Graduation

Belmont Abbey College Appoints Heather A. Lachenauer as Senior Vice President and General Counsel

Belmont, N.C. (August 19th, 2026) – Belmont Abbey College is thrilled to welcome Heather A. Lachenauer as Senior Vice President and General Counsel. In this role, Lachenauer will provide strategic legal counsel to the college’s leadership while helping advance the college’s mission and long-term priorities. 

Lachenauer brings nearly two decades of experience advising nonprofit organizations, religious and educational institutions, corporations, and individuals on complex legal, regulatory, governance, and risk management matters. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with organizational leaders and boards to navigate challenges, strengthen internal policies and practices, and make sound decisions in support of their vision and mission. Heather has helped numerous organizations identify and mitigate potential liabilities and risks to prevent adverse consequences.

“Heather Lachenauer is an exceptional leader and attorney, and I am thrilled to have her join us as a senior member of Belmont Abbey College’s Cabinet,” said Dr. Jeffrey W. Talley, President of Belmont Abbey College. “Heather has dedicated her life to serving God, His Church, and others as a legal scholar and practitioner. We are very blessed indeed to have her as a critical part of our team. I know she will do great things here.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Belmont Abbey College and to join a community so deeply committed to the formation of its students and the advancement of Catholic higher education,” said Lachenauer. “Belmont Abbey’s strong Catholic and Benedictine identity is central to its mission, and I look forward to drawing on my experience to support the college’s leadership and help protect and strengthen the mission that makes Belmont Abbey so distinctive.”

Prior to joining the leadership team at Belmont Abbey College, Lachenaur was a partner at Brown & Streza, LLP in Irvine, California, where she provided strategic counsel to a variety of non-profit corporations. Her work focused on governance, risk management, compliance and regulation, religious liberty, employment, and intellectual property. She advised organizational leaders and boards on complex decision-making and helped clients identify and mitigate potential liabilities and risks. 

Before her time at Brown & Streza, Lachenauer served as Vice President for Board and Legal Affairs at the University of Dallas, where she was responsible for matters related to the Board of Trustees, legal affairs, compliance, and risk management. Her experience in Catholic higher education and nonprofit leadership has given her a broad understanding of the legal and organizational considerations facing mission-driven institutions. 

An active member of the legal community, Heather has advocated on behalf of clients in a variety of pro bono matters involving asylum, the death penalty, and religious liberty. She regularly speaks at national conferences on the topics of non-profit leadership, employment, and religious liberty. She has also taught political science, rhetoric, and poetics and aesthetics as an adjunct professor. Lachenauer is a former member of both the Board of Regents of St. John Paul the Great Catholic University and the National Board of Directors of Young Catholic Professionals. She currently serves on the board of Duc In Altum Schools Collaborative. 

Lachenauer completed her undergraduate studies at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. She studied philosophy and theology at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology and earned a master’s degree in education and human development from The George Washington University. She received her law degree from the University of Notre Dame School of Law. A native of Virginia, Lachenauer is a member of the State Bar of California and the State Bar of Texas, and is admitted to practice before multiple federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court. She anticipates obtaining her bar membership in the State of North Carolina in the near future.

For more information about Belmont Abbey College, please 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 Names Michael S. Shanley as Inaugural Chief of Staff and Vice President of Board Affairs

Belmont, N.C. (August 5th, 2026) – Belmont Abbey College is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael S. Shanley as its inaugural Chief of Staff and Vice President of Board Affairs, a newly created executive leadership position established to strengthen institutional alignment, support the Office of the President, and enhance governance across the college. A retired U.S. Army Brigadier General, Shanley brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience spanning military service, government, and the private sector to the College’s senior leadership team. 

