News        from ABAC

Michael D. Chason Director of Public Relations ABAC 30 -- 2802 Moore Highway Tifton, GA 31793-2601 Phone 229-391-5055 Fax 229-391-4781 mchason@abac.edu

IMMEDIATE JULY 7, 2005

Ellis Washington, III

WASHINGTON PLANS POLITICAL CAREER AFTER ABAC

TIFTON – From Student Government Association President at Abraham Baldwin College to President of the United States –that is the plan of Ellis Washington, III. A political science major from Tifton, Washington has big plans for a career in politics at ABAC and beyond.

His interest in politics started at the age of five while watching the January 20, 1993 inauguration of Bill Clinton. And it has grown ever since.

Washington had the opportunity to visit the epicenter of politics, Washington, D.C., in 1998. “I visited the Capital and went on both the Senate and House of Representatives floor, as well as seeing all the important artifacts of the city,” Washington said.

His other social and political influences include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Reverend Billy Graham, President Ronald Reagan, his parents, and Jesus Christ.

At ABAC, he wants to make the SGA accessible to everyone. “I would like to make this an organization that believes in an open-door policy where students can come by and relate their questions and concerns to their student leaders.”

The implementation of this idea was the key element of Washington’s campaign platform, “Building A Better ABAC Together.”

“I want to make student life on campus more diverse and prepare students for the transition of the college to a four-year institution, focusing on academic excellence and retention,” Washington said.

At ABAC, Washington not only serves as SGA President, but is active in a wide array of other organizations including the Inter-Activity Council, the Campus Activities Board, the Concert and Jazz Band, Honors Club and the ABAC Ambassadors. He is also the past president of the Political Science Club.

After graduating from ABAC, he plans to attend Morehouse College and proceed to Harvard or Georgetown, obtaining a Doctorate in Law. Upon completion of his education, he would like to practice law, before running for a state representative’s slot and then for Georgia governor. Ultimately, he plans to be President of the United States.

Washington is the son of Ellis and Diane Washington of Tifton and has a sister, DeSherika, who attends Tift County High School.

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