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Belmont Abbey College Celebrates Enrollment Growth and Enhanced National Standing

Belmont Abbey College Celebrates Enrollment Growth and Enhanced National Standing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Belmont, N.C. (September 24, 2024) – Today Belmont Abbey College announces its fourth highest total enrollment in college history, with a 2% increase over last year. Cumulating at a total of 1,687 enrolled students, this includes the traditional undergraduate, online undergraduate, dual-enrolled, non-degree seeking, and graduate populations. Aside from growth in overall enrollment, the college notes growth in the undergraduate online space, resulting in a 25% increase from last year. This is attributed to the growing popularity of online degrees, coupled with the launch of three new in-demand majors – Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Digital Marketing. These new degree programs align with Belmont Abbey’s efforts to prepare students for fulfilling, prosperous lives after college. 

Classes began on August 19th, and Belmont Abbey College welcomed 660 new students. Dr. Jesse Dorman, Vice Provost of Enrollment at Belmont Abbey College, expressed his enthusiasm about the new class. “We are thrilled to welcome this highly engaged incoming class, with their unique talents, skills, and abilities that will enrich the Belmont Abbey College community and extend far beyond our campus. These students have so much to offer, and we look forward to supporting their growth as they embark on a journey of holistic development by seeking the true, the good, and the beautiful throughout their college journey,” Dorman said. Within the new student population, the college welcomed 69 new graduate students across 7 programs, including the new Master of Arts in Communication and Master of Arts in Classical and Liberal Education. In August of 2024, Belmont Abbey celebrated the inaugural commencement celebration for 83 graduates across the MBA, MHA, MSN, MS in Data Analytics, and MA in Leadership programs. Dr. Brad Frazier, Director of the Graduate Programs at Belmont Abbey College, remarked on this momentous occasion. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our graduating master’s students. Their graduation ceremony was a moving tribute to their academic journey and a reminder of the positive impact they will make in their professions and communities,” Frazier said. Further growth is expected in the graduate space as current programs gain momentum and new programs take launch in the fall of 2025. 

The college’s encouraging enrollment report comes at the same time as the release of the 2024-2025 US News & World Report rankings. The Catholic, liberal arts institution is thrilled to announce its ranking as #2 in Undergraduate Teaching for the 2024-2025 academic year. Over the last decade, the college has consistently held a top position in this category due to the holistic teaching approach that relies on exceptional faculty who serve not only as teachers but as supportive cheerleaders and mentors for Belmont Abbey students. Belmont Abbey’s additional rankings for the current year are #16 in Best Value Schools in the South and #22 in Overall Best Colleges in the Southern Region. These rankings are a reflection of the college’s Benedictine hallmarks that include stability, stewardship, and community, which lie at the heart of every action and decision. Through the hallmarks, Belmont Abbey strives to provide a high-quality, Catholic liberal arts education for a diverse group of students at a manageable price point. 

In a time when many collegiate institutions are struggling, Belmont Abbey is thankful for the blessing of positive enrollment and rankings that reflect the good work happening at the college. Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Provost at Belmont Abbey College, reflected on welcoming a new class of Crusaders to the college community. “We know that God has called each one of these students to Belmont Abbey College, and we’re filled with hope at what they’ll learn, question, and ultimately, accomplish. We’re honored to be part of God’s calling on their lives, and are committed to do all we can to support them. This includes guidance from our nationally ranked value and our commitment to affordable education, but also facility enhancements and programmatic expansion on the Graduate side,” said Wysocki. To stay up to date on happenings at Belmont Abbey College, visit our website at www.bac.edu/.

Press Inquiry Contact: Sarah Bolton, sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.

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Belmont Abbey College to Host Symposium on the Establishment of Catholicism in the American South

Belmont Abbey College to Host Symposium on the Establishment of Catholicism
in the American South

Belmont, N.C. (September 10, 2024) – Belmont Abbey College announces The Haid Symposium on Catholicism in the American South in commemoration of the hundredth anniversary of Abbot Leo Haid’s death. This symposium, taking place from October 11th to 12th, 2024, aims to foster scholarly engagement and promote collaboration among academics from esteemed colleges and universities across the nation as they consider the formation and flourishing of Catholicism in the South.

Abbot Leo Haid, the founding Abbot of Belmont Abbey College and vicar apostolic of North Carolina until his passing in 1924, played a pivotal role in nurturing a burgeoning Catholic presence that not only transformed the religious landscape of the American South but also left an indelible mark on its socio-political, literary, and cultural history.

The Haid Symposium will delve into the rich tapestry of the past century, shedding light on this remarkable legacy and celebrating a significant yet often overlooked aspect of Southern and American Catholic history. By exploring the intervening years, the symposium aims to deepen the understanding of the profound impact of Catholicism in the region.

Distinguished scholars and experts from various disciplines will converge at Belmont Abbey College to engage in a series of thought-provoking discussions and presentations. The symposium will feature panels such as “Benedictine Contributions to Southern Catholicism,” “Southern Catholicism during the Civil Rights Movement,” and “Southern Catholicism and the Literary Imagination: Flannery O’Connor.” These sessions will provide a platform for intellectual exchange, fostering new insights and collaborations that will shape the future of Catholic scholarship in the American South.

