News        from ABAC

Michael D. Chason Director of Public Relations ABAC 30 -- 2802 Moore Highway Tifton, GA 31793-2601 Phone 229-391-5055 Fax 229-391-5051 mchason@abac.edu

IMMEDIATE June 2, 2009

ABAC RECORDS HIGHEST SPRING TERM ENROLLMENT EVER

TIFTON—The recently completed spring semester at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College set another record for enrollment numbers, according to an announcement today by Director of Enrollment Services Donna Webb.

Webb said the college enrolled 3,234 students, the most for a spring semester in the 101-year history of ABAC.

“I believe we are dealing with ABAC students who are better prepared,” Webb said. “One reason for that is the support that students are receiving on campus.”

Webb cited the Student Success Center, which offers free tutoring for all ABAC students in almost every subject.

“Students are becoming more engaged, and they feel more a part of the college,” Webb said.

The numbers from the University System of Georgia (USG) verify Webb’s analysis. ABAC’s full time enrollment figure of 70.4 per cent is the highest among the eight State College level institutions in the USG.

That means ABAC enrolls fewer part-time students than the State Colleges, which include College of Coastal Georgia, Dalton, Gainesville, Georgia Gwinnett, Gordon, Macon, and Middle Georgia.

In fact, the ABAC full time enrollment figure is higher than the USG average of 69.7 per cent. That figure includes all 35 colleges and universities in the System.

Webb also pointed to ABAC Place and ABAC Lakeside, the two residence halls on campus which have space for 1,300 students. Colleges with modern housing facilities attract more full time students.

“I believe we have the best housing of any State College in the System,” Webb said. “Both Place and Lakeside are relatively new, and the students really take pride in living on campus.”

The spring enrollment report showed 69 students from out of state and 32 from other countries. ABAC was 54.7 per cent female during the term, slightly lower than the System average which was 58 per cent female.

Webb said the deadline for applications for the fall semester is Aug. 1. The fall term begins Aug. 17.

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