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‘Starting as a Stallion’ Orientations Begin June 8 at ABAC

TIFTON—Students who are beginning their college careers at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College this fall semester can engage in a new and different orientation process. Donna Webb, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, said the “Starting as a Stallion” optional in-person orientation sessions will begin June 8. “I think our incoming freshmen will enjoy these sessions,” Webb said.  “Like most everything else in this pandemic era, we are trying something we have never attempted before, but I believe we can accomplish the purpose and practice social distancing at the same time.” Webb said the in-person orientation sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. “Students will receive an email invitation for the in-person sessions which are limited for social distancing,” Webb said.  “One guest will be allowed to attend with each student.” Each session will serve as a complement to ABAC’s online videos which are also a key part of the orientation process.  In the summer of 2020, all orientation sessions were online because of the pandemic. “This is our attempt to offer interested students a more hands-on transition to ABAC,” Webb said.  “All of our key offices will be open so that after the session, students can visit with financial aid, student accounts, accommodation services, and other offices.” For more information about “Starting as a Stallion,” students can contact Webb at dwebb@abac.edu.   Fall semester classes begin at ABAC on Aug. 11.                                                                    ###

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ClicRtechnologies Donates Livestock Weighing Technology to ABAC

TIFTON–New technology is at the fingertips of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College students thanks to a $40,000 donation to the ABAC Foundation from ClicRtechnologies. A ClicRweight Bovine Solution System will be utilized at the Beef Unit at ABAC’s J.G. Woodroof Farm. Dr. Mark Kistler, Dean of ABAC’s School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is excited about the partnership with ClicRtechnologies. “The ClicRweight Bovine Solution System will provide valuable data for the management and operation of our Beef Unit,” Kistler said. “More importantly, it will be utilized by many of our academic programs such as Animal Science and Livestock Production as well as Agribusiness and Agricultural Technology and Systems Management.” Kistler said having students use the latest in technology will help them have the knowledge and skills they need for future employment. Joseph Spicola Sr., Chairman and CEO of ClicRtechnologies, believes ranchers need to embrace technology or get left behind because technology is the future of agriculture. “We hope to emphasize skills gained in the different degrees and tracks offered at ABAC to encourage people to pursue an education in agriculture,” Spicola said. “We believe ABAC will give ranchers and small family farms an opportunity to see this revolutionary technology firsthand.” ClicRtechnologies creates technology that obtains weights in challenging situations. The ClicRweight Bovine Solution System uses 3D imaging technology that reads cattle, pig, and alligator weights without disrupting the routine of the animals. “The School of Agriculture and Natural Resources is thankful for the generosity of Mr. Spicola and all of the folks at ClicRtechnologies,” Kistler said.  “We are looking forward to a long partnership.” ###

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ABAC Plans Return to Normal For 2021 Fall Semester

TIFTON—To use a couple of time-honored expressions, Dr. David Bridges does not want to jump the gun, but he does want to be ahead of the curve. Bridges, the president of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College since 2006 and the longest serving president in the University System of Georgia (USG), says ABAC students can expect a return to normalcy for the 2021 fall semester. “Our plan is to return to normal operations in the fall,” Bridges said. “I want our existing students to know that, and I particularly want incoming freshmen to know it.” Like all the other 25 institutions in the USG, ABAC offered only online classes for the final weeks of the 2020 spring semester and the entirety of the summer term because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students during the 2020 fall term took a mix of online classes and in-person classes. Now in the middle of the 2021 spring semester, ABAC students take mostly in-person classes with some online classes. “I want students taking in-person instruction in a safe environment this fall,” Bridges said. “We will make available a limited number of online classes for those students who still may not feel comfortable sitting in a lecture hall.” Bridges is even thinking beyond the classroom. “I want students living in on-campus housing, going to club meetings, playing sports, and eating in the dining hall,” Bridges said. “Give our students what they deserve, the total college experience. “ABAC has always been known for its friendly atmosphere and a quality education that prepares students for life. Even during the pandemic, we have not backed off that premise.” ABAC enrolled 3,990 students during the 2020 fall term, the second largest enrollment in the history of the college. Those students came from 155 of Georgia’s 159 counties, 53 of Florida’s 67 counties, 19 states, and 24 countries. A record 2,353 of those students enrolled in the 12 bachelor’s degree programs that ABAC offers. Classes are scheduled to begin for the ABAC fall semester on Aug. 11. ###

