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Belmont Abbey College

The Catholic College of the South

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Belmont Abbey College Named #2 in Undergraduate Teaching in Region by U.S. News & World Report

Belmont Abbey College Named #2 in Undergraduate Teaching in Region by U.S. News & World Report

Belmont, N.C. (September 23, 2025) – Belmont Abbey College earns national recognition for academic excellence, securing the No. 2 spot for Best Undergraduate Teaching among Regional Colleges in the South in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings—for the second year in a row. The college also rose ten places to No. 12 in the Regional Colleges–South category, placing the college in the top 10 percent, affirming its continued growth and impact in the region.

These achievements coincide with a period of remarkable growth at the College, as Belmont Abbey celebrates its largest total enrollment in history and welcomes its second-largest incoming class. This growth underscores Belmont Abbey’s reputation as one of the top-ranked independent colleges in North Carolina.

The Best Undergraduate Teaching ranking highlights institutions where faculty and administrators are especially committed to high-quality undergraduate education. This recognition is based on a peer assessment survey in which college presidents, provosts, and admissions deans nominate up to 15 schools within their category that they believe are making exceptional efforts in undergraduate teaching.

“Our faculty do more than teach—they guide and support our students, helping to form them into individuals who will be a blessing to themselves and to the world around them,” said Interim President Dr. Joseph Wysocki. “Much of our recent growth aligns with the expansion of our academic offerings—now more than 30 majors and 50 minors—designed to meet the evolving needs of our community and the region.” 

Belmont Abbey College added to its accolades by claiming the No. 15 spot in Best Value Schools for Regional Colleges–South and also achieved a Peer Assessment Rank of No. 4, reflecting strong recognition from academic peers.

Belmont Abbey College is also recognized as an authentically Catholic institution by The Cardinal Newman Society, a distinction that highlights the college’s unwavering commitment to providing a faithful, Catholic education. Rooted in the Benedictine tradition, Belmont Abbey fosters intellectual and spiritual growth, forming students not only for academic success but also for lives of virtue and purpose.

The college also continues to see significant growth in its Premier Scholarships, with programs like the Honors College, the Hintemeyer Catholic Leadership Scholarship, the St. Thomas More Civic Integrity Scholarship, and the Fr. Oetgen Theatre and Dance Scholarship. These programs also emphasize the development of the whole person, ensuring students are not only equipped for a successful career but also for a joyful life.

These rankings reflect Belmont Abbey’s enduring commitment to academic quality, student support, and holistic formation. As a Catholic, Benedictine institution, the college strives to educate students in mind, body, and soul, preparing them not only for successful careers but for lives of meaning and purpose.

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

About Belmont Abbey College: Founded in 1876, Belmont Abbey College is a private, Catholic baccalaureate and liberal arts institution. Our mission is to educate students in the liberal arts and sciences so that in all things God may be glorified. Guided by the Catholic intellectual tradition and the Benedictine spirit of prayer and learning, we welcome a diverse body of students and provide them with an education that will enable them to lead lives of integrity, to succeed professionally, to become responsible citizens, and to be a blessing to themselves and to others. Our beautiful and historic campus is conveniently located just 10 miles west of Charlotte, N.C., and is currently home to more than 1500 students. For more information, visit belmontabbeycollege.edu.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Sarah Bolton

P: 704-461-7016 E: sarahbolton@bac.edu

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The History of Belmont Abbey’s Grotto

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Katelyn Saxe

Belmont Abbey College is defined by our Catholic roots and by the Benedictine monks who reside here. These followers of Christ and students like you built this college. The basis of the Benedictine tradition is what built the guidelines for the college, and we are lucky to have a lot of rich history and old architecture on our campus—every brick of building like ‘St. Leo’s Hall and statues like ‘The Lady of Lourdes Grotto’’ were put together by the Benedictine Monastery. Funds for new buildings and additions to the school are completed with the help of alumni. One of the best places to admire the history and love behind Belmont Abbey College is at ‘The Lady of Lourdes Grotto.’ Maybe you walked past it and remembered stopping by it on a tour of the college your freshman year, but do you know its history?

