In the 8th episode of Conversatio, Dr. Lee-Ann Kenny sits down with senior nursing students Ellie and Sydney, along with Professor Emily Nishiyama, to discuss how the Benedictine hallmarks influence the daily lives of nurses and their practice. Learn how nurses integrate faith into their care, foster compassionate environments, and pass on these timeless values to future generations of healthcare professionals.
Academics
Belmont Abbey College Welcomes Alums as Faculty for New Graduate Motorsport Management Program
Belmont Abbey College Welcomes Alums as Faculty for New Graduate Motorsport Management Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Belmont, N.C. (December 3, 2024) – Belmont Abbey College is thrilled to announce the return of two highly accomplished undergraduate alumni who will join the faculty as professors in the newly launched Master of Arts (MA) in Motorsport Management degree program—the only one of its kind in the United States. With their extensive experience and national recognition in the field, these accomplished individuals will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the program.
The Master of Arts in Motorsport Management program at Belmont Abbey College is designed to equip students with advanced skills and knowledge to excel in the fast-paced and competitive motorsport industry. With the addition of these accomplished alumni as faculty members, students will have the unique opportunity to learn from industry experts who have achieved remarkable success in their careers. Dr. Trey Cunningham, Program Director of the MA in Motorsport Management at Belmont Abbey College, expressed his excitement about the return of these esteemed alumni. He stated, “We are delighted to welcome back our talented graduates who have excelled in the motorsport industry. Their success and dedication will undoubtedly inspire our students and contribute to the growth and development of our Motorsport Management program.”
One of the returning alumni, Mike Laheta, graduated from Belmont Abbey College with a Bachelor of Arts in Business, specializing in Motorsports. He has since achieved remarkable success in the motorsports industry, holding key positions such as leading partnerships for Front Row Motorsports and the NASCAR Hall of Fame before serving as Managing Director of National Partnership Sales at NASCAR, and, most recently, Senior Vice President and Head of Partnerships at Thrill One Sports and Entertainment. Laheta has earned national recognition for his exceptional contributions to the field. He shared his enthusiasm for joining the faculty, saying, “I am honored to have the opportunity to give back to the institution that provided me with a solid foundation for my career. I look forward to sharing my experiences and helping students navigate the dynamic world of motorsports.”
The second alumnus, Quinn Beekwilder, also graduated from Belmont Abbey College with a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management and has made significant contributions to the motorsport industry with his experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and then has worked as the Coordinator of the Abbey’s Motorsport Management Undergraduate program since 2020. He expressed his excitement for the new MA in Motorsport Management, stating, “Belmont Abbey College holds a special place in my heart, and I am absolutely thrilled about the launch of the Master of Arts in Motorsport Management program, the first of its kind in the United States! We’re equipping the next generation of leaders for this dynamic industry.”
Belmont Abbey College is excited to welcome back Mike Laheta and Quinn Beekwilder as faculty members for the Master of Arts in Motorsport Management program. Their expertise will enrich the student experience and bolster the college’s position as a leader in motorsport education. The program will also expand with more motorsport industry professionals in the future.
Belmont Abbey College is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2025 semester while the Master of Arts in Motorsport Management awaits final approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Apply here. For more information about the Master of Arts in Motorsport Management program at Belmont Abbey College, click here.
Press Inquiry Contact:
Sarah Bolton, Belmont Abbey Collegee, sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.
Belmont Abbey College Launches New Master of Arts in Motorsport Management Degree
Belmont Abbey College Launches New Master of Arts in Motorsport Management Degree
Belmont, N.C. (November 25, 2024) – Today Belmont Abbey College announces the launch of its groundbreaking online Master of Arts (MA) in Motorsport Management program. This innovative graduate degree is the first of its kind in the United States, solidifying Belmont Abbey College’s position as a leader in motorsports education who pioneered an undergraduate motorsport program in 2007. The college will welcome its inaugural MA in Motorsport Management cohort in the Fall of 2025.
