General Information

The name, role, and scope of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College have been subject to change since its founding in 1908 as the Second District A & M School. In 1924 the South Georgia Agricultural and Mechanical College was organized, and the physical property of the Second District A & M School was adapted for college use. Change occurred again in 1929 when the institution became Georgia State College for Men and again in 1933 when it became Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, named for Abraham Baldwin, a signer of the United States Constitution and the first president of the University of Georgia.

Throughout these years and these changes, the school has experienced steady growth from its first enrollment of 150 students to over 2,600 students enrolled in the fall term of 1999. The College reaches approximately 12,000 people annually through its college transfer programs, career technological programs, public service and economic development programs, and special services. Students are enrolled each term from most of the state`s counties, from other states and many countries. While the College has many features of a community college, its role is far broader because the range of operations is statewide in nature and scope.

In 1933 when the College became Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, instructional emphasis was placed on programs in agriculture, forestry, and home economics. Emphasis on these programs continues. With a worldwide population explosion and a looming food shortage, the College expects to play an even larger role in the production of knowledge for food production, marketing and distribution, and in the total agricultural revolution.

The uniqueness of ABAC lies in its dedication and service to all the people in Georgia. In addition to offering specialized programs in agricultural and environmental sciences, forest resources and family and consumer sciences, the College also features comprehensive offerings in a total of 53 two-year career and transfer programs.

ACCREDITATION AND MEMBERSHIPS

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia, 30033-4097, Telephone (404)679-4501) to award Certificates and Associate Degrees.

The College is accepted by the Veterans Administration for the training of veterans under the G.I. Bill of Rights.

The College and its faculty/staff are affiliated with numerous national, regional, and state associations, including:

Georgia Association of Colleges

Georgia Association of Two-Year Colleges

Georgia Collegiate Press Association

National League for Nursing

National Junior College Athletic Association

MISSION STATEMENT

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), established in 1908 as the Second District A&M School, became South Georgia A&M College in 1924 and Georgia State College for Men in 1929. Named for a signer of the United States Constitution and the first president of the University of Georgia, the college assumed its present name in 1933 when it became a unit of the University System of Georgia. At that time, ABAC embarked on a mission devoted primarily to associate-level studies in agriculture, home economics, and related fields. ABAC’s role later expanded to include a diverse educational program.

As a unit of the University System of Georgia, ABAC shares the following characteristics with other two-year units in the System.

* a commitment to excellence and responsiveness within a scope of influence defined by the needs of a local area and by particularly outstanding programs or distinctive characteristics that have a magnet effect throughout the region or state;

* a commitment to a teaching/learning environment, both inside and outside the classroom, that sustains instructional excellence, functions to provide University System access for a diverse student body, and promotes high levels of student learning;

* a commitment to a high quality general education program that supports a variety of well-chosen associate programs and prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate programs, learning support programs designed to insure access and opportunity for a diverse student body, and a limited number of certificate or other career programs to complement neighboring technical institute programs;

* a commitment to public service, continuing education, technical assistance, and economic development activities that address the needs, improve the quality of life, and raise the educational level within the college’s scope of influence;

* a commitment to scholarship and creative work for the specific purposes of supporting instructional effectiveness and enhancing institutionally relevant faculty qualifications.

In addition, campus life at ABAC shares the following characteristics with all other units in the system.

* a supportive campus climate, necessary services, and leadership and development opportunities, all to educate the whole person and meet the needs of the students, faculty, and staff;

* cultural, ethnic, racial, and gender diversity in the faculty, staff, and student body, supported by practices and programs that embody the ideals of an open, democratic, and global society;

* technology to advance educational purposes, including instructional technology, student support services, and distance education;

* collaborative relationships with other System institutions, state agencies, local schools and technical institutes, and business and industry, sharing physical, human, information, and other resources to expand and enhance programs and services available to the citizens of Georgia.

ABAC, an associate level college, is a community-based residential institution offering programs in the natural and physical sciences, the liberal arts, the social sciences, business, physical education and recreation, and health occupations as well as a specialized institution serving a unique role through programs in agriculture and related disciplines. This dual emphasis, together with on-campus housing, gives the college its distinctive character and enables it to attract traditional and nontraditional students from throughout Georgia, other states, and other countries, creating a culturally diverse student body.

ABAC provides high quality academic programs that allow employment upon completion of two-year career programs of fulfillment of the core curriculum requirements and an opportunity for successful transfer into baccalaureate programs.

