BELMONT, N.C., Sept. 2, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heading into its 10th year the Belmont Abbey College Motorsport was seeking a proven business leader to continue to advance the pioneering degree program. As evident by the growing number of new young professionals that are quickly becoming influential in the industry, Belmont Abbey Motorsport has had a major impact and is poised for even greater things under the leadership of Pat Wood, the veteran business executive selected to steer the growing program.
"My goal is to develop Belmont Abbey as the center of Motorsport intelligence in terms of competitive knowledge and resources with the vision of creating sustainable programs and partnerships that contribute back to the industry," said Mr. Wood. "With our graduates moving into senior positions throughout the industry there's no doubting the value of the program, but the shareholders must continually be ready for new challenges. I want our students to be prepared to lead now and in the future."
Under Wood's guidance, the degree program will further enhance the real-world business experiences for its students, a key asset in the ultra-competitive Motorsport world. Due to the incredible success of the last 10 years, the Abbey foundation is strong in the industry. Wood will focus on expanding current partnerships and seek out new ones that will ultimately make Belmont Abbey the premier proving ground for students, stakeholders and future leaders. "The opportunities our students will have will be second to none," said Wood.
Pat comes to the Abbey from the University of Virginia where he served as the General Manager of Virginia Sports Properties with oversight for the University's exclusive multi-media sports marketing partnership. Prior to UVA Pat served as the Chief Marketing Officer of Driving 101 LLC, the parent company of the NASCAR Racing Experience, Mario Andretti Racing Experience, Myrtle Beach Speedway and the SPEEDPARK at Concord Mills.
His Motorsport experience goes deeper with roles at Street and Smith's Sports group where for 10 years he managed the business operations for the Motorsport group and implemented all business and commercial strategies, and with the Charlotte Motor Speedway where he helped oversee the largest and most aggressive business expansion in the history of the company.
"We're excited about the energy and ideas that Pat brings to establishing a true center of Motorsport thought and leadership at Belmont Abbey College," said Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of the Faculty, Dr. David Williams. "His business experiences combined with his academic background are the right mix to take our Motorsport program into its second decade."
Belmont Abbey's Motorsport degree program began in 2006 in collaboration with Humpy Wheeler Jr., a living Motorsport legend. Wheeler attended Belmont Abbey's prep school. His father is the namesake for the college's athletic center as he dedicated more than 30 years to the Abbey as a coach and faculty member.
Wood has a B.A. in Business Communications from Bowling Green State University and a Masters in Sports Administration from Kent State University. Pat has been married to his wife, Karen, for 26 years. They have 2 daughters and plan to reside in Huntersville, NC.
Founded in 1876 by Benedictine monks, Belmont Abbey College focuses on the development of the whole person in mind, body and spirit. Located just 10 miles west of Charlotte, N.C., the College is currently home to more than 1600 students. For more information, visit www.belmontabbeycollege.edu/motorsport.
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