Position: Vice Provost and Dean of Admissions
Contact: MartinAucoin@bac.edu

Martin, a native of River Ridge, Louisiana, holds a Master’s in Higher Education from Appalachian State University and a Bachelor’s in Government & Political Philosophy from Belmont Abbey College. Similar to many students, he was not the first in his family to attend the Abbey and followed in the footsteps of his oldest brother. He began his career in college admissions his freshman year as an Abbey Ambassador and has since served the Admissions Office as an Admissions Counselor, Operations Manager, and Director of Admissions. Martin lives near campus with his wife and children and is passionate about welcoming new students to share in this unique tradition of Catholic higher education.

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

Julie is originally from Georgia and has spent the last two years in North Carolina with her family. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Government from Wofford College and Masters of Education from the University of South Carolina. With over twenty years of experience in admissions and enrollment management, Julie enjoys the opportunity to work with prospective students and families interested in a private liberal arts education. In her free time, Julie enjoys spending time with her family including two teenage daughters, going to sporting events, and traveling.

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

Lindsay-Janae is a May 2018 graduate of Belmont Abbey College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Management and a minor in Business Management. She is originally from Orange County, California. As a student at Belmont Abbey, Lindsay was a member of the softball team and was elected captain her senior year by her fellow teammates. She joined the Abbey Ambassador program her senior year, and that is where she developed her passion for helping prospective students discover what Belmont Abbey College has to offer. She is excited to be a part of the Admissions team and is looking forward to assisting students through the admissions process.

Position: Director of Graduate Admissions
Contact: lundenfarris@bac.edu

Lunden was born and raised in the Charlotte, NC area where she now resides. She graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. During her time at UNC, she studied abroad in Florence, Italy and held positions on multiple advisory boards. Post graduation, Lunden has worked in Event Planning, Marketing and Collegiate Organizational Operations. During her free time, Lunden takes advantage of her passion of traveling, with some of her favorite destinations being Tokyo, Switzerland and Italy. She is excited to be on the admissions team and help guide students into their future at Belmont Abbey!

Position: Admissions Operations Manager
Contact: karlishamaddox@bac.edu

Karlisha was a “military brat” but called Southern California her home. A two-time graduate from Lenoir-Rhyne University with a background in Marketing (B.A.) and Business Analytics & IT (M.B.A). Outside of the classroom she served as a work study student with the Athletics Department and Orientation Leader for incoming, new students with the Student Life Department. After being offered the opportunity to work in Admissions following graduation – she was able to partner her love for people with a little business savvy!

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

Megan Walden was born and raised in Belmont, North Carolina. She is a 2013 graduate of UNC Wilmington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies with a concentration in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication and minor in Sociology. She developed her passion for admissions through her internship in the UNCW admissions office where she – attended college fairs and high school visits, assisted during the planning and execution of events, application review and created various schedules, documents and itineraries for the team. Megan’s territory includes Gaston County where she was once an English teacher at a local high school! She is excited to be back in her hometown and continue her career as an Admissions Counselor at Belmont Abbey College. She enjoys aiding future students through the admissions process and encouraging them to become a part of the wonderful community here at The Abbey.

Position: Assistant Director of Admissions for Premier Scholarship Programs
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: timothytanko@bac.edu

Tim grew up in Kennesaw, GA. He wanted to attend a college that was small, welcoming, and open to teaching Catholic truths, all of which he found in Belmont Abbey College. At Belmont, Tim was part of the tennis team and one of the editors of the student literary magazine, Agora. He graduated with a B.A. in English and spent the next several years working in the Charlotte area, but he always hoped to return to Belmont in some capacity. When the opportunity arose to join the admissions team at Belmont, he didn’t hesitate to take it. Now he hopes to help others experience the same quality education he did.

Position: Transfer and Online Admissions Counselor
Contact: sarahkuhnert@bac.edu

Sarah was born and raised in Bowie, Maryland, where she resided up until her college years. In 2020, Sarah graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Development and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in School Counseling. Slowly making her way down South, Sarah now lives in Jacksonville, Florida where she works remotely. Her love for working with students has remained constant and Sarah is excited to connect with her transfer students. Being a previous transfer herself, she can empathize with the experience and wants to help make the process move as smoothly as possible! Outside of work, you can find Sarah with a mocha latte at a local cafe, at the beach, traveling, or watching a new show.

Position: Admissions Counselor
Contact: connorjones@bac.edu

Connor Jones grew up in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina until he transferred to Belmont Abbey College for his junior year in fall 2016 because he desired to grow more in his Catholic faith. While a student he served and lectured at the monks liturgies, received spiritual direction from the monks, was involved in a campus Bible study, attended two US wide Catholic student conferences, went on a spring break mission trip to Kingston, Jamaica with The Missionaries of the Poor religious order, attended the March for Life twice along with having many impactful experiences on campus from his friends and studies. After graduating in May 2018, Connor served as a missionary in Charleston, South Carolina for 10 months. During that time Connor felt a desire to discern becoming a monk at Belmont Abbey, and moved into the monastery in the fall of 2019. While it was a great experience for him, he did not feel called to monastic life and ended his discernment in July 2020. Since then Connor had been living and working in the Charlotte area before becoming an Admissions Counselor. He is excited to share with prospective students the great impact the Abbey has had on his life in this role!

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

Theresa moved from New Jersey to Huntersville, NC in August 2000 and has called North Carolina “home” ever since. She graduated from Belmont Abbey College in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Following graduation, Theresa worked at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Charlotte and St. Mark Catholic Church in Huntersville, starting out as a Youth Minister and then Director of Religious Education. She holds a Master of Arts in Religious Education from Felician University. Before joining the Admissions team at the Abbey, she worked in the non-profit sector for 2 years. Theresa is excited to be home at Belmont Abbey College and looks forward to showing the Benedictine hallmark of hospitality to all who come to visit.