Recognizing the growing need for specialized education in motorsports, Belmont Abbey College has developed an advanced curriculum that combines high-level business management principles with an in-depth understanding of the motorsports industry. The program will provide students with the technical, interpersonal, and strategic skills necessary for leadership roles in this dynamic field. The MA in Motorsport Management will prepare graduates for diverse careers in marketing, team management, finance, and community relations, while offering critical insights into governance, legal frameworks, and organizational operations within the motorsports world. By offering this innovative online program, Belmont Abbey College extends the reach of motorsports management education beyond the Charlotte area, making it accessible to students nationwide.
“We are thrilled to offer this one-of-a-kind graduate program that combines our passion for education with the excitement of motorsport,” said Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Provost of Belmont Abbey College. “By providing students with specialized knowledge and hands-on experience, we aim to cultivate a new generation of motorsport professionals who will contribute to the growth and success of the industry.”
Belmont Abbey College’s new MA in Motorsport Management will meet the growing demand for leading professionals in the motorsport industry. As the only graduate program of its kind in the United States, it offers students a competitive advantage in pursuing successful careers in this exciting field.
According to Dr. Trey Cunningham, Program Director of the MA in Motorsport Management at Belmont Abbey College, “The Master of Arts in Motorsport Management degree is designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in the motorsports industry, including sponsorship, team management, event coordination, media, and marketing. Our incredible faculty, who bring valuable real-world experience in the field of motorsports, will provide students with the tools they need to succeed in this highly competitive industry.” Belmont Abbey’s location in the heart of motorsports country provides students with unparalleled access to industry professionals and networking opportunities.
Designed for working professionals, the MA in Motorsport Management is affordable, asynchronous, and fully online, allowing students to complete the program in as little as 12 months. Graduates will be well-positioned for roles such as Motorsport Team Manager, Sponsorship Coordinator, Track Operations Manager, Data Analyst, and Risk Management Specialist, among others. For more information about this program, click here.
Belmont Abbey College is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2025 semester while the Master of Arts in Motorsport Management awaits final approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Apply here.
Press Inquiry Contact:
Sarah Bolton, Belmont Abbey Collegee, sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.
Belmont Abbey College Achieves Accreditation for Nursing Degree Programs
Belmont Abbey College Achieves Accreditation for Nursing Degree Programs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Belmont, N.C. (October 15, 2024) – Belmont Abbey College announces today that the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org/) has fully accredited its Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) and its Master of Science in Nursing Leadership degree programs (MSN). This prestigious recognition highlights the college’s commitment to developing compassionate, competent healthcare professionals grounded in faith and ethics. CCNE’s accreditation is effective retroactively from February 28, 2024, until December 2029. At the end of the term, CCNE will reaffirm the upholding of its accreditation standards through another site visit.
“We are deeply grateful for this accreditation, which reflects our mission of preparing nurses who not only excel in clinical skills but also embody the values of service, integrity, and compassion,” said Dr. Lee-Ann Kenney, Chair and Program Director of the Department of Nursing. “Our programs are designed to educate the whole person – mind, body, and spirit, fostering both professional excellence and a commitment to the dignity and care of all individuals.” The BSN program prepares students for the role of registered nurses, focusing on holistic patient care and ethical practice, while the MSN program offers advanced training in specialized nursing roles and leadership. Both programs emphasize evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and a strong foundation in Catholic social teaching.
Accreditation is a pivotal step in the journey of launching these programs, which began as part of the college’s recognition of the local and regional need for compassionate, ethically trained healthcare leaders. As such, the college invested in this need through programmatic expansion, hiring new faculty, and building state of the art facilities. “Investing in the future of healthcare is part of Belmont Abbey’s service to our community. Caring for the sick is a hallmark of Benedictine values, and we believe that infusing Catholic ethics and social teaching into the healthcare curriculum sets future nurses and healthcare leaders up for success in the field,” said Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Provost at Belmont Abbey College. “We had a clear vision in mind when we developed the curriculum and student experience for these programs and we are thrilled to welcome students as a fully accredited program,” he stated. The accreditation process included a thorough evaluation of the BSN and MSN programs, encompassing curriculum design, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and institutional resources. This accomplishment affirms that Belmont Abbey’s BSN and MSN programs meet rigorous national standards, equipping graduates to excel in diverse healthcare settings with a strong emphasis on ethical leadership.
