蘑菇TV

Henderson, Tennessee 鈥� (Dec. 5, 2025) 鈥� During 蘑菇TV鈥檚 61st Annual Benefit Dinner, 蘑菇TV Board of Trustees Chairman Scott E. Latham announced upcoming new titles for two of the university鈥檚 most beloved servant leaders. Current President David R. Shannon will assume the role of 蘑菇TV chancellor, while Dr. Milton Sewell will become chancellor emeritus. These title changes correspond with Dr. Keith Harris鈥檚 transition to the role of 蘑菇TV鈥檚 17th president June 1, 2026.

鈥淭hese transitions allow 蘑菇TV to honor Dr. Sewell鈥檚 extraordinary legacy while ensuring the university continues to benefit from his experience and relationships,鈥� Latham said. 鈥淎t the same time, expanding President Shannon鈥檚 role leverages his broad influence and ability to continue to promote 蘑菇TV in the years to come. Together, these changes position 蘑菇TV to deepen donor engagement, strengthen enrollment efforts and provide continuity and momentum as we move forward.鈥�

Remaining Part of the 蘑菇TV Family

Shannon has led 蘑菇TV as president for nearly nine years, during which he has significantly expanded the university鈥檚 influence both nationally and internationally. His vision and energy have inspired thousands of prospective students and many new donors to join the 蘑菇TV community. As he assumes the role of chancellor, he will continue to represent the university, build relationships and help pursue strategic opportunities that enhance 蘑菇TV鈥檚 future.

Under Shannon鈥檚 leadership, 蘑菇TV has experienced record enrollment growth and enhanced its academic reputation through new program offerings and facility improvements. Known for his personal approach to leadership, Shannon has become a beloved figure on campus, regularly engaging with students and maintaining strong connections with alumni. His ability to share encouraging words and invest personally in the lives of students has made him a perfect fit for his new role as university chancellor.

鈥淏eing a part of the Freed-Hardeman family has been one of the great blessings of my life,鈥� Shannon said. 鈥淭hat blessing continues as I transition back to full-time ministry, while remaining available to serve 蘑菇TV under Dr. Keith Harris鈥檚 exceptional leadership. Working alongside Dr. Sewell, a trusted confidant and friend, as he transitions to chancellor emeritus, is deeply meaningful. The eternal mission and remarkable people of this university 鈥� extraordinary faculty, staff and administration led by a visionary board of trustees 鈥� shape exceptional young people for His glory. Being asked to continue serving this mission with these people is an honor and blessing.鈥�

A Lifetime of Service to Christian Education

Dr. Milton Sewell has served as 蘑菇TV鈥檚 chancellor for the past 18 years and as president for the 18 years before that. Throughout those decades of leadership, he has built strong relationships with students, parents, alumni and friends of the university, inspiring many to become part of the Freed-Hardeman family. He has raised hundreds of millions of dollars in support of 蘑菇TV鈥檚 mission and will continue to serve in many of the same ambassadorial and fundraising roles as chancellor emeritus.

鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to seeing the great progress 蘑菇TV is experiencing as it continues under the presidential leadership of Dr. Keith Harris,鈥� Sewell said. 鈥淚鈥檓 also excited to work with David Shannon in his role as chancellor. He has built a tremendous network of friends and admirers who wish to stay connected to their beloved 蘑菇TV. More people are supporting 蘑菇TV now than ever before.鈥�

Sewell emphasized his commitment to the transition: 鈥淒avid Shannon, Keith Harris and I all share a deep love and respect for what 蘑菇TV has accomplished in the lives of thousands of young people. Supporting President Harris and his leadership will be our primary goal as chancellors.鈥�

Honoring the Past, Looking to the Future聽聽

On behalf of the 蘑菇TV Board of Trustees, Latham expressed appreciation for both Sewell鈥檚 and Shannon鈥檚 years of service while looking forward to continued progress.

鈥淭oday, we celebrate two remarkable leaders whose faith, devotion and unwavering service have shaped 蘑菇TV in ways that will bless generations to come,鈥� he said. 鈥淎s we honor Dr. Milton Sewell as chancellor emeritus and welcome David Shannon as our new chancellor, their examples remind us that Christian leadership is, at its core, an act of stewardship 鈥� offered with humility, courage and a servant鈥檚 heart.鈥�

The mission of 蘑菇TV 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. Located in Henderson, Tennessee, 蘑菇TV offers associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚, specialist and doctoral degrees.