Position: Vice Provost of Enrollment
Contact: jessedorman@bac.edu

Jesse, originally from Pittsburgh, PA, recently moved to North Carolina with his family. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language and Literature from Gannon University, a Master of Arts in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from The George Washington University. Jesse has over 20 years of experience in higher education and has served in leadership roles at both private and public institutions. He is passionate about helping prospective students and their families discover what makes Belmont Abbey such a unique and special place. A dedicated fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams, especially the Steelers, Jesse enjoys spending his free time with his family, attending their various activities and sporting events, and listening to large quantities of podcasts.

Position: Director of Admissions
Contact: johnblalock@bac.edu

Position: Director of Admissions Operations
Contact: chipcarter@bac.edu

Chip was born & raised in Asheville, NC, but now lives in Shelby, NC. He graduated from Gardner-Webb University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in History & a minor in Social Sciences (emphasis in Political Science). He served as Student Body President & was Division I All-Conference in both cross country & track. Along with admissions & college fundraising, his prior professional experience includes 15 years in banking. Chip & his wife Lindsay have 4 daughters & 1 son. Chip also serves as a Public Address (PA) announcer & is a local sports radio personality. His favorite week of the year is when he volunteers as a Gallery Guard for The Masters golf tournament (check out his feature spotlight on YouTube). He is a die-hard obnoxious New York Yankees fan & movie buff. He enjoys being active in his parish & taking trips with Lindsay.

Position: Director of Enrollment Marketing
Contact: gabrielleallison@bac.edu

Gabrielle Isaac Allison is a North Carolina native with a passion for storytelling and creative communication. She began her career as a daily reporter for The Robesonian in Lumberton, NC, before transitioning into higher education marketing and communications in 2016. Gabrielle has brought her talents in graphic design, media relations, writing, and content creation to institutions including Methodist University, Johnson C. Smith University, and, most recently, Belmont Abbey College, where she joined the staff in 2025. She holds a BA in Mass Communication from Methodist University and is currently pursuing her MA in Communication at East Carolina University. When she’s not crafting compelling content, Gabbie enjoys movie nights, quality time with her husband Jonathan and her mom, and hanging out with her beloved pets.

Position: Graduate and Abbey Online Coordinator
Contact: carolinehohensee@bac.edu

Caroline Hohensee, originally from Los Angeles, CA, has lived in Charlotte for 20 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Loyola Marymount University and went on to complete both a Master of Health Administration and a Master of Gerontology at the University of Southern California. Caroline spent 5 years living and working in Essen, Germany, before coming to Charlotte, NC, to complete her PhD in Health Services Research from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2011. Since 2012, Caroline has been a faculty member in both undergraduate and graduate Health Administration programs in the Charlotte area. She is passionate about engaging with students in their academic and professional journey. While she is not new to Belmont Abbey College, she is excited to join the Admissions team in the Graduate Admissions department.

Position: Assistant Director of Admissions & Transfer Admissions Counselor
Contact: elizabethwelch@bac.edu

Elizabeth Welch is originally from Rock Hill, South Carolina and attended Columbia College where she earned a B.A. in Child and Family Studies with a minor in Psychology. Upon completing her undergraduate education Elizabeth attended Towson University in Maryland where she received a M.S. in Child Life, Administration, and Family Collaboration. She then began work as a Certified Child Life Specialist at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center working with pediatric urology and transplant patients. After moving back to the Carolina’s in 2019 Elizabeth worked in the Early Intervention field with children 0-6 years old. Elizabeth lives in Clover, South Carolina with her husband, two young children, and her rescue dog. She is excited to help transfer students find their new home at the Abbey.

Position: Assistant Director of Admissions
Contact: kathrynlaughlin@bac.edu

Kathryn was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. She graduated from Belmont Abbey in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a minor in Biology. During her time at the Abbey, Kathryn played on the Women’s Soccer team and was elected captain her senior year by her teammates. She also participated in the Student Government Association for three years and was an Abbey Advocate. After graduating, Kathryn studied at Nottingham Trent University, U.K. for a year studying Child Psychology and playing soccer for the university. She is excited to be back home and to be a part of the Admissions team. Kathryn is looking forward to helping students through the admissions process and sharing her love for the Abbey.