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View All Campus News Stories ABAC Plans Return to Normal For 2021 Fall Semester
May 26, 2021

Spinks Selected for Roy R. Jackson Award at ABAC

TIFTON—Kim Spinks has been selected as the 2021 recipient of the Roy R. Jackson Award for Staff Excellence, presented each year to the top staff member at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Presented in memory of Roy R. Jackson, Sr., award recipients must have completed at least 10 years of continuous full-time service to ABAC.  Award criteria states that the staff member must be dependable, loyal, reliable, and one who contributes to the growth and development of the college beyond the normal call of duty. Now serving as the Office Coordinator for the Office of Academic Support, Spinks has been an ABAC staff member for 22 years. A coworker states Spinks is always pleasant and professional, whether her focus is on a recruit, applicant, student, graduate, parent, alumnus, visitor or an ABAC employee.  She has proven to be flexible and adaptive at ABAC, serving in various positions and working well as a team member or alone, depending on the task, and is always ready and willing to assist any co-worker when needed in a pinch.  Another coworker writes that Spinks processes graduation applications promptly and adds a personal touch by sending a lovely congratulatory note to the soon-to-be ABAC alumnus as well as to their advisor.  In so doing, it keeps both the advisor and student up-to-date and informed.  One colleague says Spinks is service-oriented and “others-minded, always going above and beyond to assist ABAC students.  I believe our students, faculty, and staff would all agree that this year’s awardee has a genuine desire to make the ABAC experience positive.” ###
May 25, 2021

ABAC Faculty Member Selected for Georgia Agricultural Education Hall of Fame

TIFTON—Dr. Farish Mulkey, an assistant professor of agricultural education at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, has been selected for the Georgia Agricultural Education Hall of Fame.  Mulkey joins two current ABAC faculty members, Dr. Frank Flanders and Von Peavy, in the Hall of Fame. “We are extremely proud of Dr. Mulkey and the fact that ABAC now has three active faculty members in the Hall of Fame,” Dr. Andrew Thoron, Head of the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication at ABAC, said. “I think this proves without a doubt that ABAC is vested in agricultural education in Georgia.” Mulkey began his 32-year career in agricultural education as a classroom agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Macon County High School in 1988.  His career continues today at ABAC where he advises, teaches, and prepares the next crop of agricultural educators. In a career that saw him teach both middle and high school in Macon County, Worth County, Bainbridge, and Stephens County, Mulkey and his students have achieved a great deal of success. He served as advisor to 61 state degree recipients, 14 American Degree recipients, 18 state and four national Career Development Event winners, and nine state proficiency award winners. The role of an agricultural education teacher is very diverse. In addition to teaching and guiding students, agriculture teachers are expected to make an impact on their community and their profession. Just as he did as an FFA advisor, Mulkey excelled at those expectations. Mulkey served as a Young Farmer advisor, providing instruction for adults in his community, was named Teacher of the Year in his school system, participated on local Farm Bureau boards, and served on committees within the Georgia Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association. A Georgia Agricultural Education Hall of Fame spokesman said that Mulkey's very decorated and successful career was not highlighted by the many plaques, trophies, and ribbons that his students earned; rather his career is highlighted by the character that he exhibited and instilled in the young people he taught in class. ###
May 24, 2021

Luke-Morgan Receives Teaching Excellence Award at ABAC

TIFTON—Dr. Audrey Luke-Morgan has been selected as the 2021 recipient of the W. Bruce and Rosalyn Ray Donaldson Award for Teaching Excellence at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. First awarded in 1965, the purpose of the prestigious award is to publicly recognize superior instruction and exemplary service to the college by honoring one faculty member each year, as chosen by a special representative committee of faculty and students. The recipient is honored with a recognition plaque and a monetary award. To be eligible for consideration for the Donaldson Teaching Excellence Award, a faculty member must be a full-time instructor with five or more years of continuous service to the college. An Associate Professor in the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Luke-Morgan has taught at ABAC since 2012. She received an associate degree from ABAC, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Georgia (UGA), a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from UGA, and a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Valdosta State University. To best meet the needs of her students, Luke-Morgan has each student complete a biography and self-assessment so that she can tailor each course to target skills such as public speaking or use of spreadsheet software. “I believe that you must move out of your comfort zone to reach your full potential to learn and grow,” Luke-Morgan said. Several letters of support reference Luke-Morgan’s passion and fire for her subject matter. Dr. Mark Kistler, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, said, “she strives to kindle each student’s curiosity for lifelong learning.” A peer recommendation states that she peaks the students’ interest in introductory classes where they often struggle with terminology with “practical and everyday examples to demonstrate use and application. She then pushes her juniors and seniors to rise to a much higher bar of performance in her classes.” A former student writes, “It is very easy to lecture about all of the things you know, but to translate that knowledge into a conversation that everyone can understand is a special gift that makes the best professors.” Luke-Morgan was the 1992 valedictorian at Fitzgerald High School. In 1994, she was selected as the top academic student at ABAC, receiving the J.G. Woodroof Scholar award with a 4.0 grade point average. ###
May 20, 2021