‘Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto’ sits behind the monastery and just below the Holy Grounds Cafe. This structure was first built in 1891 after a significant leader of the school, Fr. Francis Meyer, contracted typhoid fever. He was not expected to live, but this did not stop the members of the school from calling out to God for his recovery. They declared that if he lived, they would build a Grotto for the Lady of Lourdes. This structure was built after Br. Meyer survived his illness and was designed by using materials easily found in the area. Wood and many large pieces of granite make up the base that surrounds the statue of Mother Mary and the crucifix of Jesus.

An article was written about the consecration of the Grotto (Theclio.com), and this is where I found most of my information. The Grotto was consecrated on May 7, 1891, on the Solemnity of the Ascension, amid a festive atmosphere. “A seventeen-piece brass band played as a procession of monks, clergy, and laity participated in the event. Abbot Leo Haid introduced Father Francis Meyer and recounted his illness and recovery. A fireworks show concluded the celebrations that evening,” They believed that this addition to the school would serve as a basis for their belief and dedication to God and His willingness to help His children.

Today the Grotto serves as a place for prayer and meditation among students and faculty. Tucked in the woods with a path or two that connects it to the rest of campus, it is a place of peace and tranquility. It is gated and has pews and kneelers for prayer and for admiration. The monastery uses this spot quite a bit for modified styles of worship and prayer. You may even see the sports teams meet here and conduct a group prayer or have a meeting tucked in the peaceful tree line of the Abbey.

This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 1 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.

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Research Corner

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Staff Writers

Lauren Denhard, Desislava Yordanova, Kira Zazzi, Jose Mejia, Timothy Shar, Julia Iseman, Tucker Hoeniges, Madison Mitchell, and Dr. Erin Jensen recently published an article titled “Engaging Undergraduate Student-Athletes in Research and Publication Opportunities.” The Sport Journal. https://thesportjournal.org/article/engaging-undergraduate-student-athletes-in-research-and-publication-opportunities/

This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 1 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.

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A Closer Look at the New Honors Professors

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Kathleen Stinneford

In the past year, the Belmont Abbey Honors College has hired three new professors: Dr. Thomas Varacalli, Professor James Neff, and Professor Elisa Torres Neff. Both Dr. Varacalli and Professor Torres Neff are Belmont Abbey Alums.

Dr. Varacalli has a Masters and Doctorate in Political Science from Louisiana State University and is an Assistant professor. Professor Torres Neff has a Masters in Philosophy from the University of Dallas and is currently earning her Ph.D. in Philosophy. She is a Visiting Professor. Professor Neff has a Masters in Philosophy from the University of Dallas.

Alongside teaching Honors courses, Dr. Varacalli is also in charge of reviewing new applicants to the Honors College.
He and Professor Torres Neff have published many articles and book chapters with each having published eight different publications which is very impressive.

It is very clear that Dr. Varacalli, Professor Torres Neff, and Professor Neff will all go on to do great things in the Honors College, and in Belmont Abbey College as a whole.

This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 1 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.

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Student Voices: Compliments About Faculty

Author: The Crusader Staff Writers

We asked students for compliments about professors and here are some of the responses:

  • Mrs. Margot Rhoades made class really fun/interesting.
  • Dr. Gomes is very understanding and helpful, his class was why I chose to major in Psychology.
  • Dr. Cote, she is difficult and demands a lot, but yet a wonderful/easy to understand and learn from teacher.
  • Father Chris did a great job at engaging all of his students.
  • Professor Hayes because she was always so energetic in class and encouraged our participation always.
  • Dr. Larner. She is just the best teacher, cares for all her students, and helps anyone with anything.
  • Dr. Hutchinson makes history come alive.
  • Dr. Jansen is an excellent professor.
  • Dr. Joseph Pizza and Dr. Erin Jensen. Both of these professors are very open minded and appreciate everyone’s comments, concerns, and look for new ways to approach teaching.
  • Dr. Dell’Isola is friendly and seeks to meet his students on their level when teaching.
  • Dr. Corwin pushes her students to understand the beautiful purpose of literature.
  • Dr. Gina Noia is a great teacher and really understands how to connect the content to life.

This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 1 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.

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