Belmont Abbey College to Launch New Online Hospitality Management Minor
Belmont, N.C. (July 15, 2025) – Belmont Abbey College is excited to announce the launch of a new online hospitality management minor, set to begin in the fall 2025 semester. This innovative program features industry faculty like Michael Matthews, Hotel General Manager with Strand Hospitality Services at Hampton Inn Charlotte-Belmont at Montcross, and is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic hospitality industry.
The hospitality management minor will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the various sectors within the industry, including hotel management, event planning, and human resource management. The curriculum will focus on practical applications, allowing students to engage in hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for real-world challenges.
“This new minor offers students an incredible opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the hospitality industry while developing the practical skills employers are looking for,” said Michael Matthews, Belmont Abbey professor and industry professional. “With the region’s growing demand for hospitality professionals, we’re preparing students to step confidently into leadership roles right here in our community and beyond.”
Students pursuing the hospitality management minor will have access to a range of courses that cover topics such as hospitality and tourism management, financial management, and business communication excellence. Additionally, the program will emphasize the importance of ethical practices in the hospitality sector.
“We are thrilled to introduce this new minor, which reflects our commitment to providing students with relevant and impactful educational opportunities,” said Dr. Brad Frazier, Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies at Belmont Abbey College. “The hospitality industry is rapidly evolving, and we believe this program will empower our students to become leaders in this exciting field.”
Belmont Abbey College is dedicated to fostering a learning environment that encourages personal and professional growth. The introduction of the hospitality management minor aligns with the college’s mission to prepare students for successful careers while instilling a sense of service and community engagement. As the demand for skilled professionals in the hospitality industry continues to grow, Belmont Abbey College is poised to provide students with the tools they need to succeed.
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/.
About Strand Hospitality: Founded in 1969, Strand Hospitality Services began as a developer/owner of full-service Holiday Inn resorts. From there, the hotel management company grew via third-party management. Today, Strand Hospitality focuses on developing, investing and operating properties as well as servicing third-party management contracts. The company specializes in the two to four-star hotel segments among many segment types of hotels and is approved to operate hotels under all the leading hotel brand families, including Marriott, Hilton, InterContinental Hotel Group, and Wyndham. Strand Hospitality Services supports operations centers in Charlotte, Myrtle Beach and Atlanta. For more information, please visit www.strandhospitality.com.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sarah Bolton
P: 704-461-7016 E: sarahbolton@bac.edu
