Mission Statement
 


Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), established in 1908 as the Second District A&M School, became South Georgia A&M College in 1924 and Georgia State College for Men in 1929. Named for a signer of the United States Constitution and the first president of the University of Georgia, the college assumed its present name in 1933 when it became a unit of the University System of Georgia. At that time, ABAC embarked on a mission devoted primarily to associate-level studies in agriculture, home economics, and related fields. ABAC’s role later expanded to include a diverse educational program.

As a unit of the University System of Georgia, ABAC shares the following characteristics with other two-year units in the System.

  • a commitment to excellence and responsiveness within a scope of influence defined by the needs of a local area and by particularly outstanding programs or distinctive characteristics that have a magnet effect throughout the region or state;
     

  • a commitment to a teaching/learning environment, both inside and outside the classroom, that sustains instructional excellence, functions to provide University System access for a diverse student body, and promotes high levels of student learning;
     

  • a commitment to a high quality general education program that supports a variety of well-chosen associate programs and prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate programs, learning support programs designed to insure access and opportunity for a diverse student body, and a limited number of certificate or other career programs to complement neighboring technical institute programs;
     

  • a commitment to public service, continuing education, technical assistance, and economic development activities that address the needs, improve the quality of life, and raise the educational level within the college’s scope of influence;
     

  • a commitment to scholarship and creative work for the specific purposes of supporting instructional effectiveness and enhancing institutionally relevant faculty qualifications.

In addition, campus life at ABAC shares the following characteristics with all other units in the system.

  • a supportive campus climate, necessary services, and leadership and development opportunities, all to educate the whole person and meet the needs of the students, faculty, and staff;
     

  • cultural, ethnic, racial, and gender diversity in the faculty, staff, and student body, supported by practices and programs that embody the ideals of an open, democratic, and global society;
     

  • technology to advance educational purposes, including instructional technology, student support services, and distance education;
     

  • collaborative relationships with other System institutions, state agencies, local schools and technical institutes, and business and industry, sharing physical, human, information, and other resources to expand and enhance programs and services available to the citizens of Georgia.

ABAC, an associate level college, is a community-based residential institution offering programs in the natural and physical sciences, the liberal arts, the social sciences, business, physical education and recreation, and health occupations as well as a specialized institution serving a unique role through programs in agriculture and related disciplines. This dual emphasis, together with on-campus housing, gives the college its distinctive character and enables it to attract traditional and nontraditional students from throughout Georgia, other states, and other countries, creating a culturally diverse student body.

ABAC provides high quality academic programs that allow employment upon completion of two-year career programs of fulfillment of the core curriculum requirements and an opportunity for successful transfer into baccalaureate programs.

Off-campus and evening programs provide educational opportunities for individuals who are unable to attend classes in the traditional setting. Public service programs include special- interest activities and courses, occupation-enhancing classes, youth enrichment courses, and performing and visual arts events. The college also provides administrative services and facilities that enable community and state organizations as well as other units of the University System of Georgia to bring seminars, meetings, and upper-level and graduate instruction to the region.

ABAC’s vision for the future includes placing student learning foremost; having an outstanding diverse faculty, staff, and administration; valuing and encouraging lifelong learning; and ensuring continuous leadership and improvement. The college supports its mission through a participatory planning process involving all aspects of the campus community. Key components of the vision include additional outreach in Colquitt County through the development of ABAC-on the Square; expanded use of distance education technologies; and collaborative efforts with technical institutes, public schools, and business and professional organizations. Another dimension of the vision is the continued development of agriculturally related programs of study and applied research partnerships with Fort Valley State University and the University of Georgia. Furthermore, the vision includes meeting the changing needs for programs other than those in agriculture.

The open admissions nature of ABAC continues to require refinement of services that enhance student development and academic success.