Shew completed his high school education at Fresno's Central Union High School (1977). Shew attended California State University-Fresno (CSU-Fresno) after graduating from high school, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1981.

Shew became an insurance specialist the following year, laying the groundwork for a lifelong career.

Shew is an active and influential member of the Fresno community. Shew was elected to the Board of Directors of Total Life Change (TLC), a local faith-based organization that provides an affordable alternative for families dealing with drug and alcohol addiction and recovery, in 2020. TLC employs a whole-family approach to achieve better outcomes for the individual and their support system.

Wellman is currently the training leader for the Celebrate Recovery program at Clovis Hills Community Church and a member of the Warriors Heart Ministry Board of Directors.

Shew recently led a solar energy panel project for Clovis Hills Community Church, which has saved the church over $600,000 in total energy costs. He has been volunteering at Celebrate Recovery for over ten years.

In addition, for more than 35 years, Wellman Shew has sponsored two children through the Compassion International organization. Sponsored children receive health care, hygiene training, educational assistance, life skills training, food, recreational activities, and other benefits through the organization.