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Author: The Crusader Staff Writer Kate Saxe

Dr. Riadi is a Language and Theology instructor. She was born and raised in the countryside of France but ultimately moved to the United States in her college years. She attended the University of Vermont to get her Master of Education and Modern Languages, and then proceeded to Georgia State University to get her PhD in Philosophy of Education and Psychology. She also has a Doctorate in Theology and Pastoral Counseling.

Dr. Riadi is a former nun, has worked in nonprofit grant writing and fundraising, and has taught a variety of classes in many different states and countries. She came to Belmont Abbey in 2016 and has decided to call this her home. Dr. Riadi enjoys teaching the French language, theology, and psychology. She is a wonderful professor to have and wants nothing but success for her students.

When I asked Dr. Riadi to describe her experience teaching at the Abbey and a great memory she has here and she said, “My experience of teaching at the Abbey has been very positive and fulfilling. I love serving at the Abbey, teaching and interacting with students, fellow teachers, colleagues, and the community of monks. I have quite a few memorable moments at the Abbey; from celebrating the graduation of some of my students, to sharing times of community worship on feast days, to enjoying family picnics, as well as participating in prayers and devotionals at the Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes. I also appreciate the fact that BAC remains a faith based Catholic institution that welcomes everyone with the traditional Benedictine hospitality and acceptance that have been ongoing for thousands of years.”

I also asked her what drives her passion for teaching and she replied, “Ever since I was a child, I aspired to become a teacher. I have always been an avid reader and a knowledge seeker who appreciated great books, classical education, languages and literatures of various countries. … Pedagogy was also a significant part of my personal interest in teaching. Helping others discover their talents, what motivates them, and accompanying them on their own journey of learning about their faith, a foreign language, or exploring any other academic field within my scope of expertise, have always been extremely rewarding to me. It makes me so happy whenever some of my graduating students get back in touch to share their success stories, whether in their personal or professional life, and often refer to some of the “aha moments” they experienced in their learning process. In my case, teaching is my vocation and not just my job. … I pray and hope to thank all those who helped me become the person I am today. I am and will remain grateful to Belmont Abbey College for giving me the opportunity to practice what I do and love best!”

Dr. Riadi is truly a great example of the amazing faculty we have here at Belmont Abbey!

This article was originally posted in the Spring 2023, Issue 3 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue here.