Position: Assistant Director of Admissions Operations
Contact: TracyAbernathy@bac.edu

Tracy Thompson Abernathy earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Cincinnati and has more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition within the IT consulting industry. Her career has been driven by a passion for connecting people with opportunities and fostering strong organizational cultures. In 2007, she relocated to the Charlotte area, where she met and married her husband, Paul. Together, they are raising two energetic young boys who keep them busy with sports and community activities. Tracy is deeply committed to both her professional and personal communities and enjoys contributing to initiatives that support growth, collaboration, and engagement. Whether on the field, at a local event, or in the workplace, Tracy strives to make a positive impact and build meaningful relationships.

Position: Admissions Operations Coordinator
Contact: MeganWalden@bac.edu

Position: Senior Admissions Counselor
Contact: theresapeetz@bac.edu

Theresa grew up in Sussex County, New Jersey. She anticipated her family’s move to the Carolinas 2 years in advance when she began as a student at Belmont Abbey College in the fall of 2016. During that time she ran Cross Country and Track, was a scholar in the Honors Institute, and was heavily involved in putting together the Agora literary magazine and campus events. In addition, she was an Abbey Advocate for admissions for 3 years. After graduating in 2020 with a B.A. in History and minors in English, Theology, Medieval Studies, and Education and teaching at Angelus Academy in Virginia for a year, she is deeply blessed to be back home at The Abbey. She is excited to help students explore God’s plans for them especially in getting to know and love The Abbey like she does!

Position: Admissions Counselor
Contact: connorjones@bac.edu

Connor Jones grew up in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. He selected Belmont Abbey College because of his desire to grow in his Catholic faith. As a student, he was heavily involved with Campus Ministry activities, including campus Bible study, Catholic student conferences, and the March for Life. After graduating in May 2018, Connor served as a missionary in Charleston, South Carolina for 10 months and shortly after discerned in the monastery. While it was a great experience for him, he did not feel called to monastic life and ended his discernment in July 2020. Connor is deeply passionate about the Abbey and is excited to share this special place with prospective students and families.

Position: Admissions Counselor
Contact: angelaloya@bac.edu

Angela, a native of Winston Salem, North Carolina, is a 2023 graduate of Belmont Abbey College and received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management with a minor in Economics. While attending Belmont Abbey, she served as a Resident Assistant for three years and really enjoyed supporting students when they were in need. Angela was also part of the Black Student Alliance Organization for two years, one of which she served as President. During her senior year at the Abbey, Angela secured an internship in the Admissions Office and developed an interest in helping prospective students find their college home. Post-graduation, she is excited to join the Admissions Team full time where she will guide students through the application process and provide encouragement and support during their college search.

Position: Coordinator of Campus Visit Experience
Contact: danasasenick@bac.edu

Dana is from Villa Park, Illinois. She spent 2 years at North Central College in Naperville IL and then transferred to the Abbey in 2020 where she pursued a Sport Management degree with a minor in Digital Sport Media. During her time at the Abbey, Dana was on the Women’s Bowling team and was involved with the Belmont Abbey Sports Network (BASN), the Athletic Band, and the Abbey Players. She also served as an Abbey Advocate and a New Student Mentor. She’s excited to stay at the Abbey and welcome new students to this special place.

Position: Admissions Counselor
Contact: juliaiseman@bac.edu

Julia, originally from Wichita, Kansas, graduated from the Abbey in 2022 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology, and a Minor in Theology. During her time at the Abbey, Julia was a part of the Hintemeyer Scholarship and the Bishop Curlin Scholarship Programs. She was also a member of the cross country, track, and triathlon teams. Campus ministry was another big part of Julia’s experience at the Abbey, and she was able to help out with a number of retreats during her time in college. Following graduation, Julia participated in a year of service through the Benedictine Volunteer Corps. She greatly enjoyed her experience at Belmont Abbey, particularly the community she found and the life-long friendships she made while attending, and is very excited to be back and help others find their home at the Abbey!