“We are overjoyed to host The Haid Symposium on Catholicism in the American South,” said Dr. Bill Thierfelder, President of Belmont Abbey College. “This symposium not only builds upon Abbot Leo Haid’s rich legacy of leadership in, and fidelity to, the Catholic Church but also highlights the profound contribution of the Belmont Abbey monastic community and their ongoing commitment to faithfully living the 1,500-year-old Rule of St. Benedict.”

Dr. Farrell O’Gorman, Chair and Professor of English at Belmont Abbey College, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, “The Haid Symposium provides a valuable opportunity for scholars to come together and explore the historical significance of Catholicism in the American South. Through a closer look at Abbot Leo Haid’s legacy, we will uncover vital aspects of the region’s religious and cultural development.”

For more information about The Haid Symposium on Catholicism in the American South, including registration details and a schedule of events, please visit www.belmontabbeycollege.edu/haidsymposium/.

Press Inquiry Contact: Sarah Bolton, sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.

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Belmont Abbey College Celebrates Inaugural Graduate Commencement Ceremony

Belmont Abbey College Celebrates Inaugural Graduate Commencement Ceremony

Belmont, N.C. (August 28, 2024) – Belmont Abbey College celebrates a significant milestone with its inaugural commencement ceremony for graduate students, which will take place on August 31, 2024. The ceremony honors the first graduates of the College’s Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL), Master of Science in Data Analytics (MSDA), and Master of Science in Nursing Leadership (MSN) programs. Additionally, Belmont Abbey will award degrees to the third and fourth graduating cohorts of its Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program.

The fifty-two inaugural MBA, MAL, MSDA, and MSN graduates represent professionals who are poised to assume leadership roles in their respective fields. Graduates of the MBA program at Belmont Abbey possess great business insight, emphasizing critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical decision-making. The MAL program prepares students to be effective business professionals who foster strong ethical and transformational leadership within organizations. The MSDA program meets the growing demand for data analytics professionals by providing graduates with exceptional skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and strategic thinking, all rooted in Catholic social thought. The MSN degree equips nurses with sound moral formation, advanced skills, integrating specialty concepts, nursing science, and translational science to excel in multifacitated roles within the ever-changing field of healthcare.

Belmont Abbey also honors the achievements of sixteen graduates from its MHA program. Now in its third year, the program has built a strong track record of graduating exceptional healthcare leaders who are able to successfully manage the complexities of modern healthcare administration.

Dr. Bill Thierfelder, President of Belmont Abbey College, expressed his joy and appreciation for the graduating class. He said, “This commencement ceremony is much more than a celebration of academic achievements; it’s a tribute to the dedication, sacrifice, integrity, and resilience of our students, our exceptional faculty, and the unique way Belmont Abbey’s Catholic and Benedictine values have prepared its graduates for success in both their professional and personal lives.”

Dr. Brad Frazier, Director of Graduate Programs at Belmont Abbey College, added, “Today, we honor the dedication, perseverance, and vision of our graduate students. We are thrilled to see them embark on their professional journeys, confident that they are equipped to lead and make impactful contributions to their communities and organizations.”

Belmont Abbey College will hold the commencement ceremony in the Haid Ballroom. Dr. Thierfelder will address the graduates and their families, and Abbot Placid Solari will lead the Benediction. The event will be a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students, faculty, and staff who have contributed to the success of these graduate programs.

For more information about Belmont Abbey College’s graduate programs, please visit  https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/graduate.

Press Inquiry Contact: Sarah Bolton, sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.

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Abbey Wrestling Sees Coaching Changes

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer Haleigh Evans

The Belmont Abbey wrestling team has seen a few coaching changes in the past year. The previous head coach, Kenn Caudell, left the program in Spring of 2023 to pursue other avenues. Following Coach Caudell’s departure, the assistant coach at the time, Randy Deangelo, was promoted to head coach. Deangelo is only the second head coach in program history.

The team also hired a familiar face as the new assistant coach, Scott Bosak. While new to the group of athletes on the team, Bosak is no stranger to Belmont Abbey. Bosak competed on the wrestling team for two seasons after transferring to the Abbey from Cornell. He graduated from Belmont Abbey in 2016 and was among the first All-Americans for the Belmont Abbey Wrestling team.

Under the direction of Deangelo and Bosak, the Crusaders had 19 athletes named to the Fall 2023 Conference Carolina’s Presidential Honor Roll, 5 athletes received Academic All-Conference honors, and the team ended the regular season with a record of 7-7. During the postseason, 10 athletes competed at the Super Region 2 tournament to qualify for the National Tournament. At the regional tournament, the team had two athletes qualify for the national tournament.

Check out the wrestling team next season in the Wheeler Center!

This article was originally posted in the Spring 2024, Issue 2 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue here.

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