Belmont Abbey College Appoints Dr. Travis Feezell as Provost
Belmont, NC (March 2, 2020)— Belmont Abbey College has appointed Dr. Travis Feezell, Ed.D., most recently President & CEO of Hastings College, as the college’s new provost. Dr. Feezell brings nearly 30 years of experience in higher education and a passion for innovative academic programming focused on student development and experience. Dr. Feezel had formerly served with Belmont Abbey College in various roles including Chair of Sport and Motorsports Management, Interim Director of Athletics, Interim Chair Business, and Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Planning. During that time he received the Adrian Faculty Excellence Award and the Spirit of St. Benedict Award, the former an expression of excellence and impact in teaching, the latter given to the employee who best exhibits the Benedictine Hallmarks of hospitality and selfless service.
Dr. Feezell will lead the continuing enhancements and growth of Belmont Abbey College’s academic offerings by focusing in the near term on new degree programs in healthcare, languages, business, the arts, and evaluating potential Master’s degree programs. The college is also anticipating growth in its online course offerings, the largest incoming freshman class this fall, and enhancing its non-traditional student offerings. Belmont Abbey College, with its partnership with CaroMont Health, has positioned itself well to respond to the market needs in healthcare in the Charlotte regional metropolitan area.
“We sought a faithful leader filled with enthusiasm and boldness, one with vision and integrity and committed to overseeing a transformative time in our college,” said President Dr. Bill Thierfelder, “Dr. Feezell’s acceptance of the position has surpassed our highest expectation. We are excited to be reunited with such an exceptional individual, and overjoyed to welcome him back home to the Abbey.”
Dr. Feezell spent 2014-2017 as provost at the University of the Ozarks where he led strategic planning, revised the general education curriculum, facilitated a comprehensive reorganization of faculty governance, and led the Enrollment Management Team responsible for recruitment, retention, and graduation goals. As President at Hastings College Dr. Feezell led its institutional strategic planning process and implemented significant enhancements to the student experience, as well as new major construction initiatives and international programming.
“A winding path has led me back to Belmont Abbey College,” said Dr. Feezell. “The prospect of leading entrepreneurial learning opportunities and championing Catholic and Benedictine higher education is what calls me back to the Abbey. I am grateful for the opportunity, and thank President, Dr. Bill Thierfelder, and college Chancellor, Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B. for welcoming me back home.
Dr. Feezell will assume the post held in the interim by Dr. Linda Delene. During her tenure, Dr. Delene led tremendous academic progress at the college. Dr. Feezell begins his new role on June 15, 2020.