Interim President Dr. Joe Wysocki shares about a successful first week at the Abbey, and remembers our late friend, Humpy Wheeler, Jr.
Abbey Excellence
Remembering Humpy Wheeler, Jr.
Belmont Abbey College Remembers Humpy Wheeler, Jr., Racing Icon and Beloved Alumnus
Belmont Abbey College expresses deep sorrow over the passing of Howard “Humpy” Wheeler, Jr., a devoted supporter and beloved friend of the college. A native of Belmont and alumnus of the Abbey’s Preparatory School, Wheeler played a pivotal role in founding the college’s renowned Motorsport Management program in 2007.
Wheeler’s contributions to Belmont Abbey were multifaceted. He served two terms on the Board of Trustees, offering invaluable leadership and insight. In recognition of his outstanding service, the Abbey awarded him both the Grace Award and the Sport at the Service of the Spirit Award. In 2008, the college inducted him into the Alumni Wall of Fame. He received an honorary degree from the college in 2019 in recognition of his outstanding contributions. Throughout his life and career, Wheeler’s deep connection to Belmont Abbey and the Benedictine tradition remained evident—not only through his own unfailing service but also through the legacy of two of his children, who followed in his footsteps as Abbey alumni.
Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Belmont Abbey’s Interim President, remarked, “Humpy Wheeler’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on our college community. As an alumnus, trustee, and generous benefactor, he demonstrated an enduring commitment to the Abbey and its mission. His leadership helped shape the direction of the college, and his support opened doors for countless students. Humpy believed in forming not just professionals, but principled leaders—and his impact will continue to be felt through the lives of the alumni and students he championed so passionately.”
In 2007, Wheeler encouraged the then-President of Belmont Abbey College, Dr. Bill Thierfelder, to begin a Motorsport Management program. Patti Wheeler ‘86, his daughter, and Humpy guided the development of the program, which has remained at the forefront of motorsport education, blending academic rigor with strong industry connections. For nearly two decades, it has been one of the few programs in the nation, producing accomplished alumni who now hold key positions in racing at organizations such as NASCAR, numerous racing teams, tracks, and racing support organizations. In Fall 2025, the college expanded the program’s impact by launching the nation’s only Master of Arts in Motorsport Management, further strengthening its leadership in the field.
Dr. Trey Cunningham, Chair of the Motorsport Management program, highlighted Wheeler’s impact: “Humpy was instrumental in shaping the lives of young adults aspiring to enter the motorsport industry. His vision was to create a pathway for students to turn their passion for racing into a profession, and that vision has become a reality for so many. Through his industry insight, storytelling, and unwavering support, Humpy inspired confidence and ambition in everyone he met. His legacy is the foundation of our program, and it will continue to drive our students forward for generations to come.”
Wheeler’s legacy extends well beyond Belmont Abbey College. As the former president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, he was renowned for his innovative promotions and contributions to the motorsports industry. His efforts earned him inductions into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2004 and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2006. In January 2026, he will be honored with the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR during the induction of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., reflected on Wheeler’s lasting relationship with the Abbey, “Humpy and Pat Wheeler have been personal friends as well as generous benefactors of Belmont Abbey and Belmont Abbey College and many other worthy causes. Humpy grew up on the abbey campus and always remembered his roots here. He enjoyed an amazing and happy life and was blessed with a beautiful marriage and family. He was the entrepreneur’s entrepreneur. I can imagine he is advising God about some new extravaganza to liven up heaven!”
Belmont Abbey College has been blessed by Humpy Wheeler’s enduring support and guidance. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of students, faculty, and alumni.
The funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be made in Wheeler’s name to the Belmont Abbey College Motorsports Management Program. Visit bac.edu/futurestars to learn about how you can make a memorial gift in remembrance of Humpy.
For the official statement from the Charlotte Motor Speedway, please click here.
Farewell from Dr. Thierfelder
Dear Colleagues, Students, and Friends,
In medieval times, a “moment” was defined as ninety seconds.
7,364,160. That is the number of moments that I have been blessed to be the President of Belmont Abbey College. Each of those moments, the miraculous and the mundane has taught me the perfection of the present moment. To say, “Thank you, Jesus,” in every one of them and mean it.
Even so, words alone seem inadequate to express my thoughts and overwhelming gratitude to you and everyone who holds the Abbey dear. As beautiful and meaningful as the iconic gothic brick buildings on our campus may be, it is the love, friendship, fidelity, sacrifice, excellence, and virtue of Abbey men and women that make it a special place and a little slice of Heaven.
