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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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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 16, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Teacher Appreciation Week: Alumna Angela Bagatta

Though it’s belated for Teacher Appreciation Week, we wanted to highlight Angela Bagatta, an Abbey alumna from the class of 2023. She’s currently inspiring young minds as a second-grade teacher at Jackson Day School in Charlotte, NC.

1. What do you love about teaching?

My favorite part about teaching is the loving relationships I have formed with my students and the amazing memories we have made!

2. How did the Education department at BAC help you develop as a teacher?

The Belmont Abbey Education department gifted me a rich understanding of educational theory, strategies, and life-like experiences through student teaching! My Abbey professors are still only a call away, and willing to assist with anything I ever need!

3. What is your advice to Abbey students pursuing an Education degree?

If you feel the call toward teaching, answer it! I get to live my dream every single day! It was the best choice I’ve ever made 🙂

Thanks for all that you do, Angela! We’re honored to be your alma mater.

May 11, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Celebrates 146th Commencement Ceremony

Belmont Abbey College Celebrates 146th Commencement Ceremony

Belmont, N.C. (May 11, 2024) – Today, Belmont Abbey College marked a significant milestone with the celebration of its 146th commencement ceremony, with a total of 314 students awarded undergraduate Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees at the annual graduation event on campus. The celebration began with a customary baccalaureate Mass at the Abbey Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, followed by the graduation ceremony on the basilica piazza, presided over by Chancellor Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., and President Dr. William Thierfelder.

Twenty graduates earned their nursing degrees (14 pre-licensed and 6 RN-BSN), marking the first-ever nursing graduation at Belmont Abbey College under the guidance of Interim Chair and Program Director Dr. Lee-Ann Kenny. “This is a momentous occasion for our nursing program and Belmont Abbey College as a whole,” said Dr. Kenny. “These graduates have worked tirelessly to achieve their goals, and we are immensely excited to see their hard work positively impact our community.”

In addition to the nursing graduates, five seminarians received their bachelor’s degrees in philosophy, along with one of Belmont Abbey’s monks, Br. Chrysostom Sica. This group of graduates represents the college’s commitment to fostering faith within the Charlotte diocese through an education rooted in truth.

The 2024 Student of the Year was announced during the ceremony, recognizing Ronald Anthony Klein as an outstanding individual who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievements and contributions to the college community. Instead of a conventional Commencement speaker, the Student of the Year is featured, emphasizing the college’s commitment to its students.

The commencement ceremony also honored individuals who contributed significantly to their respective fields. Belmont Abbey College bestowed honorary degrees upon Kathleen Burke Barrett, Bishop Barry C. Knestout, and Mary Thierfelder, the spouse of President Bill Thierfelder, recognizing their outstanding accomplishments and dedication to their professions.

Belmont Abbey College continues to uphold its mission of providing a transformative education rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition. The college remains dedicated to nurturing the intellectual, spiritual, and personal development of its students, preparing them to make a positive impact in their chosen professions and communities.

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

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For Immediate Release

Contact: Rolando Rivas

P: 704-461-6561

E: rolandorivas@bac.edu

May 9, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Teacher Appreciation Week: Alumna Laura Gonzalez

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re highlighting Abbey alums making a difference in local schools!

Say hello to Laura Gonzalez, an alumna of Belmont Abbey, graduating in 2023! She’s currently a kindergarten teacher at St. Michael’s Catholic School in Gastonia, NC.

1. What do you love about teaching?

I love watching the students’ minds grow and fall in love with school! Getting to watch them grow into their personalities and faith is such an amazing experience.

2. How did the Education department at BAC help you develop as a teacher?

They helped me find what type of teacher I wanted to be and could become. Opened my eyes to the multiple opportunities in ways to help all types of students.

We’re grateful for your commitment and effort, Laura! Being your alma mater is an honor we cherish.