Belmont Abbey College President to Retire After 21 Years
By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network
Belmont, NC (WNN)— On Thursday, February 20, Dr. William “Bill” Thierfelder, President of Belmont Abbey College, announced his retirement, effective August 2, 2025. This marks 21 years since he began leading the Catholic liberal arts institution.
Transformative Leadership Since 2004
Since Dr. Thierfelder became president of Belmont Abbey College in 2004, the college has experienced significant growth and development. During his tenure, the college added several new academic programs, including master’s degree offerings, and expanded its campus to accommodate a growing student population. This included the construction of five new dorms and upgrades to various campus facilities, which helped improve student living conditions and enhance the overall campus experience.
In addition to these physical improvements, Dr. Thierfelder successfully led a fundraising campaign that raised $150 million. These funds were critical in supporting the college’s ongoing development, academic advancements, and student scholarships. Moreover, his leadership reinforced Belmont Abbey’s Catholic mission, strengthening the institution’s commitment to its Catholic identity and values while ensuring that faith remained central to the college’s work.
A Legacy of Achievement
During his tenure, the college achieved an academic level change to award master’s degrees with eight new programs launched, established the nationally recognized Honors College, and launched the premier Motorsports Business Management Program in the country.
The faculty received accolades as the #1 teaching faculty in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Enrollment saw a substantial increase, with undergraduate numbers rising from fewer than 500 to over 1,600 students, and on-campus residency growing by more than 65%.
Facility improvements included 40 new or refurbished facilities, such as the Sacred Heart Extension, St. Joseph Adoration Chapel, Jerry & Martha Schmitt Dining Hall, Lowry Alumni House, Belmont House in Washington D.C., and eight refurbished sports fields and playing venues.
Expressions of Gratitude
In a press release announcing his retirement, Belmont Abbey College President Dr. Bill Thierfelder reflected on his years of service with deep appreciation for the college community.
“Serving as president of Belmont Abbey College has been the joy of a lifetime,” Dr Thierfelder stated in his retirement announcement. Together with an incredible team of administrators, faculty, and staff, we have achieved tremendous milestones. I am deeply grateful to our students, alumni, and supporters for their commitment to our shared mission. I have overwhelming gratitude to God for giving me this charge and the grace of the confidence to know that I am leaving the college a more secure, more stable, and more faithful place dedicated to His mission.”
In the press release, Chuck Cornelio, chair of the college’s Board of Trustees, expressed his gratitude for Dr. Thierfelder’s leadership:
“Belmont Abbey College would not be the wonderful place it is without Bill Thierfelder. Bill’s leadership over the last two decades has been essential, and we congratulate and honor his faith-filled stewardship of our vibrant Catholic community. On behalf of the board, I want to thank Dr. Thierfelder for his unwavering commitment to the Abbey; we are pleased that Bill will continue to be involved in many ways as the College moves into the next era.”
Future Plans and Succession
Dr. Thierfelder plans to return to Belmont Abbey College in the fall of 2026 as a faculty member. The Board of Trustees has initiated a national search for his successor, with further details on the transition process to be announced in the coming months.
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