ABAC’s Polly Huff Receives Top Honor from Georgia Association of Museums

TIFTON—The Georgia Association of Museums (GAM) recently honored Polly Huff from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College with the Museum Professional Award, the industry’s top honor for a museum professional currently serving in the state of Georgia.  Huff, the curator at ABAC’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture (GMA) in Tifton, received the award at the virtual meeting of the Georgia Association for Museums Conference.  “The Middleton Shoe Shop,” an original exhibition at the Museum curated by Huff, also won the Exhibit Award in Category 2, which encompasses project budgets below $25,000. Nominating Committee Chair Virginia Howell, Director of the Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking, and members April Moon Carlson, Independent Museum Consultant; Christa McCay, Curator of the Marietta Museum of History; and Holly Beasley Wait, Director of the National Civil War Naval Museum, singled out Huff for “more than two decades of producing innovative exhibits, maximizing limited resources in incredibly creative ways, and being an advocate for the museum field.” In her role as the ABAC curator, Huff oversees a collection of more than 100,000 GMA artifacts. She has designed and installed over 100 significant exhibitions at the GMA, the Art Gallery, and satellite locations; oversees the institutional archives on campus and at the Museum; handles the curatorial duties at ABAC’s Fulwood Garden Center; and is the staff liaison for Tifton’s Wiregrass Farmers Market. “The Middleton Shoe Shop” project took the Museum’s curatorial staff on a journey across the country and back to the 1800s when a cache of mysterious shoe shop artifacts donated by an Indiana resident was discovered at the GMA 40 years after the donation had taken place. Months of intense research with the assistance of museum colleagues from across the country eventually identified the shoemaker in the lone photograph stored with the artifacts as James Middleton, a Tifton shoemaker who lived and worked in the area in the late 1800s-early 1900s. Huff and restoration specialist David King built an exhibit duplicating the exact scene of Middleton’s shoe shop depicted in that lone photograph. Working with local restoration photographer Charles Styer, Huff recreated a life size rendering of the shop complete with a wall mural of the Middleton wagon, a lifelike museum figure replica of Middleton himself, and a display of several hundred shoemaking artifacts. The exhibit’s wooden shoe forms were treated with a special museum wax, which infused the nostalgic scent of shoeshine paste into the experience.  When the pandemic brought everything to a halt in 2020, Huff and her senior media intern, Tristin Clements from Tifton, filmed the exhibit installation and converted the opening into a virtual event, offering it to Museum guests in the early days of the pandemic to the sound of a nostalgic 1890s tune. Huff was recently elected for a third term on the GAM Board of Directors.  She is a frequent panelist and presenter for the state organization and its membership.                                                             ###
May 18, 2021

ABAC Begins Four-Day Work Week

TIFTON—For the second consecutive summer, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will utilize a four-day work week. ABAC President David Bridges said ABAC’s hours of operation will be from 7 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on a Monday through Thursday basis. The college will be closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  “Closing three days a week will save energy during the hot months of the summer,” Bridges said.  “Employees can also enjoy a three-day weekend with their families during this time.” The four-day ABAC work week began May 17 will continue through July 24.  Summer term classes begin at ABAC on June 1.  The fall semester opens Aug. 10. ###
May 17, 2021