Off-campus and evening programs provide educational opportunities for individuals who are unable to attend classes in the traditional setting. Public service programs include special- interest activities and courses, occupation-enhancing classes, youth enrichment courses, and performing and visual arts events. The college also provides administrative services and facilities that enable community and state organizations as well as other units of the University System of Georgia to bring seminars, meetings, and upper-level and graduate instruction to the region.

ABAC’s vision for the future includes placing student learning foremost; having an outstanding diverse faculty, staff, and administration; valuing and encouraging lifelong learning; and ensuring continuous leadership and improvement. The college supports its mission through a participatory planning process involving all aspects of the campus community. Key components of the vision include additional outreach in Colquitt County through the development of ABAC-on the Square; expanded use of distance education technologies; and collaborative efforts with technical institutes, public schools, and business and professional organizations. Another dimension of the vision is the continued development of agriculturally related programs of study and applied research partnerships with Fort Valley State University and the University of Georgia. Furthermore, the vision includes meeting the changing needs for programs other than those in agriculture.

The open admissions nature of ABAC continues to require refinement of services that enhance student development and academic success.

ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is committed to helping students realize their potential. For this reason, student assessment is part of the college’s educational program. From the time a student applies, until leaving, participation is expected in a series of tests and surveys designed to assist college personnel in accurate advisement and course placement, to gather information on satisfaction with college programs and services, and to measure academic and personal achievements. These tests and surveys will be used to help a student achieve individual goals and to improve college programs and services.

A student’s earnest and sincere participation on tests, learning tasks, exit exams and surveys will provide the college with accurate information to be used in planning effective programs and services. Students should take seriously their participation in these activities.

PUBLIC SERVICE AND
BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTER

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is committed to the idea and practice of lifelong learning and provides public service to achieve this goal. Established in 1940, the Public Service and Business Outreach Center provides a link between the college and the communities it serves. Continuing education activities are an extension of the traditional on-campus learning process and have been established to encourage lifelong learning by all of Georgia’s citizens. Continuing education programs are developed in response to educational demands and requests of citizens, professional and business groups, governmental agencies, and civic groups. Instructional services consist of non-degree work primarily designed for the purpose of upgrading skills for career/professional development, personal interest, and enrichment.

Entrance to non-credit programs is not based on educational background, and no grades are given in most classes. The only requirement for enrolling in most classes is interest and a desire to learn.

The Youth Connection program, an important part of the continuing education program at Abraham Baldwin, was established in 1987 as an outreach to young people of the community. Year-round programming provides a wide range of activities and special events for youth ages six months to 18 years.

The Public Service and Business Outreach Center is located on the first floor of the Carlton Center. The Youth Connection Office is located in Tift Hall. Additional information may be obtained by calling either 386-3267 or 386-3815 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 P.M. on weekdays.

THE ARTS EXPERIMENT STATION

The Arts Experiment Station (AES) is located in Tift Hall on the Abraham Baldwin campus. It represents another aspect of the college’s commitment to continual learning and public service by seeking to broaden the cultural perspectives of South Georgians through a variety of programs and activities. The AES has developed a multi-county arts alliance through which it presents arts in education programs, professional performances, festivals, arts camps, and residencies by professional dance and theater groups. In addition, the Arts Experiment Station has launched a program to recognize and sustain the folk life of South Georgia. The Station attracts participants from virtually all walks of life.

REGIONAL POLICE ACADEMY

The Regional Police Academy is located in Bowen Hall on the ABAC campus and operates as an integral part of the college’s Division of Social Science. Its activities are funded by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, which oversees the operation of other regional and departmental training academies located in the state. The Academy’s overall mission is to serve the training needs of peace officers within its 39 county service region representing 131 local law enforcement agencies in South Georgia. The Academy currently offers courses in four areas: (1) Basic Law Enforcement and Corrections Officer Training; (2) Refresher Training; (3) Career Development Training; and, (4) Specialized Training.

ALLIED STATE AGENCIES

The work of Abraham Baldwin is complemented by the continual, informal cooperation of other state-level agencies and institutions located in Tifton. Together, they assist the college in providing work experience, internships, and job placement for students, additional expertise in agricultural research, coordination of conferences and seminars, facilities, and research and writing opportunities for faculty members.

The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia has two related units at its Tifton Campus that complement the mission of ABAC. One of these units is the Rural Development Center (RDC). The other unit is the Coastal Plain Experiment Station. The program of the RDC is directed toward full development and utilization of the social and economic potential of the region and the state. Its objectives include 1) increasing agricultural and forest production through continued research and the application of research findings; 2) advancing developments in marketing and utilization of farm and forest products; 3) aiding community development and solving problems related to lifestyles and social interaction; 4) furthering labor training and utilization to provide more skilled workers in the various areas of agribusiness and to help general farm workers in coping productively with increasing farm technology.

