The college's award-winning student newspaper, The Stallion, extends Pacesetter recognition annually to those who have worked for ABAC through their actions and exemplary service. Pacesetters are chosen from the student body, the administration, the faculty, and the staff.
This year's Pacesetter Award recipients included Dr. Larry Allen, Rocio Cardenas, Eric Cash, Bo Chesser, Julie Conner, Herb Hendrix, Fran Kinchen, Robert Moore, Dr. Mac Rainey, Jessica Thompson, and Floyd Vogel.
Allen, Chair of ABAC's Division of Agriculture and Forest Resources, has done much to promote unity throughout the campus since he started working at the college in 1994. He plays a huge role in fostering ABAC's reputation as one of the foremost agricultural schools in the region.
Cardenas, Director of CAMP/HEP (College Assistance Migrant Program/High School Equivalency Program), has touched the lives of many students since she came to ABAC in 1999. She has played an active role in both CAMP and HEP and is always willing to help students in any way she can.
Cash, Director of Student Media, came to ABAC in 1999. Since that time, he has never stopped looking ahead and is constantly looking out for students and for ABAC. Cash inspires his students to go the extra mile and embodies qualities that make ABAC a great institution: dedication, knowledge, and service.
Chesser, President of the Student Government Association, is well-known around campus as one of the voices of the student body. He has been very active in his position as president and has worked to improve the lives of all students.
Conner, head coach of the women's basketball team, came to ABAC in 2000. In only her second season as coach, Conner led the Fillies to a state championship, making the return of women's basketball a huge success and laying the foundation for the future of the sport at ABAC.
Hendrix has worked at ABAC since 2000 and now serves as Director of Recreational Sports. In this role, he has created new excitement for intramural sports and is a friend to everyone on campus.
Kinchen, Administrative Assistant in the Office of Academic Affairs, works diligently to assist faculty, staff, and students. She served as a charter member and the first president of the Staff Forum organization. Since Kinchen came to ABAC in 1985, she has made many contributions to the college and has enhanced the spirit of the campus with her pleasant attitude.
Moore took over as the head basketball coach for the Stallions in 2000 with a standard of excellence to maintain. Meeting this challenge without hesitation, he led the team to its best season record in over 20 years.
Rainey, assistant professor in ABAC's Division of Agriculture and Forest Resources, is always willing to do whatever he can to help his students and actively seeks to make a difference in their lives. Rainey advises many students and has also been apart of several committees since he came to ABAC in 1998.
Thompson is truly a role model for other students. She is very active on campus and is involved with the Student Life and Housing Office, the Inter-Activities Council, and the Student Government Association. She assists Chef and Food Services Director B. J. Smith and the ARAMARK staff. Thompson also participated in the Ms. ABAC Pageant.
Vogel, a groundskeeper, can be seen all over campus dedicating himself completely to his work. Since 1994, he has been and continues to be instrumental in keeping the ABAC campus beautiful.
Vollmer has quickly been accepted as part of the ABAC family. Upon his arrival as the new president in 2001, a new hope and confidence seemed to sweep the campus. Vollmer is a man with direction, vision, and experience. He is receptive to everyone on campus, and whoever stops by his office is sure to find his door open, a smile on his face, a hearty handshake, and a listening ear.
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