Abbeville Graduate Receives Top Award at ABAC Commencement

TIFTON—Meredith McGlamory, an Agricultural Communication major from Abbeville, received the ABAC Alumni Association Award as the top graduate participating in the commencement ceremony on Friday at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Because of social distancing guidelines, ABAC hosted three commencement ceremonies, two in Tifton and one in Bainbridge.  A total of 302 graduates participated in the ceremonies.  McGlamory received a plaque and a check for $500 from the ABAC Alumni Association, which sponsors the award and conducts the interviews which lead to the selection of the winner. The recipient of the award must participate in the commencement ceremony.  The award recognizes scholarship, leadership, and citizenship. From her role as Homecoming Queen to the time she rode on horseback carrying the flag for the Alpha Gamma Rho Breast Cancer Barrel Race, McGlamory has experienced all sides of ABAC. A stellar academic student with a 3.73 grade point average, McGlamory was a Distinguished Honor Student and made the Dean’s List and the President’s List.  She interned with Bayer Crop Science where she worked on experimental chemical plots in row crops.  She also went on a study abroad trip to Belize and took part in a mission trip to Bolivia. At one point in her ABAC career, McGlamory was the Social Media Intern for the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition.  She also served as an active member of the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow.  McGlamory has worked at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show, and she traveled with other ABAC students on the annual Farm Tour when they visited Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Closer to home, McGlamory has guided visitors on the Sunbelt Expo trams, dealt with small animals at Branch’s Vet Clinic, and worked in Plant Pathology at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station.  A Ms. ABAC Finalist, she often helped to recruit new students at Stallion Day. One of McGlamory’s references said, “she strives for success in everything she does and always represents ABAC in a positive manner.” McGlamory plans to travel to New Zealand after graduation to take part in an outreach ministry program. Summer term classes begin at ABAC on June 1, and the fall semester opens Aug. 10. ###

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View Archive Abbeville Graduate Receives Top Award at ABAC Commencement
April 26, 2024

ABAC students awarded Southeast Produce Council scholarships

TIFTON — Two Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College students recently received the 2023-2024 Southeast Tip Ag Recruits Scholarship (STARS), created by the Southeast Produce Council.Statenville’s Connie Lynn Rogers and Fort Meade, Fla.’s Katherine Stokes, both senior agricultural communications majors, were awarded the scholarships.The STARS program is the Southeast Produce Council’s scholarship program available to outstanding students majoring in agriculture. The mission of the STARS program is to identify the top agricultural majors at participating colleges and to recruit and introduce them to career opportunities in the produce industry.Rogers is a member of the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow Club, a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, and a former member of Collegiate FFA. She completed an internship with the Georgia Peanut Commission and has been working with the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Entomology Department. During this time, she worked on research with corn, squash, cabbage, and cotton.After growing up working solely with swine, she was able to expand her knowledge through these experiences, reinforcing her love of the agriculture industry and are leading her to the scholarship. Upon graduation, she plans to transition to a full-time agricultural communications role.Stokes serves as the Chair of Merchandise and Fundraising of the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow Club and is the social media manager for Shoot and Reel, a hunting and fishing apparel company. This summer, she will intern with Florida Classic Growers, an organization she was introduced to while attending the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure Conference.Growing up, Stokes showed livestock and was heavily involved with FFA and 4-H. Her grandparents owned a citrus nursery that was devastated by greening (when produce gets diseased and crops are decimated) so she is looking forward to the opportunity to advocate for Florida citrus growers this summer. Following graduation later this year, she also plans to transition to a full-time agricultural communications role.Each recipient received a $2,500 scholarship to provide financial support for the completion of an agricultural-based degree. The program also provided travel and lodging expenses for the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure Conference in Tampa, Fla.Ideal candidates for the scholarship are rising seniors in undergraduate majors related to the growing and marketing of produce and related products who also hold a minimum 3.2 GPA. Additionally, it is preferred that students have demonstrated an interest in growing and/or marketing of produce.
April 24, 2024

