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 May 5, 2009

Tanner Newhouse

BONAIRE STUDENT ENTERS BRAND NEW RURAL STUDIES PROGRAM AT ABAC

TIFTON – Before Tanner Newhouse of Bonaire even set foot in an Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) classroom, he was already a part of history. The Warner Robins High School graduate received one of the first ever ABAC Presidential Scholarships in May of 2008.

Now he’s ready to make history again by becoming one of the first students to enroll in the brand new bachelor’s degree in Rural Studies at ABAC.

When Newhouse arrived, he loved the atmosphere that the campus provided for him.

“The best thing about ABAC is being able to come into any building and just talk,” Newhouse said. “The friendliness is great.”

Maybe that is why Newhouse decided to further his academic career at the college he loves so much. He will begin classes in the new Rural Studies program in the fall. He talked to Dr. Niles Reddick, Vice President of Academic Affairs, regarding the program.

“The program sounded like what I wanted to do,” Newhouse said. “The more I talked with Dr. Reddick, the more I knew it was right up my alley.”

Newhouse will focus on Rural Business and Economic Development in the new degree. And he has a few plans in mind of what he would like to do once his studies have concluded.

“I have two options that I am considering,” Newhouse said. “One of these choices would be to have my own woodshop and make furniture.”

Newhouse’s love for woodworking only came a year ago when he needed an extra class in high school. He decided on woodshop and his very first piece – a curio cabinet – garnered him the award of Reserve Grand Champion in a woodworking competition at the Georgia National Fair in Perry.

“My second option would be to work for the Rural Development Center helping with their economic development plans,” said Newhouse.

“What I am looking forward to the most with this program are the instructors. I have heard really good things about them so I am ready. The atmosphere is another big plus.”

Students who enroll in Rural Studies can choose from three different areas of concentration, including Rural Business and Economic Development, Rural Arts and Culture, and Rural Community and Social Affairs.

Graduates of the program might find careers with private sector organizations that deal with rural issues, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Other possibilities include historic preservation, rural history, rural sociology, global studies, journalism, or public administration.

Students interested in the program can visit the web site at www.abac.edu/ruralstudies or call (229) 391-4782.

The son of Bo and Beckie Newhouse plays an active role on the campus. He is in the Honors Program and the Residence Hall Association and was recently selected to be the Junior Class Officer for ABAC’s Student Government Association in 2009-10.

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