BELMONT — Belmont Abbey College’s accreditation has been reaffirmed by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The college was notified Sept. 3 of SACSCOC’s approval of its ongoing commitment to the Principles of Accreditation, a foundation for quality enhancement. The reaffirmation through 2030 came with no recommendations – reflecting full compliance with all the standards and policies SACSCOC has set for institutional effectiveness.
“The 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation, with no findings, by SACSCOC, is a tribute to the excellence and virtue of our faculty, staff, administration and monastic community who have dedicated their lives to living out the mission of the college so that in all things God may be glorified,” said Belmont Abbey College’s president, Dr. Bill Thierfelder, in a statement. “Despite the challenges of a worldwide pandemic, their good work has led to all-time record new student enrollment, record student retention, improved rankings, a partnership with CaroMont Health, the near completion of a new five-story living/learning community residence hall, new state-of-the-art science labs, improved athletic facilities, and so much more.”
The Benedictine monks who oversee Belmont Abbey College recently signed a lease agreement with CaroMont Health to build a hospital adjacent to the college campus and expand the college’s healthcare education offerings. Also, construction on another campus residence hall is expected to be finished in October.
The college’s new provost, Dr. Travis Feezell, who oversees accreditation requirements, said in a statement, “The reaffirmation from SACSCOC is I believe a reaffirmation of our next 10 years and the bold path we have plotted. We are in the process of adding new programs and learning experiences, particularly around healthcare and regional workforce needs. None of that envisioned future happens without the teaching excellence of our faculty.”
As part of its reaccreditation, SACSCOC approved “Money the Abbey Way,” a financial literacy initiative Belmont Abbey College developed for students to gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes to wisely earn, spend, save, plan, borrow and contribute as they strive to live the college’s values of stewardship and community.
— Catholic News Herald