Wiregrass Farmers Market opens for spring season

TIFTON – The Wiregrass Farmers Market, located at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture, has opened for the spring season.   Market Manager Randi Hickman said that the market boasts more than 40 registered vendors selling everything from baked goods to artwork and fresh produce to plants. The spring market season runs from April 13 until July 27, and the market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon.  “The market has really grown over the years, and we have a lot of great vendors,” she said. “If they haven’t come and seen it, we hope they’ll come spend a Saturday with is and see what all our vendors have to offer.”  Hickman said that the vendors rotate out throughout the season so each market will have something different. A recent Saturday included fresh flowers, produce, baked goods, hard-carved knives, jewelry, freeze-dried candy, lathe-turned bowls, an assortment of sweet treats, and much more.   The market offers more than just shopping for the community; it is also a hands-on learning opportunity for students from ABAC’s School of Arts and Sciences, according to Dr. Russell Pryor, who recently became the market coordinator.  “The Wiregrass Farmers’ Market is entering into its fourteenth year in Tifton and its second year as an asset of the School of Arts and Sciences,” Pryor said. “From my new position as Market Coordinator, I’ve worked closely with Dr. Matthew Anderson, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, Market Manager Randi Hickman, and members of the Wiregrass Farmers’ Market Board and we are all eager to see the market develop into a place where our campus becomes a site for collaboration with the broader Tifton and South Georgia community in new ways.”  "Not only does the market play a key role in helping build and support our local community, it also has tremendous value as real-world experiential learning laboratory for our students,” said Anderson. “We have several student interns who help manage the day-of operations of the market and play a key role in marketing it on social media. Through their work at the market, the students get the opportunity to network with community members and to develop professional skills that help prepare them for a wide variety of careers following their time at ABAC. "  Pryor said that they have plans to expand the types of experiential learning opportunities for ABAC students at the market.  “For a college with an agricultural mission but with students who also study politics, history, writing, biology, and business, among other subjects, it seems to me that the Wiregrass Farmers’ Market is an invaluable resource for experiential learning,” Pryor said. “I’m excited about this season, but, more than anything, I’m excited for the potential the market has for our students and our community.” 
April 23, 2024

Registration open for Camp Wiregrass

TIFTON – Registration is open for Camp Wiregrass, a series of educational summer camps hosted by Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture.  Children from 5 to 12 years old will experience a variety of adventures when they explore agriculture, history, natural resources, and STEM through fun, interactive day camps.   “Spots are filling up quickly, so we are encouraging parents to register and secure a spot,” said Kelly Scott, the Museum’s Assistant Director. “The Museum provides an amazing backdrop, allowing us to offer camps that are not just exciting and hands-on for children, but also educational.”  Scott said that registration for each camp will close the week prior to the session. But since most camps fill quickly, she said it’s a good idea to register well in advance.  For the Munchkin campers in the 5-6 years old age range, “Season’s Greetings” runs from May 28-31 while “Cotton & Chickens & Cows, Oh My!” takes place June 11-14. Both camps run from 8 a.m. to noon each day with drop off from 7:30-8 a.m. and pick up from noon-12:30 p.m. The cost of each camp is $75 and includes a snack, a T-shirt, and all supplies. Camps are also available for Explorer campers ages 7-9 years old. “Sail the High Seas” is scheduled for June 3-7 while “Exploring Space” will be held June 24-28. Each camp runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with drop off from 7:30-8 a.m. and pick up from 3-3:30 p.m. The cost of each camp is $120 and includes a snack, a T-shirt, and supplies.   “The Ultimate Game Show” is a camp for 10- to 12-year-olds scheduled for July 8-12. This camp runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with drop off from 7:30-8 a.m. and pick up from 3-3:30 p.m. The cost per camper is $120 and includes a snack, a T-shirt, and supplies.  Anyone interested in more information on Camp Wiregrass can contact Scott at (229) 391-5221. Further information can be found at gma.abac.edu/education/camp-wiregrass/. Registration for all sessions of Camp Wiregrass can be done online at abacgma.eventbrite.com.  
April 22, 2024

Hernandez, Owens, Crews named overall winners in ABAC’s Seventh Annual STEPS Symposium

