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Belmont Abbey College Launches Online Master of Arts in Sport Management Degree
Belmont Abbey College Launches Online Master of Arts in Sport Management Degree
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Belmont, N.C. (December 9, 2024) – Today, Belmont Abbey College announces the launch of its online Master of Arts (MA) in Sport Management degree, one of the few of its kind in North Carolina. Designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the dynamic field of sports management, the college will welcome its inaugural cohort in Fall 2025.
Students will develop essential leadership and management skills to excel in executive roles within sports teams, leagues, and organizations while learning to build powerful brands, engage fans, and drive sustainable revenue growth through innovative marketing and digital strategies. In addition, they will receive exclusive access to networking opportunities with industry leaders and professionals. Grounded in Catholic and Benedictine traditions, the program emphasizes the cultivation of character, virtue, and sound business principles, preparing graduates to navigate and influence the evolving landscape of contemporary sports.
“After an extensive career successfully leading sports medicine, sports representation, and sports business companies on a national and international level, as well as personal experience as a world-class athlete and coach, I know that Dr. Trey Cunningham and the faculty teaching in our new master’s degree program in sports management have the knowledge, experience, and industry relationships to give our students the very best opportunity to succeed in the world of sports management,” said Dr. Bill Thierfelder president of Belmont Abbey College.
Dr. Thierfelder underscores the distinctive approach the Abbey takes toward sports, stating, “At Belmont Abbey College, we believe that sport is a means for developing both world-class performance and virtue. It is about the development of the whole person in body, mind, and soul. Sport builds and strengthens virtue, character, and leadership, ensuring the best outcomes on and off the ‘field of play.’ This applies to athletes, coaches, directors, GMs, and owners. The launch of our MA in Sport Management reflects our commitment to helping shape professional men and women into outstanding ethical leaders who will transform the world of sport.” To ensure that sport is properly directed, our Master’s students will participate in a course titled Sport and Virtue. In this class, they will explore the connection between sports and the cultivation of virtue, gaining a deeper understanding of ethical leadership and integrity in sports management.
The online format of the program allows for flexibility, making it accessible to a diverse range of students, including working professionals and those seeking to advance their careers in the sports industry. The curriculum will cover essential topics such as sports marketing, event management, and strategic leadership in sports, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the sports business landscape.
“We are thrilled to offer this rigorous program, which reflects our commitment to providing a holistic education that meets the ever-changing needs of today’s students,” said Joe Wysocki, Provost of Belmont Abbey College. “The MA in Sport Management will prepare graduates to take on leadership roles in various sectors of the sports industry, from professional teams to community organizations.”
According to Dr. Trey Cunningham, Program Director of the MA in Sport Management at Belmont Abbey College, “This program offers a unique opportunity for students to gain industry knowledge while balancing personal and professional commitments. We aim to develop graduates who are not only skilled in sports management but also grounded in ethical leadership, ready to make a positive impact in the sports industry and their communities.”
The college tailored the MA in Sport Management for working professionals, offering an affordable, flexible, and fully online format. Students can complete the program in as little as 12 months, with the convenience of asynchronous learning. Students will prepare themselves for various careers, including Sport Operations Manager, Athletic Director, Youth Sport Program Director, Athletic Sports Information Director, and Sponsorship Coordinator, 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 Sport 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 College, sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.
Living Out the Benedictine Hallmarks in Nursing
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.
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.
Why We’re Catholic with Trent Horn
In the latest episode of Conversatio, Dr. Tom Varacalli sits down with Catholic apologist Trent Horn to discuss his book Why We’re Catholic. They explore the intersection of faith and politics, how Catholics can engage with secularism, and how to navigate tough conversations about the faith. This episode offers valuable insights for both new and lifelong Catholics on living out and sharing the Catholic faith in today’s world.
