Previously Freeman taught a variety of journalism classes at Wichita State University between 1981-91.  

He has a master’s in communication for Wichita State University (1987) and a bachelor of journalism degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism (1975). 

His professional experience includes six years as a staff photographer at The Wichita Eagle in Kansas and internships at The Arizona Republic and Palm Beach Post.

Freeman was awarded an American Society of Newspaper Editors fellowship for six weeks of work at The Record in Hackensack NJ during summer 2002. He had previously updated his newsroom and photographic skills by shooting assignments as a staff photographer at The Los Angeles Times Orange County Edition during summer 1995. In 1996, he was awarded a fellowship for eight weeks of study at National Geographic magazine.

Freeman is also active in the National Press Photographers Association and was named NPPA Educator of the Year in 2001. He is a two-time winner of the College of Journalism ’s Teacher of the Year award.

During Freeman's tenure, the photojournalism program has won two national championships and six second places in the Hearst Intercollegiate Photojournalism Competition. He is active nationally in the AEJMC Viscom Division and also teaches during UF's Summer Journalism Institute for high school students.

During May 2005 and 2006, Freeman conducted a two-week study-abroad journalism course in Berlin, where he lived as a high school student. The 2007 trip is already full and closed for this May.