TIFTON — Amy Hernandez, a History and Government major from Fitzgerald, Jacob Owens, a Natural Resource Management major from Dallas, and Alec Crews, a Writing and Communication major from Moultrie, have been selected as the overall winners among students participating in the 2024 Student Engagement Programs (STEPS) Symposium, representing undergraduate research at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Dr. Jason Scott, chair of the ABAC Undergraduate Research Committee, said this year’s symposium, in its seventh year, included a record number of submissions. The symposium included 10 social science oral presentations; a literary showcase featuring three poetry submissions, one fictional short story and one non-fictional short story; six STEM oral presentations, and 34 poster presentations, all detailing original research done by ABAC students across a variety of programs and majors.“On behalf of the Undergraduate Research Committee for ABAC, I want to thank all the many students who participated in this year’s event,” Scott said. “It takes gumption and intellect to complete and present an undergraduate research project. I would also like to thank all the judges for volunteering your time and expertise to fill the critical role of evaluating these many great projects.” Hernandez took first place in the poster presentation session with “Assessing the Impact of Global Influences in Human Rights Compliance.” She also placed first overall in the social sciences and humanities division. Her faculty mentor was Dr. Ryan Voris, Assistant Professor of Political Science within ABAC’s School of Arts and Sciences.Owens won first in the STEM oral presentation division with “Effects of Non-Forested Habitat on Southeastern American Kestrel: A Multi-Scale Habitat Selection Study.” His faculty mentor was Dr. Jason Scott, Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management in ABAC’s School of Agricultural and Natural Resources. Crews won the literary showcase with his short story titled “Beige.” He was mentored by Dr. Sandra Giles, Professor of English and Communication within ABAC’s School of Arts and Sciences.Daniela Mar, a History and Government major from Atlanta, placed second in the social sciences and humanities division with her poster “Beyond the Paper Trail: Tracing the Complex Path to Federal Recognition through the Journey of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe.” She was mentored by Dr. John Cable, Assistant Professor of History within ABAC’s School of Arts and Sciences. Lauren Stephens, an Agricultural Education major from Gainesville, placed third with her poster “ABAC Education Students’ and Professors’ Perceptions of the Importance of Teaching Elementary Ag.” She was mentored by Dr. Alex Byrd, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Education and Communication within ABAC’s School of Agriculture and Natural Resources.In the STEM poster category, Jesse Jerls, an Agribusiness major from Acworth, placed first with his poster “Design, Construction, and Validation of an Open-Source In-Field NDVI Sensor,” mentored by Dr. Alex McLemore, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Engineering within ABAC’s School of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Lydia Norman, an Agricultural Education major from Washington, placed second with her poster “Investigating BetterGro Blackeye as a Potential Cover Crop,” mentored by Dr. Michael Maw, Associate Professor of Agronomy within ABAC’s School of Agriculture and Natural Resources; and Barbara McFadden, a Biology major from Augusta, placed third with her poster “Microbial Model to Evaluate the Effects of Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) on Boosting Cell Growth to Generate NAD+/NADH,” mentored by Dr. Kingsley Dunkley, a Professor of Science and Mathematics within ABAC’s School of Arts and SciencesThe oral presentations were divided into the STEM category and the Arts, Humanities, Business, and Social Sciences category.Ethan Torres, a Biology major from Bogart, won second place in the STEM category with “Listeria Research at The Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic & Investigational Laboratory,” mentored by Dr. Jennifer Harper, a Professor of Biology within ABAC’s School of Arts and Sciences; and Jillian Lartigue, a Natural Resource Management major from Citra, Fla., placed third with “Trespass Control Management Plan for the John W. and Margaret Jones Langdale Forest located in Tift County, GA,” mentored by Dr. Jason Scott.In the Arts, Humanities, Business, and Social Sciences category, Elliot Amos, a Writing and Communication major from Albany, placed first with “Defining Adulthood: The Impact on YA Literature,” mentored by Dr. Brian Yost, Associate Professor of English within ABAC’s School of Arts and Sciences; second place went to Alyssa Sweat, a Writing and Communication major from Blairsville, with “Arboreal Metaphor in Zhuangzi and The Bible,” mentored by Dr. Jeb Sharp, Assistant Professor of English within ABAC’s School of Arts and Sciences; and Anslee James, a Writing and Communication major from Sylvester, won third place with “From Corsets to Flappers: Exploring the Impact of Cultural Shifts on Women’s Clothing During the 1920s,” mentored by Dr. John Cable.
April 19, 2024

