FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Belmont, N.C. (December 17, 2022) – For the first time in college history, Belmont Abbey announces the graduation of its inaugural graduate level cohort. The Master of Health Administration launched in August of 2021 is the first graduate program offered by the private liberal arts college. The five graduating students display exemplary understanding of healthcare disciplines and will make a valuable impact on the industry at large.
The MHA program is asynchronous and online, with expected completion in less than 18 months. “We developed this program to meet the needs of busy working professionals who desire to deepen their understanding of the healthcare industry and enhance their career opportunities,” says Dr. Gwyndolan Swain, Founding Director of the MHA program at Belmont Abbey College. “It’s with great joy that I announce that our first cohort has completed their requirements for graduation and will now continue the exceptional work they’ve started as part of the workforce.” Due to the flexibility of the program, students are able to advance their skills without putting their current occupations on hold. Graduates from the program have careers in health policy, hospital administration, and insurance.
As a Catholic, Benedicitine institution, Belmont Abbey is committed to offering academic programs that address societal issues. The MHA program creates a pipeline of qualified healthcare leaders that emerge ready to lead. “Going through a global pandemic tested the durability of our healthcare systems. Several factors contributed to the healthcare shortage, but COVID-19 reminded all of us how important it is to have ethical, well-trained healthcare leaders working in the field”, says Dr. Travis Feezell, Provost at Belmont Abbey. “There’s a great demand for leaders in this space and we are doing all we can to answer this call, specifically in Gaston County.” In addition to the MHA, Belmont Abbey recently launched new BSN, RN-BSN, and MSN degree programs to meet the needs of aspiring healthcare workers.
As part of the inaugural graduate cohort, Belmont Abbey celebrates several undergraduate alumni who came back home to complete their Master’s degree. Grace Bruno ‘17, is part of that group. “Going back to the Abbey was an easy decision for me because I knew what I was going to get in terms of education. I knew I would have a hands-on experience, guided by dedicated faculty who know what it’s like to balance Graduate school and a full-time job,” Bruno says. “I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.” For more information on joining the Master of Health Administration program at the Abbey, visit bac.edu/mha.
Press inquiries can contact Rolando Rivas, AVP of Marketing and Communications, at rolandorivas@bac.edu. For information on all of the Graduate degrees offered at Belmont Abbey, visit bac.edu/academics/graduate-studies/.
