MURRAY HUGE SUPPORTER OF ACE PROGRAM

TIFTON—Like many non-traditional students, Tammy Murray of Alapaha was very apprehensive about starting Abraham Baldwin College later in life. However, after losing two jobs in the past 11 years due to the companies using workers in Mexico and Brazil, Murray decided to attend college again to do something she always loved – nursing.

“I was considering being a Radiology Technician through Abraham Baldwin College and Macon State, but upon talking with the Evening and Off Campus office, I decided to pursue a career in Nursing,” Murray said. “I could not say enough good things about Dr. Gail Dillard (Director of Evening and Off-Campus Programs) and Ellen Resta (Senior Secretary).”

Dillard suggested to Murray that she attend the 11-week Adult College Entry (ACE) Program to help adjust to being at college as a non-traditional student.

“The program helps me out a lot. I went through a lot of ups and downs when deciding to go back to college and the ACE program made it so much easier,” Murray said.

“My biggest preconception about entering college was that I was going to be thrown into classes with all these kids. When I entered the program the first day, I realized I was not alone. The biggest benefit I got out of the ACE program was that little boost of confidence I needed to make my life dream come true.

“I tell people who are considering going back to college about the ACE Program all the time. It’s super-beneficial. The ACE people are always there for you, even after the course is over.”

Upon completion of the program, Murray decided to go for her RN degree as opposed to her LPN, which she initially had planned on.

“With my Compass scores and encouragement from Dr. Dillard, it just seemed best to jump in,” Murray said. After two semesters of classes, Murray is excelling in her field and holds a GPA of 3.95.

“My first choice after I receive my degree is to be an RN in Cardiology in a hospital setting. The heart has always interested me,” Murray said.

The next ACE Seminar meets every Tuesday beginning Sept. 7 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. through Nov. 16 in Room 202 in the Baldwin Library on the ABAC campus. The cost is $49 and includes the following: a $20 application fee if the student decides to apply to ABAC, a textbook, and waiver of ABAC 1000—Freshman Seminar as a graduation requirement upon successful completion of the ACE Seminar and enrollment at ABAC.

For more information on the ACE Program, contact Dr. Gail Dillard of the Evening and Off-Campus office at (229) 386-7154 or visit the ABAC website at www.abac.edu.