/PRNewswire/ -- Freed-Hardeman University has completed its first group in the National Institute for School Leadership program, representing progress in the university's drive to enhance instructional leadership throughout West Tennessee.

Via collaboration with the National Center on Education and the Economy, the parent group of NISL, FHU's Department of Education introduced the nationally recognized, research-supported leadership development program to the area, forming a cohort-based learning opportunity aimed at readying future school and district administrators.

The proven program blends demanding study with hands-on use, providing educators the insight and abilities to bolster instructional guidance, apply data for choices, encourage teamwork and advance teaching along with student results.

"This first graduating class marks a genuine historic milestone - not only for Freed-Hardeman University and NCEE, but also for the outlook of educational leadership in our area," said Dr. Sharen Cypress, professor and dean of FHU's College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. "It has been a privilege to accompany these outstanding professionals as they developed into resilient, strategic and student-focused leaders who will benefit schools, teachers and learners for years ahead."

Participants in the first 2026 FHU/NCEE-NISL graduating group include administrators from Hardeman County Schools, Milan Special School District and Freed-Hardeman University. While this marks the initial NISL group at FHU, over 12,000 educators from 375 districts across 35 states have joined the recognized leadership program.

Sarah Hibbett, lead facilitator for FHU's first cohort, noted that the program highlighted the strength of shared leadership.

"NISL offered a common framework for leadership and a richer, research-supported grasp of how to support students and schools with focus and intent," Hibbett said. "Above all, the experience showed that leadership works best when shared."

Through group-based, practical learning, NISL supplies school and district leaders with actionable methods to improve instruction, create supportive cultures and raise student success.

"Effective instructional leadership stands among the strongest tools for advancing student results," said Dr. Doris Battle, director of U.S. partnerships for the National Center on Education and the Economy. "Through this partnership, FHU helps prepare leaders ready to create real change in their schools and communities."

For Craig Harris, secondary instructional supervisor and Career and Technical Education director for Hardeman County Schools, the program's effects appeared right away.

"NISL has greatly shaped my development as a leader by pushing me to plan strategically and guide with more purpose," Harris said. "The program supplied practical, research-supported methods that I now apply to assist staff, build teamwork and support ongoing progress. Consequently, I have grown into a more thoughtful, assured and student-centered leader."

A second FHU NISL group is now active and set to finish in January 2027. Freed-Hardeman University is also seeking members for Cohort 3, planned to start in February 2027.

School districts wishing to learn more about the program can reach Dr. Nathan Hall or Dr. Sharen Cypress.

SOURCE Freed-Hardeman University