The Veterans' Vocational Rehabilitation Program offered him an opportunity he could not refuse--a college education. Realizing he would need a college degree to succeed in the increasingly competitive job market, Hall decided to enroll at Abraham Baldwin College where he is currently a dual business management and international business major.
A native of Moultrie, Hall lives in Norman Park. Prior to enrolling at ABAC, Hall attended Minot (N.D.) State College for a semester. The veterans' program placed him there to help him familiarize himself with college and life as a student.
Hall said he likes ABAC because he has an opportunity to get to know everyone on campus--even the top administrators.
"At ABAC, I don't feel like just another number," Hall said. "I've gotten to know so many people, and ABAC provides a great environment for one-on-one interaction and networking. When I worked in the Financial Aid Office for three semesters as a student worker, I had the opportunity to meet and work with several good people, including Jenelle Louder and Lyn Smith. The people in the Financial Aid Office are a great group."
Hall said he finds the professors at ABAC to be supportive and helpful.
"The Business Administration faculty is very helpful," Hall said. "Dr. Jeff Gibbs was a tremendous influence, and he encouraged me to think. I learned that I didn't know half as much about business as I thought I did. Nancy Scott, who is my advisor, is also very helpful."
Hall, who will graduate in the Fall of 2001, plans to pursue his bachelor's degree either at Valdosta State University or the University of Georgia. Although he does not have a definite career in mind, he is considering a position in human resources or retail management.
Angie Palmer, ABAC's Director of Evening and Off-Campus Programs, said non-traditional students have usually made a choice to start or return to school for very definite reasons.
"Some students are returning to upgrade job skills, to attain a degree, to enhance chances of promotion in a current job, to change careers, for personal enrichment, or the desire to finish the education that they started years before," Palmer said. "They are working toward a goal. This focus makes them very determined students."
For additional information on enrolling at ABAC, contact the Admissions Office at (229) 386-3230. Fall semester classes begin Aug. 15.
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