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 June 4, 2009

MCGUINNESS NAMED ACADEMIC TESTING SPECIALIST AT ABAC

TIFTON—Charla McGuinness has been named the Academic Testing Specialist in the Office of Student Success program at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

A Tifton native, McGuinness attended ABAC in 1999 for two semesters before she decided to join the United States Air Force. While in the service, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Maryland and her Master’s in Education from the University of Phoenix while stationed in Lakenheath, England.

McGuinness spent a total of eight years in the service. A part of her military career was served in active duty as a project manager with the communications squadron managing training and records for personnel attaining the rank of Senior Airman. For the remainder of her time, she managed the education and training of over 1,000 military personnel.

Her other work experiences include serving as Director of Financial Aid for a school of cosmetology in Las Vegas and working with Sylvan Learning Centers in the testing center of Thompson Prometric as a receptionist and a proctor for all English as a Second Language testing with focus on GRE, GMAT, and PRAXIS testing.

At ABAC, McGuinness will be responsible for COMPASS exit and placement testing, the Regents’ Testing Program, and administrative support for a number of Student Success programs including Living/Learning Communities and ABAC 1000.

“I feel that my story, life experiences, and positive attitude can help to motivate and influence students here at ABAC,” McGuinness said. “My mother always encouraged me by saying ‘do what others won’t, so you can have what others won’t.’ That advice has stuck with me throughout the years, and I understand what she meant now more than ever.

“I hope to encourage students to stay focused on their academic goals, as education is the key to success.”

“Ms. McGuinness brings a wealth of training and experience as a veteran of the United States Air Force,” Dr. Don Parks, Director of Student Success, said. “She has hit the ground running and is doing a fine job.”

In her free time, McGuinness enjoys reading, going to concerts, and shopping in thrift stores for treasures. She also enjoys spending time with her two Yorkies, dogs that she has had since she was stationed in England.

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