News       
from ABAC

Michael D. Chason
Director of Public Relations
ABAC 30 -- 2802 Moore Highway
Tifton, GA 31793-2601
Phone 229-391-5055
Fax 229-391-5056
mchason@abac.edu

 

Green Bar Divider

 

IMMEDIATE                                                                                                                                                                                    MARCH 12, 2007

 

Ocilla native Fran Kinchen is to retire from Abraham Baldwin College on March 30 after 22 years of service.

 

KINCHEN RETIRES FROM ABAC MARCH 30

 

TIFTON—Fran Kinchen, secretary for the Office of the President, will retire March 30 of this year after 22 years of service to Abraham Baldwin College.

“I want to assist more in the community; especially the community of Irwin County,” Kinchen said. “I also plan on spending time with my mother and other family members and doing a lot of fishing. My daughter, Regina, and I are going to Hawaii to celebrate my retirement and her graduation from college.”

Kinchen began her career at ABAC on Oct. 21, 1985 as the administrative secretary for the Office of the Academic Dean.  In July of 2002, she became the secretary for the president.

Before working at ABAC, she was at the Rural Development Center where she was a secretary from 1975 – 1985.  From 1969-75, she worked at Thomas Area Technical College.

While at ABAC, Kinchen has helped to organize the Staff Forum. “I wanted to give the staff a voice,” Kinchen said. The forum began almost 17 years ago.

Kinchen has received numerous awards while at the college, including the Roy Jackson Award for Staff Excellence, the Pacesetter award from the student newspaper, and the Outstanding Staff Member award from the Staff Forum.

Her professional accolades include recognition from the Georgia Association of Special Programs Personnel and numerous honors by the Georgia division of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). She held all positions at the Tiftarea chapter of the IAAP and served as state president for the Georgia Division of the IAAP.

            “What I will miss most about retiring are all of my friends . . . the faculty, staff, and especially the students who have given me the title of ‘Mama Fran’,” Kinchen said. “There have been so many fond memories at ABAC.

            “I appreciate all the support ABAC has given me to develop personally and professionally and the opportunities afforded to me.  It has been a great ride.”

            A reception for Kinchen will be held on March 27 at 3:30 p.m. in the lobby of Tift Hall.

###