As Chief of Staff and Vice President of Board Affairs, Shanley serves as a principal advisor to President Dr. Jeffrey W. Talley and a trusted partner to the Board of Trustees. He leads the Office of the President, oversees executive operations, and coordinates strategic initiatives across the institution to strengthen alignment, governance, and execution while advancing Belmont Abbey College’s Catholic and Benedictine mission. The creation of this position reflects the college’s continued investment in strategic leadership and operational excellence as it advances its long-term mission and institutional priorities. He also oversees Board Affairs and serves as the primary liaison between the President and the Board of Trustees. 

“Mike is an accomplished leader whose career has been defined by integrity, service, and a commitment to excellence,” said Dr. Jeffrey W. Talley, President of Belmont Abbey College. “His extensive experience leading complex organizations and advising senior leaders will be an invaluable asset to Belmont Abbey as we continue to advance our mission. We are thrilled to welcome Mike and his family to our community.”

“I am honored to join Belmont Abbey College in this new leadership role and become part of a community grounded in faith, academic excellence, and service,” said Shanley. “The college’s Catholic and Benedictine mission resonates deeply with me, and I look forward to working alongside Dr. Jeffrey W. Talley, the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students to help advance Belmont Abbey’s strategic priorities and continue building on its strong foundation.”

Prior to joining Belmont Abbey, Shanley served as the Commanding General of the 85th Army Reserve Support Command, leading an organization of more than 4,100 personnel with subordinate units across 25 states and managing a $30 million annual operating budget. He also served as Director of Corporate Development at Halvik, a government contractor specializing in information technology solutions and support. 

Earlier in his career, Shanley served as Deputy Commanding Officer and Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army’s Innovation Command, where he synchronized enterprise operations and supported innovation and modernization efforts across the Army. Commissioned as an Army officer in 1996, he retired as a Brigadier General after a distinguished military career marked by leadership at every level, from platoon to division command. 

Throughout his military and civilian careers, Shanley has built a reputation for aligning organizations around strategic priorities, fostering collaboration, and translating vision into action. His military decorations include two Legions of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, six Meritorious Service Medals, and numerous other awards and honors. 

Shanley earned a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Business Administration from Syracuse University, a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Mike and his wife, Krista, have three children. 

For more information about Belmont Abbey College, please 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 Welcomes Daniel Wiseman as Vice President of Advancement

Belmont, N.C. (July 7th, 2026) – Belmont Abbey College is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel Wiseman as its new Vice President of Advancement. Bringing more than 25 years of fundraising and advancement leadership in Catholic organizations and higher education, Daniel will lead the college’s efforts to strengthen philanthropic support and deepen engagement with alumni, donors, and friends of the Abbey.

Wiseman joins Belmont Abbey from Clemson University, where he served as the Executive Director of Gift and Estate Planning. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions in advancement at Clemson University, the Archdiocese of Atlanta, and the University of Mississippi, among other nonprofit and higher education institutions. His extensive experience in philanthropy, donor engagement, and strategic fundraising positions him to advance Belmont Abbey’s mission and long-term growth. 

As the Vice President of Advancement, Wiseman will oversee the college’s fundraising, alumni relations, planned giving, donor stewardship, and advancement operations, cultivating relationships that sustain Belmont Abbey’s Catholic and Benedictine mission. 

“Daniel brings a remarkable combination of leadership experience, strategic vision, and a deep appreciation for the mission of Catholic higher education,” said Dr. Jeffrey Talley, President of Belmont Abbey College. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to build meaningful relationships and inspire philanthropic support. We are delighted to welcome him to Belmont Abbey and look forward to the leadership he will provide to advance our mission.”

Before attending Indiana University, Wiseman served three years in the United States Army, including service during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm as a Forward Observer with the 3rd Infantry Division. He credits his military experience with shaping his leadership style through teamwork, communication, and “esprit de corps.” 

At the beginning of his civilian career, Wiseman worked on political campaigns throughout the Midwest and Southeast, beginning with a state senate campaign in southern Indiana before advancing to work with state political parties and congressional campaigns. These experiences reinforced the importance of volunteer engagement, thoughtful stewardship, and building lasting relationships – principles that have guided his career in advancement. 