I think Cardinal John Henry Newman was envisioning Belmont Abbey when he described the characteristics of a College; he wrote: “Moreover, it is the shrine of our best affections, the bosom of our fondest recollections, a spell upon our afterlife, a stay for world-weary mind and soul, wherever we are cast, till the end comes. Such are the attributes or offices of home, and like to these, in one or other sense and measure, are the attributes and offices of a College.”
Divine Providence brought us to our Abbey home twenty-one years ago, and I hope and pray that Providence will keep us here…till the end comes. As Oblates of the monastic community and honorary alumni of the College, Mary and I look forward to spending the rest of our lives here, at our Abbey home, deepening the friendships born here and building new ones with those called here.
Thanks again and again for all you have done and continue to do for the Abbey.
God Bless,
Belmont Abbey College to Launch New Online Hospitality Management Minor
Belmont Abbey College to Launch New Online Hospitality Management Minor
Belmont, N.C. (July 15, 2025) – Belmont Abbey College is excited to announce the launch of a new online hospitality management minor, set to begin in the fall 2025 semester. This innovative program features industry faculty like Michael Matthews, Hotel General Manager with Strand Hospitality Services at Hampton Inn Charlotte-Belmont at Montcross, and is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic hospitality industry.
The hospitality management minor will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the various sectors within the industry, including hotel management, event planning, and human resource management. The curriculum will focus on practical applications, allowing students to engage in hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for real-world challenges.
“This new minor offers students an incredible opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the hospitality industry while developing the practical skills employers are looking for,” said Michael Matthews, Belmont Abbey professor and industry professional. “With the region’s growing demand for hospitality professionals, we’re preparing students to step confidently into leadership roles right here in our community and beyond.”
Students pursuing the hospitality management minor will have access to a range of courses that cover topics such as hospitality and tourism management, financial management, and business communication excellence. Additionally, the program will emphasize the importance of ethical practices in the hospitality sector.
“We are thrilled to introduce this new minor, which reflects our commitment to providing students with relevant and impactful educational opportunities,” said Dr. Brad Frazier, Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies at Belmont Abbey College. “The hospitality industry is rapidly evolving, and we believe this program will empower our students to become leaders in this exciting field.”
Belmont Abbey College is dedicated to fostering a learning environment that encourages personal and professional growth. The introduction of the hospitality management minor aligns with the college’s mission to prepare students for successful careers while instilling a sense of service and community engagement. As the demand for skilled professionals in the hospitality industry continues to grow, Belmont Abbey College is poised to provide students with the tools they need to succeed.
For more information about Belmont Abbey College and its programs, visit www.belmontabbeycollege.edu.
About Belmont Abbey College: Founded in 1876, Belmont Abbey College is a private, Catholic baccalaureate and liberal arts institution. Our mission is to educate students in the liberal arts and sciences so that in all things God may be glorified. Guided by the Catholic intellectual tradition and the Benedictine spirit of prayer and learning, we welcome a diverse body of students and provide them with an education that will enable them to lead lives of integrity, to succeed professionally, to become responsible citizens, and to be a blessing to themselves and to others. Our beautiful and historic campus is conveniently located just 10 miles west of Charlotte, N.C., and is currently home to more than 1500 students. For more information, visit https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/.
About Strand Hospitality: Founded in 1969, Strand Hospitality Services began as a developer/owner of full-service Holiday Inn resorts. From there, the hotel management company grew via third-party management. Today, Strand Hospitality focuses on developing, investing and operating properties as well as servicing third-party management contracts. The company specializes in the two to four-star hotel segments among many segment types of hotels and is approved to operate hotels under all the leading hotel brand families, including Marriott, Hilton, InterContinental Hotel Group, and Wyndham. Strand Hospitality Services supports operations centers in Charlotte, Myrtle Beach and Atlanta. For more information, please visit www.strandhospitality.com.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sarah Bolton
P: 704-461-7016 E: sarahbolton@bac.edu
July 11th: Final Update from Dr. Thierfelder
Dear Colleagues, Students, and Friends,
I hope that you have had some time to relax and enjoy being with family and friends this summer. It is difficult to believe that we are less than four weeks away from the start of move-in!
This will be my last video update as president and I want you to know how grateful I am for all you have done to make the Abbey such a blessed and wonderful place. You and all of your good work will continue to be remembered each evening during our family Rosary.
God Bless,
