Franciscan friar and Breaking In The Habit creator Fr. Casey Cole joins Belmont Abbey College’s Morgan Alemy to talk about evangelizing in today’s world—especially in a culture where many people have never met Jesus at all. They discuss the friars’ new ministry in Charlotte, the power of presence and relationship, and why a welcoming tone matters more than argument. From “ask us anything” street conversations to prayer as a simple first step, Fr. Casey offers practical wisdom for anyone who wants to share the faith with humility, mercy, and joy.
Alumni News
Conversatio: The Case for College in a Skeptical Age
Dr. Joe Wysocki, provost of Belmont Abbey College, sits down with Patrick Reilly, president of the Newman Guide, to discuss the renewal of Catholic education—from K–12 through graduate programs. Reilly shares his own journey, the origins of the Cardinal Newman Society, and why truly Catholic schools form students with joy, confidence, and inner peace. They also tackle the growing skepticism about college and what faithful Catholic institutions must do to clearly communicate their value today.
Belmont Abbey College Attracts Top National Talent with Honors College Scholarship Weekend
Belmont Abbey College Attracts Top National Talent with Honors College Scholarship Weekend
Belmont, N.C. (February 6, 2026) – Belmont Abbey College is attracting some of the brightest high school seniors from across the nation, offering them an opportunity to compete for one of three full-tuition fellowships to its distinguished Honors College. Over the weekend, 48 students from 22 states will gather to demonstrate their academic excellence at the Honors College Scholarship Weekend.
The weekend will see participants engage in Socratic seminars on two influential works: Cicero’s On Friendship and Willa Cather’s “Two Friends.” Designed to stimulate the attendees’ critical thinking and argumentative skills, these seminars are part of the Honors College’s commitment to attracting and forming students who are not only academically gifted but also curious and eager to contribute meaningfully to their communities and culture. In addition to the seminars, attendees will experience life at the college, with the option to stay with current Honors College students.
The Honors College at Belmont Abbey College is a Great Books program that offers students a four-year journey through the Western canon. Students explore classic texts from the ancient to the modern world, beginning with works from Homer and Plato and continuing through the great books of the twentieth century. This approach fosters a deep understanding of history, literature, philosophy, and culture, equipping graduates with a well-rounded, intellectual foundation.
“Our students encounter the great books of the Western canon in an environment shaped by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and our Benedictine Heritage. Through Socratic seminars, students grapple with the perennial questions of human existence, contemplating these profound texts in the company of friends and with the guidance of dedicated teachers,” said Dr. Thomas Varacalli, Dean of the Honors College. “Together, they pursue truth, not merely as an abstract concept, but as something that is lived, debated, and applied in their own lives and in service to the world around them.”
The Honors College is known for its close-knit, vibrant community. Honors students play an active role in campus life, from serving as leaders in student government—three of the past five student body presidents were Honors students—to participating in over 30 student clubs. In addition, Honors students are well-represented in the arts, with many involved in theater productions and other creative endeavors.
“The caliber of students applying to Belmont Abbey College is exceptional,” said Jesse Dorman, Vice Provost of Admissions. “It’s clear that the Honors College’s focus on the great works of the Western tradition resonates with students who are passionate about studying the Great Books and their impact on the world. We’re excited to offer these opportunities to our incoming students and thrilled to welcome such talented individuals to our community.”
The scholarship competition, which includes these weekend seminars, will also feature an essay and interview component. The final winners will be announced in early March or April. All scholarship weekend attendees have been accepted to Belmont Abbey’s Honors College and have already received a $9,000 scholarship.
As Belmont Abbey College continues to grow, its Honors College remains a beacon for students seeking a truly transformative educational experience. The scholarship weekend demonstrates the program’s ability to draw top-tier talent and inspire the next generation of scholars, leaders, and thinkers.
For more information about the Honors College, please visit https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/academics/honors-college/.
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
The Benedict Leadership Institute at Belmont Abbey College Names Dale Ahlquist 2026 Honoree
The Benedict Leadership Institute at Belmont Abbey College Names
Dale Ahlquist 2026 Honoree
Belmont, N.C. (January 28, 2026) – The Benedict Leadership Institute at Belmont Abbey College is honored to announce Dale Ahlquist as the recipient of the 2026 Benedict Leadership Award, to be presented in a public ceremony on March 5th. This award recognizes the extraordinary achievements of men and women whose lives reflect the heroic leadership of St. Benedict and whose work has strengthened culture, faith, and education.
Mr. Ahlquist is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on the life, writings, and legacy of G.K. Chesterton. As the co-founder and president of the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton and the founder of the Chesterton Schools Network, Mr. Ahlquist has played a central role in a national renewal of classical Catholic education. Under his leadership, the Chesterton Schools Network has grown into a flourishing movement of classical high schools across the United States, forming young men and women in faith, reason, virtue, and joy.
On December 8, 2025, the Chesterton Schools Network received national recognition when it was awarded the prestigious $1 million Yass Prize, honoring its outstanding contribution to educational excellence and innovation. This recognition reflects Mr. Ahlquist’s tireless work in building a model of Catholic education rooted in the Great Books, the liberal arts, and the formation of character — an approach inspired by Chesterton’s vision of human dignity, freedom, and truth.
Mr. Ahlquist has helped establish more than 70 Chesterton Academies that serve families seeking an education that is academically rigorous, culturally rich, and spiritually grounded. These schools emphasize the integration of faith and reason, the pursuit of wisdom, and the cultivation of joy — hallmarks of both Chesterton’s philosophy and the Benedictine educational tradition.
In addition to his work in education, Mr. Ahlquist is a bestselling author, broadcaster, and international speaker. He has written and edited numerous books on Chesterton, hosted the long-running EWTN series G.K. Chesterton: The Apostle of Common Sense, and has spoken at universities, seminaries, conferences, and cultural institutions around the world. His work has introduced countless readers and students to the enduring relevance of Chesterton’s thought for modern society.
In 2020, he received a Presidential appointment to serve on the National Board of Education Sciences. Ahlquist received the 2023 Our Lady of Victory Medal and honorary doctorates from the University of Mary and Thomas More College.
Mr. Ahlquist’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to renewing Western culture through faith, literature, and education. His work has helped restore confidence in the Catholic intellectual tradition and has inspired a new generation of educators, parents, and students to pursue truth, beauty, and goodness.
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.
About Benedict Leadership Institute: The mission of the Benedict Leadership Institute is to develop and inspire Catholic leaders to transform society in light of their faith. The Institute accomplishes this goal through publications, events, and through the awarding of The Benedict Leadership Award, presented annually to an outstanding Catholic leader. Visit https://benedictleadershipinstitute.org/.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sarah Bolton
P: 704-461-7016 E: sarahbolton@bac.edu
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
