ABAC Launches New Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education
TIFTON, Ga. — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) is proud to announce the approval of its newest academic offering: a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education starting in the Fall 2026 term. It is designed to prepare highly skilled and confident teachers for Pre-K through 5th grade classrooms. This program emphasizes hands-on learning and a strong focus on rural education, reflecting ABAC’s commitment to strengthening schools and communities across Georgia.
“This new degree marks an important milestone in our mission to serve Georgia’s communities through high-quality, hands-on academic programs,” said ABAC President Dr. Tracy Brundage. “Our goal is for ABAC to become the leader in preparing rural educators for Georgia’s classrooms, and this program is a major step toward making that vision a reality.”
The Elementary Education program combines rigorous coursework with extensive classroom experiences, ensuring graduates are ready to lead from their first day in the classroom. Dr. Melissa Baker, Department Head for Education and Wellness, shared her excitement: “Elementary education teachers play a critical role in shaping the future of our children and communities. At ABAC, we are committed to preparing educators who excel academically and who truly understand and value the unique strengths and needs of rural communities. Through this program, our graduates will be empowered to make a meaningful and lasting impact.”
Future educators are already embracing the opportunity. Emilee Gruno, a senior at Brooks County High School and one of the first applicants to the program, said: “I chose ABAC because the faculty and staff truly do their best to make it feel like a home. Studying elementary education at ABAC will prepare me to connect on a deeper level with children in the classroom, just as those who work at ABAC aim to be.”
Her mother, Ashlee Gruno, Assistant Principal at North Brooks Elementary School, added: “As an educator, rural education is something special to me, and I couldn’t be prouder of my daughter wanting to become a teacher herself. When we were looking for programs, ABAC seemed the perfect fit due to its affordability, its small classes, and its commitment to student success. When we visited for Stallion Day, I felt such excitement that my daughter had found the perfect school to pursue her dream of becoming an elementary school teacher.”
ABAC’s commitment to providing quality education at an affordable cost remains at the heart of its mission. With the lowest cost of attendance of any institution in the region, ABAC ensures that students can pursue their dreams without the burden of excessive debt. 55% of ABAC students graduate without student loan debt, supported by generous scholarship opportunities and financial aid programs. This new degree builds on ABAC’s proven success in teacher preparation, including its nationally recognized Agricultural Education program, which as of Fall 2025 is the largest Agricultural Education major in the United States. By leveraging this expertise, ABAC is expanding its reach to prepare educators who will make a difference in classrooms across Georgia.
To learn more about ABAC’s new Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and how to apply, visit www.abac.edu/eled.