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 June 23, 2008

BARBER NAMED CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER AT ABAC

TIFTON – Keith D. Barber has been named Chief Development Officer at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, according to an announcement today by ABAC Chief Advancement Officer Melvin Merrill.

Merrill said Barber’s primary responsibility will be to secure assets for the advancement of ABAC. Barber currently serves as the Senior Director of Development for Public Service Activities and the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences at Clemson University. He plans to begin his ABAC duties in August.

“Keith brings a solid advancement background and credentials to the position,” ABAC President David Bridges said.  “His new ideas will bring enthusiasm and energy to the college and its Foundation during this vital time of planning for the next century of service.”

Prior to joining the Clemson staff in 2005, Barber worked as the Director of the Office of College Advancement for the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He began his UGA career in 2002 as a major gifts officer in the CAES office and was promoted to Director in 2003.

Before he joined the UGA staff, Barber spent 10 years in institutional advancement, the majority of that time with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Barber, a North Carolina native, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and his Master of Arts in Leadership and Higher Education from Appalachian State University.

“Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s tradition-rich history, combined with its vision for the future, is exceptionally motivating,” Barber said. “The opportunity to be a part of advancing the institution during its second century is both challenging and exciting. “I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends to help pave the way for the next 100 years of top-tier education at ABAC.”

Barber and his wife, Stephanie, who is from Pearson and will practice pediatric medicine in Tifton, plan to move to the area in August with their children, Bennett, 6, Laney Gracyn, 4, and Brooks, 1.

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