Belmont Abbey College Partners with Veterum Sapientia Institute to Launch New Latin and Greek Majors
Belmont, N.C. (July 1, 2025) – Belmont Abbey College is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Veterum Sapientia Institute (VSI) to enhance its commitment to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. This collaboration will introduce two new majors in Latin and Greek, available to both traditional and Abbey Online students, along with accompanying minors.
The new programs will be available, pending final approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), in the Fall 2025 semester, marking the beginning of an unparalleled partnership driving eager learners of all ages to classical education. This initiative reflects Belmont Abbey College’s dedication to providing a robust academic framework that honors the rich heritage of the Catholic faith while fostering a deep understanding of classical languages.
“At Belmont Abbey College, we strive to educate the whole student by harmonizing faith and reason,” said Dr. Joseph Wysocki, the college’s provost. “Offering degrees in these foundational languages will allow students to explore the words of both saints and scholars in greater depth, broadening their understanding of some of life’s greatest lessons and mysteries. These programs and this partnership are truly one of a kind in the world of higher education today.”
The Veterum Sapientia Institute leads the renewal of Latin and Greek studies, advancing the vision articulated by Pope St. John XXIII in Veterum Sapientia. VSI is committed to teaching Latin and Greek as living languages, helping Catholics reclaim their cultural and spiritual heritage through immersive, high-quality language instruction.
“We are honored to partner with Belmont Abbey College in forming students through the wisdom of the Church’s ancient languages,” said Christopher Owens, CEO of the Veterum Sapientia Institute. “Offering immersive Latin and Greek instruction to both traditional and online students is a bold step in the renewal of classical education—and we’re thrilled to do so alongside such a faithful and academically rigorous institution. At a time when there is a growing need for knowledgeable high school and college teachers in classical education, we’re excited to help fill that need by preparing the next generation of instructors.”
Students enrolled in the traditional undergraduate program will take foundational courses on campus with Belmont Abbey College faculty while completing upper-level classes alongside VSI cohorts of no more than 15 students, ensuring personalized attention. Adult online learners in the Abbey Online program will take all courses in a flexible, fully online format.
The Latin and Greek majors provide a foundation for a number of careers in fields such as philosophy, theology, education, history, law, medicine, and more. In addition to the majors, the adjoining minors will provide students with the flexibility to enhance their primary fields of study while gaining valuable insights into the classical roots of various disciplines. This initiative aligns with Belmont Abbey College’s mission to cultivate a community of learners who are committed to academic excellence and the pursuit of truth.
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 https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sarah Bolton
P: 704-461-7016 E: sarahbolton@bac.edu
