Henderson, Tennessee — (August 27, 2024) — With 18 years of IT experience and a passion for continuous improvement, Damon Belew has been appointed as the new IT Director at Freed-Hardeman University. Belew brings nearly a decade of experience in higher education, where he has honed his skills in developing and collaborating with vendors and IT professionals. Having spent the past year at FHU, he is now committed to advancing the university’s technological capabilities while fostering a supportive environment for faculty, staff, and students.
FHU President David R. Shannon praised Belew’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
“In today's digital age, IT serves as the backbone of our entire campus operations. Damon's proven technical expertise, coupled with his strong interpersonal skills, makes him an ideal fit for this role. We are blessed to have a leader who embraces FHU's mission and understands the supportive role technology plays in our academic community," Shannon said.
Belew’s career has been marked by growth and adaptability. “It’s not about one single achievement but the collective experiences that prepare you to lead,” Belew reflected. “I’m eager to bring that leadership to all areas of IT at FHU.”
He plans to maintain the momentum of recent advancements in the university’s infrastructure. “The last two years have seen incredible progress in our IT systems, and my priority is to keep that energy going,” Belew emphasized. “This ensures that the Freed-Hardeman experience continues to be exceptional for everyone on campus.”
Looking forward, Belew is focused on integrating modern tools to meet both current and future needs. “We’re exploring automation and endpoint management tools to enhance our technological infrastructure,” he noted.
Belew’s leadership is driven by a philosophy of constant improvement. “Every day is an opportunity to do better than the day before. That’s the mindset I bring to this role,” said Belew, who has family members currently attending the university. “My history with this community and the relationships I’ve built here are invaluable. These connections will be crucial as we work together to achieve our shared goals.”
Belew hopes to lead in a way that not only helps FHU grow but “also brings us closer to God each day.”
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. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.