NEWS CONTACT: Beth Bargar [email protected], Director of Public Relations, (704) 825-6890
May 14, 2001 For Immediate Release
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BELMONT ABBEY COLLEGE ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT
Belmont NC -- The trustees of Belmont Abbey College have selected Dr. James L. Gearity as the 125-year-old school's 14th president. He succeeds 1953 Belmont Abbey graduate Dr. Robert A. Preston, who will return to teaching and direct the college's Bradley Institute for the Study of Christian Culture.
"I am pleased to welcome Dr. Gearity as the next leader of our historic liberal arts institution," said Jerry Schmitt, chairman of the board of trustees. "Dr. Gearity's vision for Belmont Abbey College fits squarely with our mission. I am confident that he is the person to help us achieve our next level of excellence."
Dr. Gearity has almost 30 years of experience in higher education as faculty member and administrator, most of it at Catholic colleges and universities.He comes to Belmont Abbey from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX, where he has served as provost and professor of history. He was dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences from 1991-1999 at Marywood University in Scranton, PA, following a career in academic administration at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, MN and the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Dr. Gearity was also the senior development officer for American Public Radio (now Public Radio International) from 1985-1988.He has taught at each institution for which he has worked, as well as at the College of Mt. St. Vincent in Riverdale, NY and the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN. His teaching specialties include contemporary American popular culture, research methodologies and the non-profit sector in the United States.Dr. Gearity earned his bachelor's degree in English from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, NY. He holds master's degrees in Theology from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI and in History from Fordham University in the Bronx, NY, where he was also assistant dean of students. His doctorate in American Studies is from the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Preston will continue to serve through June 30 and Dr. Gearity will assume his duties as president on July 1.
"I am very pleased both with the search process and its successful conclusion," said Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., chancellor of the college and co-chairman of the search committee. "All constituencies were heard in the process and Dr. Gearity consequently enjoys broad support among the entire college community. I am confident that Dr. Gearity has the right combination of intellectual acumen, personality and dedication to uphold Belmont Abbey College's mission as a Catholic and Benedictine institution, and to promote its continued excellence as a liberal arts college."
Dr. Gearity said of his appointment, "I am proud to be invited to be a part of the Belmont Abbey College community. I thank everyone for the trust they are giving to me, and I am eager to join the college."
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