Belmont Abbey College Installs Dr. Jeffrey W. Talley as 21st President Belmont, N.C. (January 15, 2026) – Belmont Abbey College officially installed Dr. Jeffrey W. Talley as its 21st president on Wednesday, marking a new chapter in the college’s 150-year history. Dr. Talley brings a rare combination of distinguished academic, business, and military leadership experience to Belmont Abbey College. A retired three-star general, he served for 34 years in active and reserve military service, culminating in his appointment as the 32nd Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Reserve Command. His military honors include three Bronze Stars, two Army Distinguished Service Medals, and the Gold de Fleury Medal, the highest individual award of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. An accomplished scholar, researcher, teacher, entrepreneur, and executive, Dr. Talley now assumes leadership of Belmont Abbey College as it continues its mission of Catholic, Benedictine higher education. The day’s events began early in the morning as Dr. Talley met with students over coffee and donuts. Later, the Abbey community gathered for a Mass of the Holy Spirit at Mary Help of Christians Basilica. Faculty and staff then joined him for lunch in the Haid Ballroom, where he was formally introduced by Charles Cornelio, Chairman of the Belmont Abbey College Board of Trustees. Cornelio expressed confidence in Dr. Talley’s leadership, stating, “The Presidential Search Committee faced no small task in identifying a successor to Dr. Bill Thierfelder, but after careful consideration, it became clear that Jeff Talley is the right person to lead Belmont Abbey at this time of growth, opportunity, and challenge. I firmly believe he can bring this remarkable institution to new levels of excellence.” Talley gave remarks to faculty and staff at a mid-day luncheon and reflected on the college and its mission. Dr. Talley...