Hardeman County School Leaders Graduate From Freed-Hardeman Leadership Program
Five Hardeman County Schools district leaders are among the first graduates of Freed-Hardeman University’s National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) program, marking a milestone in the university’s effort to strengthen instructional leadership across West Tennessee.
The inaugural 2026 FHU/NCEE-NISL graduating cohort includes Dennis Bills, Dr. Sandra Cheairs, Ginger Crowe, James Crocker and Craig Harris of Hardeman County Schools, along with school and district leaders from Milan Special School District and Freed-Hardeman University.
The evidence-based program combines rigorous learning with practical application, equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to strengthen instructional leadership, use data to inform decision-making, foster collaboration and improve teaching and learning.
Although this is the first NISL cohort offered through Freed-Hardeman, the nationally recognized leadership program has served more than 12,000 educators representing 375 school districts in 35 states.
For Craig Harris, secondary instructional supervisor and Career and Technical Education director for Hardeman County Schools, the program had an immediate impact.
“NISL has significantly influenced my growth as a leader by challenging me to think strategically and lead with greater intentionality,” Harris said. “The program provided practical, research-based strategies that I now use to support staff, strengthen collaboration and drive continuous improvement. As a result, I have become a more reflective, confident and student-centered leader.”
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