ĢTV to Honor President David R. Shannon and First Lady Tracie Shannon With Day of Celebration
April 7, 2026
HENDERSON, Tenn. — (April 7, 2026) — Following nine years of transformative leadership at ĢTV, President David R. Shannon and First Lady Tracie Shannon will be honored with a campus-wide day of celebration Friday, May 8, as Shannon’s presidency draws to a close. The day will include a farewell chapel service, a festive carnival in the Commons, an evening dinner and additional moments of tribute throughout the day.
“Over the past nine years, President Shannon’s leadership has strengthened every aspect of Freed-Hardeman while fostering a culture marked by growth, faith and connection,” ĢTV Senior Vice President Dave Clouse said. “He and Tracie have invested deeply in this community, and we are grateful for the lasting influence they leave behind.”
Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are invited to take part in the day’s events, beginning at 10:30 am with a farewell chapel service in Dryden Auditorium. Those unable to attend in person may view a live stream at fhu.edu/chapel. Campus festivities will continue from 2-4 pm in the Heritage Commons, where an outdoor carnival will feature games, refreshments and entertainment for all ages. Guests are also invited to a special dinner in honor of the Shannons at 6 pm in Brewer Sports Center. Tickets for the dinner are $50 per person and may be purchased at fhu.edu/ShannonCelebration, with RSVPs requested by April 17.
The day will conclude with a time of singing and prayer at 8 pm in the Heritage Commons, offering the ĢTV community a meaningful opportunity to express gratitude for the Shannons’ lasting impact.
The mission of ĢTV 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, ĢTV offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees.