Alumni News

June 4, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Announces Dr. Joseph Wysocki as New Provost

Belmont Abbey College Announces Dr. Joseph Wysocki as New Provost

Belmont, N.C. (June 4, 2024) – Belmont Abbey College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Joseph Wysocki as the new Provost for Belmont Abbey College. Dr. Wysocki, an esteemed alumnus of the Abbey, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the institution’s values and mission.

Having started his journey at Belmont Abbey College as a student, Dr. Wysocki’s dedication and passion for the Great Books led him to pursue a career in academia. After completing his undergraduate studies and receiving his doctorate from Baylor University, he returned to the Abbey as a professor, where he quickly became known for his exceptional teaching abilities and commitment to student success and was awarded the Adrian Award for Teaching Excellence in 2017. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Belmont Abbey appointed Dr. Wysocki as the Dean of the Honors College, a position he has held with great distinction. Under his leadership, the Honors College has flourished, attracting top-tier students and fostering a culture of excellence and community. Dr. Wysocki currently serves as a member of the Council of Scholars for the American Academy for Liberal Education and filled the role of interim Provost at Belmont Abbey College this past December.

As the new provost, Dr. Wysocki will play a pivotal role in shaping the academic and student engagement strategies to ensure the mission of Belmont Abbey College. His extensive experience within the institution, combined with his innovative enthusiasm for education and the mission of the Abbey, will undoubtedly enhance the college’s commitment to providing a transformative educational experience for its students.

President of Belmont Abbey College, Dr. William K. Thierfelder, expressed his excitement about Dr. Wysocki’s appointment, stating, “In the short time that Dr. Wysocki has been interim Provost, he has shown exceptional leadership, insight, thoughtfulness, dedication, and fidelity. He has demonstrated the vision and ability to champion high moral and academic standards and the creativity and pragmatism needed to find solutions to many of the most challenging problems the College faces. We are extremely blessed to have Dr. Joe Wysocki serve as our new provost.”

Dr. Wysocki’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Belmont Abbey College as it continues to expand its academic programs and strengthen its reputation as a leading liberal arts institution. His leadership and vision will be instrumental in guiding the college toward even greater success. “I am honored to serve as the new provost of Belmont Abbey College and look forward to working with the faculty, staff, and students to further enhance the institution’s academic excellence and commitment to its Catholic and Benedictine traditions,” said Dr. Joseph Wysocki. “With ambitious aspirations, our aim is to be a force of change in higher education, fostering genuine encounters with truth for our students.”

Belmont Abbey College is confident that Dr. Wysocki’s appointment as provost will further elevate the institution’s academic standing and reinforce its commitment to providing a transformative education rooted in the Catholic and Benedictine traditions.

For more information about Belmont Abbey College and its programs, please visit www.belmontabbeycollege.edu.

Press Inquiry Contact: Rolando Rivas, rolandorivas@bac.edu or 704-461-6561

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June 3, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Transgender & IVF in Light of Theology of the Body with Dr. Christopher West

In the final episode of Conversatio’s fourth season, Dr. Christine Boor engages in conversation with Dr. Christopher West and Dr. Shane Gomes, exploring the transgender movement and IVF through the lens of St. Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.

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June 1, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Awarded Gaston Business Association’s Spirit of the Economy Award

On Thursday, May 23rd, Belmont Abbey College was honored to be awarded the Spirit of the Economy Award from the Gaston Business Association. This award, sponsored by First Horizon Bank, recognizes an entity that has shown exemplary dedication to driving economic growth and business success in Gaston County and North Carolina.

With over 4,000 Abbey graduates calling Gaston County home, the college’s impact on the local community is profound. Beyond the alumni contributing to the education sector, there are 56 individuals engaged in various roles such as student teaching, teaching assistance, school counseling, and social work. A recent study highlighted the significant economic contribution of Belmont Abbey College, with payroll, operational spending, and the expenditure of students, visitors, and alumni collectively generating $47.5 million in additional income for the Gaston County economy.

“Belmont Abbey is a deserving recipient of the Spirit of the Economy Award,” said Patrick Mumford, Gaston Business Association President and CEO. “The Abbey has consistently led efforts to support economic growth and prosperity both within and outside its campus. Their commitment to educate, innovate, and collaborate has raised the profile of Gaston County for prospective students and businesses.”

May 30, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Partners with the Veterum Sapientia Institute to Elevate Graduate Offering

Belmont Abbey College Partners with the Veterum Sapientia Institute to Elevate Graduate Offering

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Belmont, N.C. (May 30, 2024) – Today Belmont Abbey College announces a new partnership with the Veterum Sapientia Institute (VSI). Aimed at enhancing learning opportunities for students interested in the Master of Arts in Classical and Liberal Education (MACLE), individuals seeking this degree can complete all required credits for graduation at Belmont Abbey, or 12 of the required 30 credits through VSI’s Teaching Credential in Latin Pedagogy. Intended for individuals with a passion for the Latin and Greek languages, this new certification is designed to give current and aspiring teachers the tools to make their Latin classes more interactive, and integrate the Catholic faith into their student learnings. This is the first-of-its-kind credential to teach Latin in an integrated, Catholic approach using active pedagogy from the only pontifically-approved institution for Latin and Greek language study in the United States. Belmont Abbey and VSI welcome the inaugural cohorts for their respective programs in the Fall of 2024.

VSI’s new Teaching Credential in Latin Pedagogy aligns with Belmont Abbey’s overall mission and the aim of the Master’s in Classical and Liberal Education to develop future generations of educators who believe in the education of the whole person- mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Christine Boor, The Vilma György Pallos Endowed Chair of Classical and Liberal Education, speaks to the importance of this partnership. “This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both institutions as we join forces to expand academic offerings, foster innovative learning, and prepare graduates for success in the classical education space,” said Boor.

Developed with administrators, educators, and non-profit leaders in mind, the MACLE follows an online, synchronous format with 30 credit hours required for graduation. This program offers students who are enrolled in Belmont Abbey’s MACLE program the ability to fulfill partial credits through VSI, the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE) and the Center for Independent Research on Classical Education (CiRCE). “We developed this program with the foremost goal of formation in Classical Education, but believe that these partnerships provide a personalized component to each student’s degree program,” said Boor. Belmont Abbey College is currently accepting MACLE applications for the Fall 2024 semester. The deadline to apply is July 15, 2024. Get program information and apply here.

“We are thrilled to embark on this collaborative journey with Belmont Abbey College,” said Christopher Owens, CEO at Veterum Sapientia Institute. “This partnership will not only enrich the academic experience for our students, but also empower them in the schools in which they are serving or will serve. Together, we are shaping the future of Catholic education and creating innovative pathways for our students to study the wisdom received from our Catholic tradition,” said Owens. The Veterum Sapientia Institute exists to form Catholics in their cultural and spiritual birthright by teaching living Latin and Greek languages. Committing to becoming the premier institute for this purpose, VSI is a renowned organization for pedagogical education in Latin and Greek. Click here for more information on VSI’s Teaching Credential in Latin Pedagogy.

Press Inquiry Contact: Julia Long, Director of Enrollment Marketing, julialong@bac.edu or 423-827-8727

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May 28, 2024 By radefolaju Leave a Comment

Alumnus Named Ambassador of Colombia to the United States

Daniel Garcia Peña, 1980 Abbey graduate, was recently named the new Ambassador of Colombia to the United States. Daniel majored in Political Science during his time at Belmont Abbey College, and since graduating, he has held numerous positions in the Colombian government.

Please join the entire Abbey Community as we congratulate Daniel!

Click here to read more about Daniel’s appointment.