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The Catholic College of the South

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Belmont Abbey College Celebrates Second Annual Graduate Commencement

Belmont Abbey College Celebrates Second Annual Graduate Commencement

Belmont, N.C. (October 28, 2025) – Belmont Abbey College celebrated its second graduate commencement ceremony, conferring degrees upon 53 students across seven master’s programs on October 18th, 2025. This event marked the inaugural graduation of the Master of Classical and Liberal Education and the Master of Arts in Communication.

The ceremony also honored graduates from the Master of Arts in Leadership, Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration, Master of Science in Data Analytics, and Master of Science in Nursing programs. These programs have prepared graduates not only to become future leaders in business, healthcare, and education, but also to lead purposeful and principled lives rooted in integrity.

In anticipation of commencement, graduates of the Master of Classical and Liberal Education participated in the inaugural Sharing Salt Conference, a gathering designed to foster dialogue, learning, and community among current graduates, educators, and advocates of classical education.

“This commencement is more than a celebration of academic achievement—it is a testament to the hard work, discipline, and values that our graduate students carry forward into the world,” said Dr. Brad Frazier, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School, who served as Master of Ceremonies.

Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Interim President and Provost, addressed the graduates with a message of encouragement and reflection, highlighting the significance of their academic achievements and the college’s ongoing mission. “The world needs more Abbey alumni in professional leadership,” said Dr. Wysocki. “Leaders who not only succeed in their fields but who live with integrity, courage, and purpose. You are a vital part of our mission to renew the world through truth and virtue.”

The ceremony took place outdoors in front of the historic Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, a cherished Abbey tradition. Following the ceremony, graduates, families, faculty, and friends gathered for a celebratory reception. 

This commencement represented not only the academic success of the graduates but also their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to living purposeful, values-driven lives.

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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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.

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Belmont Abbey College Celebrates Inaugural Graduate Commencement Ceremony

Belmont Abbey College Celebrates Inaugural Graduate Commencement Ceremony

Belmont, N.C. (August 28, 2024) – Belmont Abbey College celebrates a significant milestone with its inaugural commencement ceremony for graduate students, which will take place on August 31, 2024. The ceremony honors the first graduates of the College’s Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL), Master of Science in Data Analytics (MSDA), and Master of Science in Nursing Leadership (MSN) programs. Additionally, Belmont Abbey will award degrees to the third and fourth graduating cohorts of its Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program.

The fifty-two inaugural MBA, MAL, MSDA, and MSN graduates represent professionals who are poised to assume leadership roles in their respective fields. Graduates of the MBA program at Belmont Abbey possess great business insight, emphasizing critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical decision-making. The MAL program prepares students to be effective business professionals who foster strong ethical and transformational leadership within organizations. The MSDA program meets the growing demand for data analytics professionals by providing graduates with exceptional skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and strategic thinking, all rooted in Catholic social thought. The MSN degree equips nurses with sound moral formation, advanced skills, integrating specialty concepts, nursing science, and translational science to excel in multifacitated roles within the ever-changing field of healthcare.

Belmont Abbey also honors the achievements of sixteen graduates from its MHA program. Now in its third year, the program has built a strong track record of graduating exceptional healthcare leaders who are able to successfully manage the complexities of modern healthcare administration.

Dr. Bill Thierfelder, President of Belmont Abbey College, expressed his joy and appreciation for the graduating class. He said, “This commencement ceremony is much more than a celebration of academic achievements; it’s a tribute to the dedication, sacrifice, integrity, and resilience of our students, our exceptional faculty, and the unique way Belmont Abbey’s Catholic and Benedictine values have prepared its graduates for success in both their professional and personal lives.”

Dr. Brad Frazier, Director of Graduate Programs at Belmont Abbey College, added, “Today, we honor the dedication, perseverance, and vision of our graduate students. We are thrilled to see them embark on their professional journeys, confident that they are equipped to lead and make impactful contributions to their communities and organizations.”

Belmont Abbey College will hold the commencement ceremony in the Haid Ballroom. Dr. Thierfelder will address the graduates and their families, and Abbot Placid Solari will lead the Benediction. The event will be a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students, faculty, and staff who have contributed to the success of these graduate programs.

For more information about Belmont Abbey College’s graduate programs, please visit  https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/graduate.

Press Inquiry Contact: Sarah Bolton, sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.

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Upsilon Phi Delta Induction

Upsilon Phi DeltaThis past Saturday, April 18th, students from Belmont Abbey’s MHA program were inducted into the Upsilon Phi Delta, National Academic Honor Society. Upsilon Phi Delta is a national academic honor society for students in healthcare management, leadership, or administration. The mission of the Upsilon Phi Delta Honor Society is to recognize, reward, and encourage academic excellence in the study of health administration. Congratulations, Crusaders!

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