News        from ABAC

Michael D. Chason Director of Public Relations ABAC 30 -- 2802 Moore Highway Tifton, GA 31793-2601 Phone 229-391-5055 Fax 229-391-5051 mchason@abac.edu

IMMEDIATE April 15, 2009

TOP FACULTY, STAFF, ADMINISTRATOR, ADVISOR HONORED AT ABAC

TIFTON—The top faculty member, staff member, administrator, and academic advisor for the 2008-2009 academic year were recognized during Wednesday’s Honors Day ceremony at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

Geoff Clement, Associate Professor of Mathematics, received the W. Bruce and Rosalyn Ray Donaldson Award for Teaching Excellence. Shirley Wilson, Senior Administrative Assistant for Physical Education and Athletics, was honored with the Roy R. Jackson, Sr., Award for Staff Excellence. Dr. Jeff Gibbs, Dean of the School of Business, received the E. Lanier Carson Leadership Award, and Dr. Jewrell Rivers, Associate Professor of Sociology, received the W. Bruce and Rosalyn Ray Donaldson Excellence in Advising Award.

Clement earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Emory University and his master’s degree in Mathematics Education from Georgia State University. At ABAC he not only teaches, but is active in campus activities. He has coordinated new student orientation sessions, assisted with the Science Fair and Science Olympiad activities, and is involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Relay for Life.

Wilson graduated from ABAC in 1984 with an associate degree in Office Management/Information Processing. She joined the admissions staff as a Senior Secretary the same year. In 1991, she moved to the Division of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation as the Administrative Associate.

Gibbs earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Georgia in Business Administration. In addition to his duties as Dean of the School of Business at ABAC, he has also served as a student club advisor and conducts economic impact studies for the college. He also assisted in the development of ABAC’s new bachelor’s degree in Rural Studies. Gibbs is also extensively involved in the Tift County Arts Council and the Tifton Rotary Club.

Rivers obtained his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and his master’s degree in Sociology from Valdosta State University. He received his Ph. D. in Family Relations from Florida State University in 2008. He has been an ABAC faculty member since 2001, advising sociology, human services, and criminal justice majors. Rivers will represent ABAC at the National Academic Advising Association conference in San Antonio, Tex.

###