Nancy Bennett
Inducted in 2008
Distinguished Service
As a Lion
Though Nancy Bennett never played a sport at Freed-Hardeman University, her impact on the university's athletic programs is nonetheless very evident.
Bennett attended Freed-Hardeman University from 1960 to 1962 and returned in 1972 as the school's Director of Public Information. In the late 1970's, she established and coordinated the sports information division of the office utilizing university students to cover FHU athletic events. During this time, she oversaw the publication of the school's first media guides and helped launch the LionBackers.
In 1997, she became an official member of the athletic department as an assistant to athletic director Charlie Smith while maintaining a full-time job as a faculty member. In 2001, Bennett became Freed-Hardeman's first female athletic administrator when she was named Assistant Athletic Director. In this role, she managed sports information and helped to coordinate live audio streaming of basketball games, making FHU the first school in the TranSouth Conference to broadcast over the Internet. She coordinated the Champions of Character program from its inception in 2004. Bennett also took lead roles with the Sports Advisory Council, the Hall of Fame selection committee, and the LionHearts Walking Club.
In addition to her service in the FHU athletic department, Bennett has also served as the secretary of the TranSouth Conference Executive Committee since 2004. At the time of her induction in 2008, she continues to serve in that role and remains a faculty member at Freed-Hardeman University.
Bennett attended Freed-Hardeman University from 1960 to 1962 and returned in 1972 as the school's Director of Public Information. In the late 1970's, she established and coordinated the sports information division of the office utilizing university students to cover FHU athletic events. During this time, she oversaw the publication of the school's first media guides and helped launch the LionBackers.
In 1997, she became an official member of the athletic department as an assistant to athletic director Charlie Smith while maintaining a full-time job as a faculty member. In 2001, Bennett became Freed-Hardeman's first female athletic administrator when she was named Assistant Athletic Director. In this role, she managed sports information and helped to coordinate live audio streaming of basketball games, making FHU the first school in the TranSouth Conference to broadcast over the Internet. She coordinated the Champions of Character program from its inception in 2004. Bennett also took lead roles with the Sports Advisory Council, the Hall of Fame selection committee, and the LionHearts Walking Club.
In addition to her service in the FHU athletic department, Bennett has also served as the secretary of the TranSouth Conference Executive Committee since 2004. At the time of her induction in 2008, she continues to serve in that role and remains a faculty member at Freed-Hardeman University.