With this accreditation, Belmont Abbey College reaffirms its commitment to providing an exceptional nursing education that aligns with its values and mission, ensuring that its graduates are ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities and the world.
For more information about the BSN or MSN programs, please visit our website. You’re also invited to learn more about Nursing at Belmont Abbey by attending our upcoming Nursing Exploration Day on October 29, 2024. Join us to learn more about BAC’s Nursing program, meet our faculty, and tour our newly renovated, state-of-the-art nursing facilities.
Press Inquiry Contact: Sarah Bolton, sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.
Belmont Abbey College Launches Direct Admit Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program
Belmont Abbey College Launches Direct Admit Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Belmont, N.C. (September 30, 2024) – Today Belmont Abbey College announces that beginning in Fall 2025, the college will offer direct entry to its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, eliminating the stress of a separate application process. The Direct Admission BSN program will allow students to secure their place in the nursing program upon acceptance to the college. Accepted students will begin the BSN curriculum within 2 years of starting at Belmont Abbey College and must maintain admission standards and progression throughout their time in the program.
To be considered for the BSN Direct Admission program at Belmont Abbey College, students must earn a minimum unweighted high school GPA of 3.25, be admitted to the college by February 15, 2025, and submit their enrollment deposit upon acceptance into the Direct Admit Program. In line with the college’s commitment to expanding nursing education rooted in the Catholic tradition, this new initiative plays a vital role in meeting the growing demand for skilled nursing professionals both within our community and beyond.
The Direct Admission BSN program is designed to provide aspiring nurses with a streamlined pathway to earn their degree and enter the healthcare workforce. The demand for skilled nursing professionals continues to rise, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 9% increase in nursing jobs over the next decade. “Healthcare is evolving, and we recognize the need for a more efficient pathway into nursing education,” said Julie Fleming, Assistant Vice Provost of Admissions at Belmont Abbey College. “Our Direct Admission BSN program simplifies the admission process and ensures that our students receive the support and resources they need to succeed from day one.” This new program aims to equip students with the knowledge and experience they need to thrive in the workforce and ultimately, make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Belmont Abbey College celebrated its inaugural graduating class of BSN students in May of 2024. “These students have been a true blessing to the college, and we are thrilled to watch them impact even more lives as they embark on the beginning of their careers. The new Direct Admission BSN program will help us identify even more future nurses who are seeking a pre-licensure program that takes a holistic approach, integrating medical discipline with a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences,” said Dr. Lee-Ann Kenney, Chair and Program Director of the School of Nursing. The class of 2024 is poised for success in the nursing field, as evidenced by the 100% pass rate on the NCLEX. Through the Direct Admission Program, Belmont Abbey will offer the following to aspiring nurses:
- Guaranteed Admission: Students accepted into the program can transition seamlessly into the nursing major, provided they meet specific academic progression requirements.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The program offers a robust curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experience in various healthcare settings.
- Supportive Environment: Students will benefit from personalized academic advising, mentorship opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art simulation labs.
- Career Readiness: The program emphasizes skills development, critical thinking, and compassionate patient care, preparing graduates to excel in a variety of nursing roles.
Prospective students interested in the Direct Admission BSN program can find more information on our website or attend our upcoming Nursing Exploration Day on October 29, 2024. Join us to learn more about BAC’s Nursing program, meet our faculty, and tour our newly renovated, state-of-the-art nursing facilities.
Press Inquiry Contact: Sarah Bolton, sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.
