HENDERSON, Tenn. — Freed-Hardeman University is honoring the retirements of three longtime faculty members in its College of Education and Behavioral Sciences: Lisa Beene, Dr. Mike Cravens and Dr. Dana Baldwin, whose combined service represents nearly 100 years of dedication to the university.
The university recognized the trio during a retirement reception held April 11 in Old Main.
Beene, who has served as chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences for 29 years, and Cravens each completed 39 years of full-time faculty service at FHU. Baldwin began teaching as an adjunct in 2003 before joining the university full time in 2006.
Together, the three faculty members helped shape generations of students while expanding FHU’s behavioral sciences and graduate counseling offerings.
“My time at FHU has been an incredible journey full of incredible people and memories,” Beene said. “I have been blessed to experience FHU from multiple perspectives — as a child growing up in Henderson, as a student, as an alumna, as a faculty member and now soon as a retiree. FHU has truly blessed my life and the life of my family.”
Beene said the relationships built over decades of teaching are what she will miss most. “The people of FHU are etched in my heart,” she said. “I believe people and relationships are at the heart of Freed-Hardeman.”
During Beene’s tenure, the Department of Behavioral Sciences experienced significant growth through the addition of new majors, graduate degrees and certificate programs. Beginning in fall 2026, the department will also launch a new master’s program in Sports and Exercise Psychology.
As the department enters a new season, several faculty members will assume new leadership roles. Dr. James Dalton has been named chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences, succeeding Beene. Dr. Nadine McNeal will serve as director of the Doctor of Behavioral Health program, and Dr. Neil Richey has been named director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
“Mrs. Beene, Dr. Cravens and Dr. Baldwin are three of the best faculty in FHU’s history,” Dalton said. “In addition to being teachers loved and admired by their students and alumni, they have also been leaders within the department who have mentored our faculty in countless ways. I know I speak for the entire department when I say that they are deeply loved, and their impact will continue to be felt for years to come.”
“The leadership and legacy of these faculty members have helped establish a strong foundation for FHU’s graduate behavioral health programs,” said Trent Adams, assistant dean of graduate admissions. “While we will miss those who are retiring, we are excited to see Drs. Dalton, McNeal and Richey step into these new roles and have full confidence they will lead our programs and department into the next era.”
The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences continues to expand its graduate offerings to meet growing workforce needs in counseling, behavioral health and related fields.
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. Located in Henderson, Tennessee, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu .
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