“I am honored to join Belmont Abbey College and become part of a community so deeply committed to academic excellence, faith, and the formation of students,” said Wiseman. “I look forward to working alongside President Talley, the college’s faculty and staff, alumni, and generous supporters to strengthen Belmont Abbey and expand opportunities for future generations of Crusaders. I am also excited to deepen our partnerships with businesses, community leaders, and organizations to expand economic opportunity, develop talent, and contribute to the long-term vitality of our region.”

Belmont Abbey is excited to welcome Daniel to its leadership team and looks forward to the experience and vision he brings to the Office of Advancement. His leadership will help strengthen the college’s philanthropic efforts and further its mission of educating students in the Catholic liberal arts tradition. 

For more information about Belmont Abbey College, please 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

Download Now.

Belmont Abbey College Receives $70,000 Grant from CaroMont Health Foundation to Expand AED Access and Nursing Education

Belmont, N.C. (June 2, 2026) –Belmont Abbey College has received a $73,526 grant from the CaroMont Health Foundation to strengthen community cardiac emergency preparedness, in collaboration with the City of Belmont, and to advance nursing education. 

The grant comes in response to a tragic incident in downtown Belmont, where the absence of nearby Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) contributed to the emergency in which Nancy Litwak, a cherished friend of the Belmont community and member of the Belmont Trolley Board, lost her life. Her passing highlighted a critical gap in the community’s emergency response resources, inspired changes to the downtown policy, and motivated Belmont Abbey College to pursue this grant to help prevent future tragedies. In the last year, Belmont Abbey’s nursing department has already implemented CPR classes and training for community members. To date, more than 70 participants have been trained, equipping residents with the skills to respond during cardiac emergencies. 

In collaboration with the City of Belmont, the grant will fund a public AED initiative to enhance the community’s cardiac emergency response plan. The project will:

• Install nine AEDs: Six in strategic downtown Belmont locations and three on the campus of Belmont Abbey, ensuring any point in the downtown corridor is within a two-minute walk to an AED, well within the critical four-minute window for defibrillation. 
• Train faculty and the community: Four nursing faculty will become certified American Heart Association CPR instructors. Recurring CPR and AED training will be offered to local business employees, organizational staff, and community members. 
• Establish sustainable preparedness: The initiative will create a long-term, faculty-led model for ongoing community cardiac emergency preparedness and public education. 

“The safety and well-being of our community is always a top priority,” said Joe Jordan, Mayor of Belmont. “This collaboration with Belmont Abbey College and the support of the CaroMont Health Foundation will ensure that lifesaving resources, like AEDs and CPR training, are accessible to everyone in our town. Together, we are strengthening Belmont’s ability to respond quickly in emergencies and protect our residents.”

“Belmont Abbey College and the CaroMont Health Foundation share a commitment to the well-being of this community. It is at the heart of our relationship, and we are proud to support an institution whose programs reflect that caring for the people around us is both a calling and a privilege. It is an honor to help advance the meaningful work they do right here at home,” said Mary Grace Bean, Director, CaroMont Health Foundation.

The grant also supports the development of a dedicated Fundamental Skills Lab at Belmont Abbey College. This lab will provide a foundational space for 40 first-semester nursing students to master essential clinical skills while supporting 40-80 upper-level students through the intensive clinical “boot camps” and year-round remediation sessions. Beyond the classroom, the lab strengthens the regional healthcare pipeline through high-impact partnerships, including CNA training collaborations with Gaston College and integrated public AED education. 

“This grant from the CaroMont Health Foundation equips both our students and our community to respond effectively in life-saving situations,” said Dr. Lee-Ann Kenny, Chair and Program Director of Nursing at Belmont Abbey College. “The combination of new AEDs in the community and enhanced nursing training will have a meaningful impact on public health and healthcare education.”

The college is currently finalizing the timeline and securing locations for each AED. A public launch event for the AED initiative is being planned to raise awareness of the new network and recognize the Foundation’s support. An announcement will be made when plans are finalized.

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

Download Now.