Freed-Hardeman University President David R. Shannon has announced his appointment of Dave Clouse, previously vice president for community engagement, as senior vice president of FHU. The change will begin immediately.
Clouse, a 1987 alumnus who returned to work at his alma mater in 1996, served as a development officer for two years before being named vice president for university advancement under then President Milton R. Sewell. Throughout that role under Sewell and then FHU President Joe Wiley, Clouse oversaw alumni relations, development and estate planning.
After Shannon became FHU president in 2017, he named Clouse vice president for community engagement. That appointment placed enrollment management, marketing and advancement together under the umbrella of community engagement. As senior vice president, Clouse is charged with continuing to lead those areas and providing additional support for the administrative council and the president.
The administrative council comprises four areas that report directly to the president: athletics, campus safety and security, facilities and information technology. While these areas will continue reporting to the president, Clouse will provide them with additional support, leadership, leadership training, accessibility and communication in his role as senior vice president.
Regarding the new position, Shannon said, “Dave has contributed to Freed-Hardeman’s growth and success since he became a staff member almost 30 years ago. I am grateful that he is willing to use his proven leadership to make us an even stronger institution as we continue serving students for God’s glory. As we seek to be faithful stewards of the amazing growth and blessings God has given FHU, we know that focused and goal-oriented leaders like Dave are vital.”
In addition to his bachelor’s degree in communication from FHU, Clouse holds a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies in Strategic Leadership from the University of Memphis. He is a graduate of the executive leadership class with the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association, a graduate of Leadership Jackson, a Certified Fundraising Executive and volunteer fundraising consultant for several nonprofit organizations. Clouse serves as an elder for the Campbell Street Church of Christ in Jackson, Tennessee. He and his wife, Eve Strange Clouse (FHU ‘84), have three children, one daughter-in-law and two sons-in-law — all FHU alumni. The Clouses have two grandchildren.
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.