History of the College
 

The name, role, and scope of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College have been subject to change since its founding in 1908 as the Second District A & M School. In 1924 the South Georgia Agricultural and Mechanical College was organized, and the physical property of the Second District A & M School was adapted for college use. Change occurred again in 1929 when the institution became Georgia State College for Men and again in 1933 when it became Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, named for Abraham Baldwin, a signer of the United States Constitution and the first president of the University of Georgia.

Throughout these years and these changes, the school has experienced steady growth from its first enrollment of 150 students to over 3,400 students enrolled in the fall term of 2003. The College reaches approximately 12,000 people annually through its college transfer programs, career technological programs, public service and economic development programs, and special services. Students are enrolled each term from most of the state’s counties, from other states and many countries. While the College has many features of a community college, its role is far broader because the range of operations is statewide in nature and scope.

In 1933 when the College became Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, instructional emphasis was placed on programs in agriculture, forestry, and home economics. Emphasis on these programs continues. With a worldwide population explosion and a looming food shortage, the College expects to play an even larger role in the production of knowledge for food production, marketing and distribution, and in the total agricultural revolution.

The uniqueness of ABAC lies in its dedication and service to all the people in Georgia. In addition to offering specialized programs in agricultural and environmental sciences, forest resources and family and consumer sciences, the College also features comprehensive offerings in a total of 57 two-year career and transfer programs as well as several one year certificate programs.