News        from ABAC

Michael D. Chason Director of Public Relations ABAC 30 -- 2802 Moore Highway Tifton, GA 31793-2601 Phone 229-391-5055 Fax 229-391-4781 mchason@abac.edu

IMMEDIATE August 20, 2007

Growth on the Horizon for Division of Agriculture and Forest Resources at ABAC

TIFTON - A big growth surge is just ahead for the Division of Agriculture and Forest Resources at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, according to Dr. Tim Marshall, chair of the division.

“I believe we are sure to see growth in the next five years,” Marshall said. “With four-year degrees in Diversified Agriculture and Turfgrass and Golf Course Management now in the curriculum, big things are on the way for ABAC.”

ABAC President David Bridges, a former ABAC student himself, couldn’t agree more.

            “This is a tremendous step forward for this college and opens the door for many more opportunities we can make available to our students," Bridges said.

            The first name for ABAC was the Second District Agricultural and Mechanical School in 1908.  Bridges said it is the only one of those original A&M area high schools that continues to offer classes in agriculture.

            One of the college’s mottos in the early days involved preparing students for a “wholesome and satisfying life on the soil.”

            Marshall, also an ABAC alumnus, believes for ABAC to move forward it must transform from a small two-year college to a state college. ABAC received state college status over a year ago and in that short time evolution has already begun.

            “Transitioning to a state college that offers four-year degrees is more than offering 3000 and 4000 level classes,” Marshall said.   “It is a complete change in mindset.  ABAC faculty and students must engage in the community and industry activities in order to reach the next level of learning.”

            A change of mindset among faculty and students will begin to take place as students are recruited for the four-year degrees and once the faculty begins teaching the higher level classes, Marshall said.  

         “Students will have to begin looking at assignments as opportunities to learn and prepare for the work place instead of a required task,” Marshall said.

            Agriculture is growing and changing.  Farms are moving from small family units to multi-million dollar operations. The backgrounds and interests of students are changing, which is requiring a change in programs offered in colleges. Renewable fuels are having an effect on agriculture, which should also lead to changes in curricula and academic programs.

            “If you look at an ABAC course catalog five years from now, hopefully the majority of the programs will lead to a four-year degree,” Marshall said.  

            He said that ABAC hopes to enhance its relationship with other larger colleges where students can transfer and continue their education.  Marshall looks for ABAC to continue to prepare outstanding prospects for the workplace in years to come.

            “ABAC is on the map and becoming a global program, “Marshall said. “In five years we will be a top choice in the southeast for an education in Agriculture and Forest Resources.”

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