Chris Braswell Credits Lander for Giving Him Technology Skills That Led to His Role as Director of IT at CVM

Chris Braswell, Director of IT at Clemson University’s Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), has built a career that bridges the worlds of higher education and healthcare technology. A 2009 graduate of Lander University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, Braswell now oversees IT operations for CVM, focusing on both instructional and research technology.

Since earning his degree from Lander, Braswell’s experience includes classroom technology, data center management, data communications, and healthcare technology. He hopes to use his experience to make a meaningful impact on the CVM by designing and implementing systems to create efficiency and effectiveness of operations.

A Foundation Built at Lander

Braswell credits his Lander education as key to his success in the IT field. “My Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Lander University has been pivotal to my career success,” Braswell stated.

During his time at Lander, Braswell had the opportunity to work under the mentorship of Ray Ladoucer in the ITS department. “This hands-on experience, coupled with coursework that included invaluable instruction from experts like Professor Farha Ali and rigorous training under Dr. Charles (Chaz) W. Schlindwein, prepared me for the complexities of a dynamic technology landscape,” Braswell said.

Career Highlights

After graduation, Braswell joined ID Shop, where he installed and supported credentialing systems across diverse industries—from school districts and power plants to high-profile events like the NFL.

“My role required adaptability and precision, qualities I further developed when Lander invited me back to manage TRACS,” Braswell said. “Over the next nine years, I moved into data center administration and eventually became Network Manager, gaining comprehensive experience in higher education IT. Working alongside a skilled team, we enhanced disaster recovery processes and supported mission-critical systems, giving me an in-depth understanding of technology’s role in higher education.”

Braswell then transitioned to the healthcare sector with Saluda Nursing and Rehab Center. There he rebuilt the infrastructure, strengthened data security, and assumed responsibility as HIPPA compliance officer.

The skills he learned at Saluda Nursing and Rehab caught Clemson’s attention leading to his current role.

Bridging Two Sectors

“My combined expertise in higher education and healthcare technology caught Clemson’s attention, leading to my current position, where I now oversee the deployment of essential systems like EMR, PACS, and LIS, which support both healthcare and educational objectives, Braswell said.

Braswell is currently located on the main campus at Clemson University as the veterinary school just broke ground on November 22. He and his team are tasked with building the IT program from the ground up.

“Today, as the inaugural Director of IT at Clemson’s Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine, I am responsible for developing the technology that supports our mission to educate future veterinarians and advance research in animal care.”

“This new role at Clemson University builds upon a foundation laid at Lander, where I gained both the technical knowledge and practical experience necessary to succeed in IT leadership,” Braswell said.

Reflections

Lander University was not only foundational to Braswell’s career, but it is also where he met his wife, Jessica.They have one daughter, Elayna, who is interested in being a veterinarian.

“Reflecting on my journey, I am deeply appreciative of the education and mentorship I received at Lander,” Braswell said. “It has equipped me to drive innovation in veterinary education and research, helping Clemson University make a lasting impact on South Carolina’s animals, farms and communities.”