Vollmer took office as the ninth president in ABAC's history on July 1, 2001, and his life has been a whirlwind of activity since.
"I can't believe it has already been a year," Vollmer said. "I'm pleased with the projects we have initiated this year, and all of the credit goes to a hard-working group of faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the college."
Vollmer outlined the progress the college has made on five strategic initiatives that enhance a new vision statement for ABAC.
To create a learning environment that promotes the highest levels of student success: When the fall semester begins on Aug. 19, ABAC will provide a special program for approximately 60 freshman students called the "Freshman Experience Program." This program will help freshmen take advantage of all of the resources necessary for success. Efforts are also being made to coordinate all services for students, creating a "One-Stop Student Services Center." The center, which will be located on the second floor of the Student Center, is expected to be ready by January, 2003. In addition, a significant number of faculty positions have been filled in recent months, ensuring that ABAC has the necessary faculty to accommodate its number one priority: students.
To aggressively pursue public/private and community partnerships to expand learning opportunities: ABAC recently received a $158, 270 ICAPP (Intellectual Capital Partnership Program) nursing innovation grant from Governor Roy. E. Barnes and the Chancellor of the University System of Georgia. This grant will be used to fund a program called the LPN/Paramedic Transition Track, a bridge program for LPNs and paramedics that will enable them to complete the RN degree in one year, provided all core curriculum requirements have been met. ABAC's Evening/Off-Campus Program Office is also providing new opportunities for students by offering classes in two new areas: Nashville and Sylvester. The Abraham Baldwin Arts Connection (formerly the Arts Station) is undergoing a period of restructuring and growth to promote campus involvement in arts events in Tifton and the surrounding communities.
To collaborate with four-year institutions to expand degree opportunities: ABAC is now the location for a number of four-year and graduate degree programs, including the following: Albany State University--Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree; Georgia Southwestern--undergraduate degrees in accounting and management; Macon State College--bachelor's degree in information technology; Valdosta State University (Fall 2002)--bachelor's degree in early childhood education; and the University of Georgia (2003)--four year degree in Agricultural Sciences and Emerging Technologies. Programs such as these will enable ABAC students to continue their education without having to transfer to another institution.
To restore and construct physical facilities that foster student learning and greater community involvement: In terms of construction, ABAC has focused its efforts on maintaining its existing facilities and building new facilities based on need. The $10 million renovation of ABAC's three original buildings, Tift, Lewis, and Herring halls, is anticipated to begin in three years. Construction on the $7.1 million Agricultural Sciences Building is now underway. The first phase of the $1.5 million Pedestrian Mall, which will extend through the heart of campus from the front of the Ag Sciences Building south to the main commuter parking lot, will begin in August. It is expected that plans will be in place by August for a $30 million project to construct new residence halls and that the first new buildings will be ready in early 2004. Plans have also been submitted for a proposed $4.9 million nursing building. Various expansion plans are being explored in Moultrie. ABAC has operated a center in Moultrie for over 15 years, and enrollment has reached over 250 students. The ribbon cutting for the $1 million Red Hill Athletic Center will take place on Aug. 27.
To infuse technology with student learning, teaching, and support services: ABAC's goal is to place technology within easy reach of faculty, staff, and students. The college will accomplish this goal through several initiatives in the upcoming months. First, ABAC has created a Faculty Development Center where faculty can go to learn the latest innovations in technology. Second, a series of classrooms in each of the buildings will be renovated and will be equipped with the appropriate lighting, furniture, and equipment to bring technology into the classroom. Third, beginning this summer, ABAC will provide the necessary hardware and software in the residence halls and throughout other areas of the campus in order to increase student access to technology. Fourth, through the use of grant funds, ABAC is experimenting with wireless technology and will make the entire campus wireless. In fact, the college has already begun providing all of its full-time teaching faculty with PDAs (personal digital assistants). These devices provide Internet access throughout the campus. In addition, approximately 150 students will also be given PDAs. ABAC's goal is to see how this technology can improve student learning.
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