Freed-Hardeman President Joe Wiley Announces Retirement

HENDERSON, Tennessee — Oct. 10, 2016 — Dr. Joe Wiley has announced he will retire as president of Freed-Hardeman University effective June 1, 2017. In sharing his decision, Wiley said, “When I interviewed for the position of president of FHU, I was asked how long I intended to serve. My response was a minimum of seven years and a maximum of 10. This year, I will complete my ninth year as president of Freed-Hardeman University.” While stating his intent to retire at the end of the 2016-17 academic year, Wiley added, “If a new president is not identified and/or not able to take office on June 1, 2017, the board has requested (and I have agreed) that I will continue to serve as president until a successor has been employed.”

Wiley’s tenure at FHU marks his 44th year of professional service in higher education. “Working at FHU is and has been a true ministry for which I will be forever grateful to the board for allowing me to experience. While there are always goals and objectives left uncompleted, we have accomplished much together, and I am confident that FHU is well positioned for the future.” He went on to add in a message to faculty and staff, “I am confident in our future because of the dedication and commitment of each of you.”

Wiley emphasized that he, the leadership team and the entire campus will continue developing academic and student life programs during this school year. “We will keep working to achieve our goals for the 2016-17 year with the commitment and diligence our FHU family exemplifies.”

FHU Board of Trustees Chairman John Law commented on the announcement, saying, “The board is grateful for the tenure of Dr. Wiley. He has guided our university with decisive and effective leadership, meeting and overcoming challenges and leading our university to a place of historic growth and strength. Most importantly, he has exhibited to our students, faculty and staff a humble and Christ-like spirit that will define his legacy for years to come.” Law added, “In our upcoming fall meeting, our board will begin planning for the succession process. These discussions will include time spent in prayer, thanking God for Joe and Glenda’s contribution to FHU and asking Him for wisdom in the important leadership decisions to be made. We solicit the prayers of all the FHU family for this process.”

During Wiley’s presidency, the Anderson Science Center, Heritage Commons, Bader Green, Bucy Tower and Hope Barber Shull Academic Center have been added to the Henderson campus. Freed-Hardeman also has dedicated off-campus instructional locations, the Bucy Center in Memphis and the Renaissance Center in Dickson, Tennessee. FHU has received the three largest gifts in the school’s history, and the endowment, which ensures the university’s permanency and provides scholarships for students who otherwise could not afford a Christian education, has grown to more than $50 million.

The university also has initiated the offering of two new doctoral degrees (in education and behavioral sciences) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), in addition to the expanding bachelor’s and master’s degrees offered both on-site and online.

Also during Wiley’s nine years, FHU has secured a 10-year reaffirmation from Southern Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Colleges. The university also has established the Engaged Learning Initiative, secured funding to launch two centers of excellence, initiated University Scholars’ Day and the Graduate School of Theology Research Symposium, expanded the number of study abroad opportunities for students (from one to five locations), and formalized the undergraduate research program.

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’s and doctoral degrees. More information is available at http://www.fhu.edu.