The Catholic College of the South
In April, three Belmont Abbey College graduates joined the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Luis Mena ’23, Lily Contreras ’23, and Christina Osmera ’21 started the academy in October of 2023, completed over 900 hours of training, and officially joined the CMPD in April with Dr. Julia Beeman, Chair of the Criminal Justice program at the Abbey, present to share in their accomplishment.
Congratulations to these three honorable officers now serving Charlotte-Mecklenburg!
Author: The Crusader Staff Writer Jackeline Silva
Belmont Abbey College, nestled in the heart of Belmont, North Carolina, stands as a testament to faith, and academic excellence. Belmont Abbey College, founded in 1876 by Benedictine monks, who began their journey with the idea of providing quality education with the integration of Catholic values. The college was originally established as St. Mary’s College, with a primary focus to prepare young men for a life of service and leadership.
During the 20th century, Belmont Abbey College went through significant expansion and growth. The college expanded its facilities and programs which influenced an increase in enrollment.
In the 21st century, Belmont Abbey College continued to evolve, welcoming technological advancements and educational practices while staying true to its core, catholic values.
To this day, the presence of Benedictine monks continues to be integral regarding the identity of Belmont Abbey College. One of the most profound impacts of the monks is their role as spiritual guides and mentors. Through daily prayer services, retreats, and pastoral care, they provide students with opportunities for reflection, growth, and moral development.
At Belmont Abbey College, the influence of the monks resonates deeply within the campus community, as affirmed by Olivia Brandt, a dedicated student. Brandt says “The monks play a big role in this college and have provided helpful guidance when needed”.
As Belmont Abbey College looks to the future, the influence of the Benedictine monks remains as strong as ever. Their timeless values and commitment to excellence continue to shape the college’s mission and vision.
This article was originally posted in the Spring 2024, Issue 2 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue here.
By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment
Belmont Abbey College Welcomes Jesse Dorman as New Vice Provost of Enrollment
Belmont, N.C. (June 24, 2024) – Belmont Abbey College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jesse Dorman as the new Vice Provost of Enrollment. Drawing from a wealth of experience with Catholic colleges and knowledge in online and graduate enrollment, Dorman is poised to make a significant impact on the college’s enrollment efforts.
Dorman joins Belmont Abbey College from Peru State College, where he served as the Vice President for Enrollment Management. During his tenure, he successfully implemented strategies that resulted in enhanced enrollment and improved student retention. His dedication to student success and his commitment to the mission of Catholic higher education make him an ideal fit for Belmont Abbey College.
Dorman has served various leadership roles within numerous Catholic colleges, including Christendom College and Mount St. Mary’s University, as well as Franciscan University of Steubenville. His extensive background in Catholic higher education will be instrumental in attracting students who align with the college’s values and mission. As the Vice Provost of Enrollment, Dorman will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the college’s enrollment efforts, including recruitment and admissions.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jesse Dorman to Belmont Abbey College,” said Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Provost of Belmont Abbey College. “His proven track record in enrollment management, combined with his passion for Catholic education, will be invaluable as we continue to grow and thrive as an institution.”
Dorman’s experience in online and graduate enrollment will also be instrumental in establishing Belmont Abbey College as a leading provider of quality graduate degree programs rooted in truth. With the increasing demand for flexible graduate-level education, Dorman’s expertise will help the college meet the needs of the growing graduate student population.
“I am honored to join Belmont Abbey College and contribute to its mission of providing a transformative education rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition,” said Dorman. “There are a number of great opportunities to connect undergraduate and graduate students with the education found at Belmont Abbey College. I look forward to working with the dedicated team at Belmont Abbey to attract and enroll students who will thrive academically, spiritually, and personally.”
Belmont Abbey College is confident that Jesse Dorman’s appointment as the Vice Provost of Enrollment will strengthen the college’s enrollment efforts and further its mission of providing a Catholic education of the highest quality.
For more information about Belmont Abbey College and its programs, please visit www.belmontabbeycollege.edu.
Press Inquiry Contact: Sarah Bolton, sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.
The Abbey’s Schola Summer Program was recently featured on Fox News. The article titled, The happiest kids are in summer schools with this focus, discusses the importance of continued structure and learning for children during the summer months. Belmont Abbey College’s Schola Summer Program is featured alongside some other great summer programs for high school students that encourage continued learning through experiences, conversation, and liberal arts education.
By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment
Spectrum News reporter, Jennifer Roberts, was able to talk with Brother Leo about the impact of the monks on the college, as well as the need for a new monastery for the monastic community. See the excerpt below or click here to watch the entire video.
A new campaign goal will help leaders eventually build a new monastery to further support its Benedictine monks community.
In February, Belmont Abbey College announced it reached the $100 million Made True capital campaign goal, two years ahead of the college’s original timeline.
According to a press release, the campaign focuses on strengthening the college’s offerings, which includes academic enhancements, growth of the college’s endowment to reduce student’s reliance on federal aid and programs geared to help students graduate debt-free.
Belmont Abbey says the success of the capital campaign resulted in the college increasing its goal to $150 million.
The additional $50 million raised will establish endowed chairs, scholarships for the Honors College and a build a new home for the monastic community.
The current monastery is on campus. It’s home to the monks, men with educational backgrounds that are embracing the Benedictine vows of stability and fidelity to the monastic way of life and obedience.
The monks, often seen on campus, are helping to enrich the student experience, supporting them throughout their educational and spiritual journey.
Brother Leo is one monk at Belmont Abbey College, and he said he knows from experience how important the monastery is for students during their higher education years.
As a student, Brother Leo connected with Abbot Placid Solari, a Benedictine monk and chancellor of Belmont Abbey.
“I met him when I was a child through my parents because I grew up in this area,” Brother Leo said. “He became the person I wanted to go to, if I needed someone to talk to or if I needed life advice.”
He said the monastery has been around for over 100 years.
“Most college campuses don’t have monks on campus. Young students are pulled in different directions. It can cause a lot of anxiety. I think the monastery is an oasis of peace, where they can talk to someone, pray with someone who has devoted their life to God,” he said.
But like any historic building, Brother Leo says the structure needs some upgrades.
He says a new monastery will help the monks continue their good works, for decades to come.
“I think it symbolically communicates to the community that we’re here to stay,” Brother Leo said. “We’re continuing to live in this community [and] we’re not going anywhere.”
Belmont Abbey says the existing historic monastery will eventually be refurbished and put to use by the college.
Belmont Abbey aims to reach the $150 million goal in 2026, which commemorates Belmont Abbey’s 150th anniversary.
So that we can take you to the right application form, tell us: are you a current North Carolina High School student?
*You will be taken to the College Foundation of North Carolina to create a free account to apply.
