer positions, administrative leadership, and staff roles in student services or IT. Faculty openings frequently appear in growing areas like health sciences and online education. Administrative jobs include deans, registrars, and HR specialists. For a deeper dive into university job types, explore our comprehensive guide.
Tenure-track roles involve teaching 12-15 credits per semester, research, and committee service. Adjuncts offer flexibility for those balancing multiple commitments. Staff positions support operations, from admissions counseling to facilities management, all infused with FHU's service-oriented culture.
To clarify key terms for jobs at Freed-Hardeman University:
For faculty jobs at FHU, a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) is standard for tenure-track roles, particularly in academic departments. Master's degrees suffice for some teaching positions in professional programs like nursing (MSN required). Biblical studies faculty often hold advanced seminary degrees like Master of Divinity (M.Div.). All candidates must demonstrate compatibility with FHU's Christian mission, typically through a faith statement.
Research focus varies: education roles prioritize curriculum development; sciences emphasize lab-based inquiry aligned with creationist views.
Preferred experience includes 3+ years of college teaching, peer-reviewed publications (e.g., in Journal of Christian Education), and grant awards from faith-based foundations. Skills encompass curriculum design, student advising, and technology integration for hybrid courses.
Core competencies: Strong communication, collaborative teamwork, and spiritual leadership. FHU values candidates with mission trip experience or youth ministry backgrounds, enhancing campus community ties. Check employer branding secrets for insights on standing out.
The process starts with online submission via FHU's careers portal: CV, cover letter, transcripts, references, and faith statement. Interviews include teaching demos and doctrinal discussions. Timeline: postings in fall for August starts.
Actionable tips:
Avoid generic applications; reference FHU's Lion pride mascot or Henderson's community vibe.
FHU advances diversity through the Multicultural Student Union, recruiting underrepresented faculty (e.g., 15% increase in minority hires since 2015), and scholarships for first-generation students. Initiatives include bias training and partnerships with urban Churches of Christ congregations, balancing inclusivity with doctrinal fidelity. Women hold 40% of faculty roles, exceeding regional averages.
FHU fosters balance with 4-day teaching weeks, generous PTO (20 days/year), tuition remission for dependents, and wellness centers. Campus life buzzes with athletics (NAIA Lions), chapel (daily), family picnics, and proximity to Tennessee River recreation. Henderson's low cost of living (20% below national average) and safety enhance appeal. Employees rave about mentorship culture and spiritual renewal retreats.
Benefits: Health insurance, retirement matching, sabbaticals after tenure.
In summary, jobs at Freed-Hardeman University offer a unique blend of academic pursuit and faith in Henderson, Tennessee. Explore more higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. With its rich history and vibrant community, FHU awaits dedicated professionals.
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