ABAC names Woodroof Scholar, Students of Distinction winners

TIFTON — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Annah Williams, an Agribusiness major from Lenox, was chosen as this year’s J.G. Woodroof Scholar, the highest academic honor the college awards each year.Williams was among four students honored during a ceremony at ABAC Thursday afternoon. Williams was also selected as the Student of Distinction for the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources.Also winning Student of Distinction honors in their respective schools were Tucker Parrish, a Business major from Adel, for the Stafford School of Business; Janeth Ovalle, a Nursing major from Douglas, for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences; and Delaney Garcia, a Writing and Communications major from Albany, for the School of Arts and Sciences.According to Dr. Amy Willis, interim Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, the students are chosen by faculty in each school from the list of Superior Honor and Distinguished Honor students, who are classified by their earned hours and grade point averages at the end of fall semester 2023. Many other factors are considered during this selection, including but not limited to involvement in engaged learning activities, participation in clubs and school and college-sponsored activities, service in their communities, leadership among peers, and strong interpersonal skills.“These students are considered our top students and are sure to become role models in their communities and serve as leaders in their professions,” Willis said.The Woodroof Scholar, named for the first president of ABAC, is also honored at the University System of Georgia’s Academic Recognition Day. Criteria from the University System includes a 4.0 GPA (or close to it) and qualities characteristic of outstanding scholastic achievement at the institution. Dr. Mark Kistler, Dean of ABAC’s School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, said Williams is a natural born leader who is dedicated to agriculture and goes above and beyond to take the lead on projects. He added that she displays admirable commitment to operating and managing her family’s farm, church, and community.She has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her academic career, making the President’s List every semester she has taken 12 or more hours. She has participated in group projects, oral presentations, and research activities that are built into many courses in the Agribusiness curriculum and has completed an internship at Atlantic and Southern Equipment, Williams also attended Woman in Agriculture and Natural Resources Club and Agripreneurs Club meetings, and was selected to serve as a SANR Leader, providing student leadership and recruitment at key events such as the Ag Expo and Stallion Days.Parrish has been active in the Student Government Association, the men’s cross country team, and has served as President of both the Entrepreneurs Club (Enactus) and the Circle K International Club. He was a founding member of the ABAC Homelessness Club and served as a Stafford Scholar, all while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.Dr. Renata Elad, Dean of the Stafford School of Business, said Parrish is engaged in the classroom, anxious to soak up a full, well-rounded experience, is kind, thoughtful, judicious, and always quick to point out the achievements of his peers, who highly respect his insight.Dr. Jeffrey Ross, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, said Ovalle is known for communication and collaboration in the online classroom environment, excelling in course assignments, being remarkably active and responsive in activities and discussions, and demonstrating synthesis of course materials in her critical thinking and scholarly writing.Ovalle is a non-traditional student who maintains a full-time course load while also working both in the Intensive Care Unit at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta and in the Medical/Pediatrics Unit at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas. She was recently named Caregiver of the Month at Coffee Regional, recognizing her commitment to being a team player by assisting both coworkers and patients.Dr. Matthew Anderson, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, said Garcia excelled in many roles and set herself apart by being unafraid to ask critical questions, capable of expressing contrary views diplomatically, and able to articulate her thoughts clearly.Garcia has been active with ABAC’s school newspaper, The Stallion, where she rose from staff writer to editor-in-chief; hosted “Horsin’ Around” on the ABAC radio station WPLH, and assisted with producing the Pegasus literary magazine. Her work has been featured on the cover of Georgia Magazine, and she is currently interning at WALB.
April 17, 2024

ABAC Spring Commencement Set for May 9

TIFTON —Georgia Supreme Court Justice John Ellington will address nearly 360 Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College graduates during two commencement ceremonies on Thursday, May 9. The ceremonies will be held at the college’s Gressette Gymnasium.Campus Communications Coordinator Jordan Beard said the 10 a.m. event will include graduates from the School of Nursing and Health Sciences and the School of Arts and Sciences. The 3 p.m. event includes graduates from the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Stafford School of Business.A pinning ceremony for nursing graduates will begin at noon and the Agricultural Education pinning will begin at 5 p.m.“This is always the most special day of the year,” Brundage said. “It is exciting to me that at ABAC, these graduates received a fantastic education at an affordable price. We know they are ready for whatever their next step will be. They’ve worked hard for this achievement, and we can’t wait to celebrate with them.”Ellington, an ABAC alum of the class of 1979, was elected to the Georgia Supreme Court in 2018. He was recently awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award at ABAC’s 2024 Homecoming.Brooke Patry, the outgoing president of ABAC’s Student Government Association, will also address students at both ceremonies.The commencement ceremonies will be live-streamed by visiting watch.abac.edu or the ABAC Facebook page.
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