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Abbey News
Belmont Abbey College Installs Dr. Jeffrey W. Talley as 21st President
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 said, “In a culture that often reduces education to transaction, we insist — sometimes at great cost— that education is formation. The truth is not always efficient. It is rarely applauded. But it is profoundly Catholic. We are small, and that is not a weakness. Our smallness allows us to know names. To notice when someone is missing. To teach not just minds, but persons. To integrate faith and reason as not abstract theories, but as a lived practice—imperfect, sometimes messy, always sincere. So thank you…Thank you for believing in this mission when it would be easier not to. Thank you for trusting that God works through your preparation, your patience, and your perseverance. May we continue…confident that even the smallest college, when rooted in Christ, can change the world.”
The inauguration ceremony included a Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity and concluded with Vespers and a reception, formally launching Dr. Talley’s presidency. A Benedictine Oblate for nearly 40 years, Dr. Talley now leads Belmont Abbey College as it looks ahead to continued growth, academic excellence, and faithful service to its mission.
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 belmontabbeycollege.edu.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sarah Bolton
P: 704-461-7016 E: sarahbolton@bac.edu
Conversatio: Why America is Still Worth Celebrating
Dr. Thomas Varicalli sits down with historian Dr. Wilford McClay—author of Land of Hope and professor at Hillsdale College for a wide-ranging Constitution Day conversation. They explore why America remains worth celebrating, how its founding ideals took root in a real people and place, and what citizens must know to sustain ordered liberty. Dr. McClay also shares insights from writing Land of Hope and offers essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the American story.
The Crusader Newspaper: Fall 2025, Issue 2
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Belmont Abbey College Expands Full Tuition Scholarship Statewide
Belmont Abbey College Expands Full Tuition Scholarship Statewide
Belmont, N.C. (December 10, 2025) – Belmont Abbey College announces the expansion of its Abbey Advantage Scholarship Program to include all North Carolina students, effective for the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative aims to make higher education more accessible by covering the full cost of tuition for eligible students statewide.
Initially launched in late 2024, the Abbey Advantage program was limited to eligible students residing in specific counties. The program’s expansion reflects Belmont Abbey College’s commitment to providing affordable education to a broader demographic within North Carolina.
Leveraging the students’ state and federal grants first, the college will award an institutional merit award to cover the student’s remaining tuition costs for the 2026-2027 academic year. This approach ensures that eligible students can attend Belmont Abbey College without the burden of tuition expenses.
“By making this scholarship available statewide, we’re extending our commitment to provide even more talented students access to high-quality education by alleviating cost concerns,” said Jesse Dorman, Vice Provost of Enrollment. “Belmont Abbey College seeks to form graduates grounded in virtue and prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities. Expanding this program allows us to break down financial barriers and welcome students from across the state who share those aspirations.”
The Abbey Advantage Scholarship is available to first-time, full-time non-athletes pursuing a traditional major of study. Students must have completed the FAFSA and the NC Residency Determination Form for the NC Need-Based Grant. Students must be receiving the full Pell Grant and NC Need-Based Aid amounts. Eligible candidates must have earned at least a 2.8 high school GPA and have lived in North Carolina for more than a year.
The Abbey Advantage Scholarship Program is designed to alleviate financial barriers that often deter students from pursuing private education. “These students enrich our community, and we are honored to help shape their journey,” shared Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Interim President and Provost of Belmont Abbey College. “With programs like the Abbey Advantage, the leadership of our distinguished faculty, and the encouragement of our Abbey family, we’re dedicated to ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive–academically, professionally, and spiritually.” For more information on the Abbey Advantage program at Belmont Abbey College, visit our website at https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/financial-aid/abbey-advantage-scholarship/.
Students who are eligible for the Abbey Advantage Scholarship Program will be notified after completion of the FAFSA. The deadline to apply for the Fall 2026 semester is July 1, 2026.
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 belmontabbeycollege.edu.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sarah Bolton
P: 704-461-7016 E: sarahbolton@bac.edu
