Another preacher president for FHU — this one from Texas

HENDERSON, TENN. — Freed-Hardeman University, which has a record enrollment of 2,349 this fall, has chosen Keith Harris to serve as its 17th president.

Harris, preaching minister for the Dallas-area Lewisville Church of Christ since 2021, will succeed David Shannon, himself a minister turned president.

Freed-Hardeman University President David Shannon takes a selfie with, from left, his newly named successor, Keith Harris; Keith’s wife, Lindsey; and David’s wife, Tracie.

FHU, which is associated with Churches of Christ, launched a search for a new leader six months ago. Shannon, who has guided the university since 2017, announced plans in April to step down in 2026.

“Dr. Harris’s profound experience in ministry, coupled with his comprehensive skill set in communication, interpersonal relations and leadership, made him a great choice to advance FHU’s mission and goals,” Scott E. Latham, chairman of FHU’s board of trustees, said in a news release Friday night.

Harris earned his doctorate in ministry from FHU this spring.

“I believe Freed-Hardeman is a special place with a rich history and a unique opportunity to continue being a light for students, families and churches,” Harris said in the news release.

“I believe Freed-Hardeman is a special place with a rich history and a unique opportunity to continue being a light for students, families and churches.”

Harris, who has worked in ministry since 2004, and his wife, Lindsey, have a 20-year-old son, Kade, who is a junior Bible major at FHU. Their 18-year-old daughter, Zoe, plans to attend FHU starting this fall and study early childhood education.

“I want to express my deep admiration for President Shannon,” Harris said. “He’s set the bar high — leading with passion, love, service and conviction. I have a strong desire to carry on this good work, honoring his legacy by ensuring that the momentum that has been built propels this university even further.”

The Harris family

Before taking on the university’s top job, Shannon served for 18 years as preaching minister for the Mt. Juliet Church of Christ, north of Nashville, Tenn. He plans to return to the Mt. Juliet congregation as connections minister.

For his part, Harris has experience following a prominent, popular leader: Jeff Jenkins, his predecessor at Lewisville and an FHU trustee, is a nationally known preacher. Jenkins and his brother, Dale, ended decades of local ministry in 2021 to devote themselves fully to the broader work of The Jenkins Institute.

Read the full news release from FHU.

Filed under: Christian higher education David Shannon FHU Freed-Hardeman University Keith Harris National News Tennessee Top Stories