Jordan Anderson starts internship program at Belmont Abbey College Jordan Anderson is enrolled at Belmont Abbey College, in Gastonia, North Carolina. The school offers a curriculum of study that’s among the country’s most unique—the country’s only four–year Motorsports Management degrees.

With its proximity to Charlotte, NASCAR’s epicenter, Belmont Abbey College is committed to developing students as future motorsports leaders. Students accepted into the program can earn a bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in motorsports management. The four–year, high–octane, degree specifically focuses on the racing industry’s business and management side and is one of the first of its kind in the country.

Academic performance has not been a problem for Anderson who made the Dean’s List his freshmen year. As a freshman, Anderson went a step farther. He presented a proposal to the college offering academic credit for interns working with his racing team. The college accredited Jordan Anderson Racing’s program, and as of the fall semester 2010, Anderson will have three interns in a collaborative effort that involves aspects of the motorsports industry.

The interns will perform 120 hours of work for credit in a unique and innovative partnership where they make decisions that contribute to Jordan Anderson Racing’s success. This program allows interns to begin building a solid resume.

Interns Quinn Beekwilder, Daniel Kerber, and Jessica Morse will get valuable hands–on experience involving matters such as corporate sponsorship, public relations, promotions, and other vital business areas associated with the highly successful NASCAR model.

Belmont Abbey’s leadership in motorsports management caught the eye of the Wall Street Journal. In a piece fittingly titled, “Grease Monks, Racing Has A Haven in Belmont Abbey,” the journal examined how the college’s innovative program adds horsepower to its curriculum. The article in examining why the world needs such a specific area of study, got a clear–cut, definitive answer from Tracy Rishel, the motorsports program instructor. “ Sponsors are paying 15 million to 20 million a year at the top NASCAR level for top teams to put their name on the car. It’s worth nearly 6 billion to the North Carolina economy. Sponsors expect professionalism and worldly talented people to deal with.”

Despite a crowded schedule that includes a full academic load, along with handling all his sponsorship partners, Anderson continues to race a full schedule of Dirt Late Model races—a stepping–stone to NASCAR. If there’s such a thing as making all the right moves, Anderson is doing it.

In March 2009, legendary promoter H.A. ‘Humpy’ Wheeler signed Anderson, saying Anderson has what it takes to make it to the Cup Series. A successful campaign of racing on dirt in 2009 validated Wheeler’s faith in Anderson.

Anderson enjoys success in the boardroom as well with long–term sponsors like his hometown, the City of Forest Acres in South Carolina and Dick Dyer Toyota. He has also amassed quite a racing record with more than 200 wins, five South Carolina State Championships, 2005 Semi–Pro Legends Nationals Championship, along with 2007 and 2008 Charlotte Motor Speedway Legends Car Pro Summer Shootout Series Championship.

In 2010, Anderson plans to run 30 to 35 races in the National Dirt Racing Association. Dirt tracks gave NASCAR its current superstars like Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, and Carl Edwards.

Anderson has his head on right. In an age when way too many athletes bring bad images to their sport, Anderson knows what matters at the end of the day. Here’s betting that the Forest Acres native will excel on all fronts.

The City of Forest Acres, a longtime partner of Anderson, sees in him a native son with a bright future. Jordan makes three generations of Anderson’s who have called Forest Acres home, and he brings a solid image to a place known for its wholesome lifestyle. Anderson, who’s bold in his faith, performs community service and spends important time with his parents, Clif and Sherry Anderson, and sister Jennifer.

Anderson acknowledges that his driving force is Biblical and refers to his life’s verse, 1 Timothy 1:12; “ I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has given me strength, that He considered me faithful, appointing me to His service.”

College has a way of binding people for life. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Anderson and his interns together someday, a team racing at the highest level. That would be a coup for Belmont Abbey College. Having a NASCAR driver isn’t a bad way to earn your stripes as an institution of higher learning that offers a Motorsports program.

Learn more at www.JordanAndersonRacin g.com