UTM Public Safety Director Monte Belew

Chief Monte Belew is the current director of public safety for the University of Tennessee at Martin. Belew spent 14 years as police chief for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office in Paris, Tennessee, before moving into his current role at UTM in 2020.

Belew is responsible for directing UT Martin’s efforts to provide a safe, secure, and orderly environment for members of the university community and campus visitors. He also leads crime prevention activities and education, enforcement activities, and interacts extensively with students, faculty, staff members, and others who are associated with or impacted by the university.

In 2018, Belew and one of his officers were credited with capturing a Stewart County man, Kirby Gene Wallace, who was a suspect in multiple murders. Wallace had been the subject of a seven-day manhunt involving multiple agencies from across the state.

Belew’s law enforcement experience includes completion of professional development opportunities with the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol Cadet School. He was honored as the Henry County 4-H Outstanding Service Award recipient in 2004, the Tennessee Constables’ Sheriff of the Year in 2009 and with the Woodmen of the World Community Leadership Award in 2010.