Six Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) accounting students have been awarded a total of $7,750 in scholarships from the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA), the highest number of recipients in a single year for FHU. These awards, representing 40% of those given within the West Tennessee chapter’s jurisdiction, include the district’s top honor presented to BBA/MBA accounting student Elizabeth McKeeby. “We attribute the success of our thriving accounting program to the diligence of our College of Business faculty and students,” states FHU College of Business Dean Matt Vega. Dr. Brandon Lanciloti, associate professor of accounting and accounting program coordinator, adds, “Our students’ hard work, intelligence and integrity have long been valued by employers, and I’m thrilled that they are also increasingly getting recognized by the TSCPA.” Educational and Memorial Foundation General Scholarship Awards were presented to Rylee Baker, in the amount of $500; Daniel Grooms, in the amount of $500; Garrett Herndon, in the amount of $750; and Adam Hesselbacher, in the amount of $1,000. Kara Lane received the $2,500 Bruce D. Sullivan Award, and Elizabeth McKeeby was chosen for the West Tennessee Chapter Award, worth $2,500. In conjunction with her district award, McKeeby will serve as the 2024-25 TSCPA Student Ambassador at FHU. In this capacity, she will work closely with TSCPA leadership to promote student membership and programs on campus, and she will also work with her professors to help distribute information about TSCPA happenings.
“I am extremely honored and grateful to receive the West TN Chapter Award,” McKeeby stated. “This scholarship not only provides me with the resources to continue my education but also motivates me to strive for academic excellence in my studies.” “In my role as the TSCPA Student Ambassador at FHU, I hope to encourage students to explore the numerous resources TSCPA offers, such as scholarships, networking opportunities and professional support,” she continued. “Freed-Hardeman’s College of Business and the TSCPA have invested time and money into me, so becoming a student ambassador will allow me to give back and serve my school and the accounting community.”
Freed-Hardeman’s accounting program currently contains the second-highest number of majors at FHU as well as the highest number of majors within the College of Business. Accounting majors have averaged in the 98th percentile nationally on exit exam accounting questions for over a decade and have seen a 100% job placement rate for the last six years.
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.”
Freed-Hardeman University is honoring the legacy of a long-serving member of its College of Business faculty by establishing an endowed chair in his name. The Dr. Bobby Bush Endowed Chair for Excellence in Business commemorates Bush’s distinguished 25-year tenure (1976-2001) as a professor of business at the university. Dr. Bobby Bush, who passed away this week, made a profound impact on FHU. In 1986, he was recognized with the FHU Alumni Association’s Teacher of the Year Award, and in 2005, he was honored as the bell master for the university’s annual Tolling of the Bell. Before his academic career, Bush spent 20 years in management in the private sector, bringing real-world experience to his classroom teachings. He held both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Mississippi State University. FHU President David R. Shannon, who was once a student in Bush’s classes in the 1980s, reflected on Bush’s influence: “Dr. Bush’s business acumen, enriched by his corporate experience, brought textbooks to life. His disciplined, professional approach pushed students to adopt a polished demeanor—a skill not reflected on our transcripts but invaluable nonetheless.” Bush was known for his strict punctuality. Shannon recalls his first class with Bush as “an exercise in trepidation.” However, this initial fear gradually transformed into deep respect and genuine appreciation. “One rule was unwavering: ‘Be seated with books open before the bell rang.’ This wasn’t just about punctuality—it was survival instinct at its finest,” Shannon noted. “Dr. Bush didn’t just prepare us for the business world; he delivered a master class in professional development.”
Dr. Leah Gray, assistant professor of management, described Bush as “a tough teacher who encouraged debates and challenged students to see all sides of an argument, often playing devil’s advocate himself.” She credits Bush with setting the direction for her career in human resources, highlighting his ability to challenge students while offering unwavering support.
In addition to his academic contributions, Bush served as a deacon at the Henderson Church of Christ and participated in mission and volunteer work both domestically and abroad. Alongside his wife, Betty, he also worked with the Sojourners, dedicating much of their retirement to supporting smaller congregations. The Dr. Bobby Bush Endowed Chair for Excellence in Business will support a distinguished faculty member in the College of Business. Recipients of the award are expected to uphold Bush’s legacy of ethical leadership, mentorship and excellence in teaching.
FHU’s College of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). It offers Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degrees in accounting, business analytics, financial planning, finance, management, marketing, and sport administration, as well as Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees in business and healthcare management.
For more information about the endowed chair or to make a donation in memory of Dr. Bush, please contact Kyle Lamb at klamb@fhu.edu or 731-989-6020.
Eighteen students from Freed-Hardeman University completed their studies this summer, earning six bachelor’s degrees, nine master’s degrees and three doctorates. Among those who graduated was Bobby Leek Jr., of Henderson, graduated Master of Science. 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’s and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.
