Belmont Abbey College Honors Recipient of the Adrian Award For Teaching Excellence
Belmont Abbey College Honors Recipient of the Adrian Award For Teaching Excellence
Belmont, N.C. (April 27th, 2026) – Belmont Abbey College hosted its 35th Annual Academic Awards Ceremony on April 24, 2026, in the Haid Ballroom, recognizing outstanding student and faculty achievements across the college. Among the thirty-five awards presented was the Adrian Award for Teaching Excellence, one of the institution’s highest faculty distinctions. Established in 1984 by Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Adrian, the award celebrates faculty members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to teaching and student development.
Belmont Abbey College encourages students to learn, seek truth, and thrive in an authentic and supportive environment, guided by exceptional faculty who lead in their fields and serve as exemplary community members. This year’s recipient of the Adrian Award is Dr. Jennifer Ellington, Associate Professor of Biology.
“As Dr. Ellington marks her twentieth year at the Abbey, her impact extends far beyond the curriculum,” said Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Provost at Belmont Abbey College. “She is an exceptional professor and mentor who goes above and beyond to support her students both academically and personally. She truly embodies the Benedictine hallmarks, fostering a community rooted in hospitality, humility, and a genuine commitment to the growth and well-being of each student.”
Dr. Ellington is widely recognized for her engaging instruction across courses such as genetics, microbiology, and molecular biology, as well as for her dedication to undergraduate research opportunities. In her role as the college’s Pre-Health advisor, she also plays a key part in strengthening professional pathways for students, helping many successfully pursue admission to competitive medical programs.
Her influence is best reflected in the words of her students. One student shared, “Dr. Ellington has a kind and gentle heart. She is extremely smart and over-qualified as a Professor, and I feel lucky to have her as my Professor. She loves what she teaches, and her excitement is contagious. She knows what I am capable of and encourages me to work hard and reach my potential. Dr. Ellington takes time and effort to learn about her students, and it makes me and other students feel important. Along with her laugh, her happiness is very contagious, and I never feel intimidated to show up to office hours.”
Rooted in the Benedictine tradition, Belmont Abbey College remains committed to fostering a learning environment centered on truth, excellence, and virtue. The Adrian Award continues to highlight faculty who embody these ideals. Previous recipients include Dr. Nancy Llewellyn, Dr. Thomas Varacalli, Dr. Matthew Siebert, Dr. Heather Ayala, and Dr. Mike McLeod.
About Belmont Abbey College: Founded in 1876, Belmont Abbey College is a private, Catholic baccalaureate and liberal arts institution. Our mission is to educate students in the liberal arts and sciences so that in all things God may be glorified. Guided by the Catholic intellectual tradition and the Benedictine spirit of prayer and learning, we welcome a diverse body of students and provide them with an education that will enable them to lead lives of integrity, to succeed professionally, to become responsible citizens, and to be a blessing to themselves and to others. Our beautiful and historic campus is conveniently located just 10 miles west of Charlotte, N.C., and is currently home to more than 1500 students. For more information, visit belmontabbeycollege.edu.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sarah Bolton
P: 704-461-7016 E: sarahbolton@bac.edu