The Experiment Station has approximately 100 scientists in various specialized areas who are engaged in research and development in the plant and animal sciences. The proximity of the station’s personnel to the college contributes to an invigorating climate of inquiry and study for students, faculty, and staff. Many college students find part-time employment at the Station, and some ventures are shared jointly by the two institutions.

A third allied state agency is the State Museum of Agriculture, popularly known as the Georgia Agrirama. Its aim is to preserve and exhibit the culture of South Georgia through a restored settlement of the late nineteenth century. The two dozen restored buildings at the Agrirama range from an 1896 farmhouse to a steam- powered cotton gin and provide a living history museum for the people of the state.

Two other state offices, the Georgia Department of Labor and the Department of Natural Resources, contribute to the college’s efforts to provide job placement and work experience for Abraham Baldwin students. The Department of Labor, in cooperation with the college, provides employment assistance for students whose education has prepared them for direct entry into the job market. The Department of Natural Resources works with faculty members in the forestry and wildlife programs of the Division of Agriculture and Forest Resources and helps provide work experience for students in the areas of game and forest management.

ABAC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Anyone who has completed a minimum of 10 semester hours of education credit is eligible for membership in the ABAC Alumni Association. Only those who have earned 30 or more hours are considered active alumni. The Ag Alumni Council, a special interest group of the Association, consists of alumni from agriculture, family and consumer sciences (home economics), forest resources and veterinary medicine.

The purpose of the Association is to promote activities designed to strengthen and enrich the education and extracurricular programs of ABAC so the college can make a maximum contribution to the economic, social, cultural, and spiritual life of Georgia and the surrounding area.

Homecoming, which includes the annual meeting of the Association, is held in April of each year and continues to grow in number and enthusiasm. Awards are presented to alumni annually who have excelled in various professions.

The alumni newspaper, ABAC Today, is published to keep alumni and friends abreast of happenings of the college. It is mailed to all active alumni and donors.

There are no dues, but financial requests are made through the ABAC Foundation. Contributions to the Foundation fund alumni activities including the alumni newspaper, homecoming, the awards program and alumni scholarships as well as other campus activities.

ABAC FOUNDATION

In 1954 businessmen in Tifton and Tift County organized the Greater Baldwin Association to advance the cause of education by supporting programs and activities of the College which could not be funded through the budget allocated by the state. In 1974, in order to achieve closer identification with the College, the name of the organization was changed to the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Foundation. The purpose remains the same. Funds made payable to the Foundation are used for purchasing any needed equipment and property, providing academic and athletic scholarships, campus improvement, and other projects and activities which the board of directors may deem appropriate.

The Foundation accepts gifts of cash, securities, trusts, real estate, gifts-in-kind, life insurance, bequests or a combination thereof. All gifts to the Foundation are tax deductible.

LOCATION OF THE COLLEGE

ABAC is located in south central Georgia on a 421-acre tract of land on the north side of the city of Tifton alongside Highway I-75.

The college is also readily accessible via U.S. Highway 41, which lies close to the campus. Abraham Baldwin is approximately 55 miles from the Florida state line via I-75 and 110 miles from the Alabama state line via Highway 82.

Tifton is served by major airlines through airports at Albany, GA, Macon, GA, Valdosta, GA, and Tallahassee, FL.

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

(See map on inside back cover for exact location of buildings.)

ALUMNI-DEVELOPMENT HOUSE—Located on the northern side of the campus, this building houses the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, the ABAC Foundation, and the ABAC Alumni Association. This building was built in 1967 and was renovated for its present use in 1990. It is complemented by formal gardens and overlooks Lake Baldwin, a recreational area for faculty, staff, and students.

BOWEN HALL—This building, at the center of the campus, houses classrooms and offices for the Division of Social Science, the Family and Consumer Sciences Program, and Regional Police Academy. Three distance-learning classrooms are also located in this building.

BRITT HALL—Located on the northern side of the campus, this two-story building contains a part of the Science-Mathematics Division, three biology laboratories, a chemistry laboratory, classrooms, and faculty offices.

CARLTON CENTER—This facility of 42,000 square feet serves as the central learning resources center for the college. The Baldwin Library is located on the second and third floors of the Carlton Center. It supports teaching and learning at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College by providing: collections that enhance the curricula, reference and research assistance to identify information, instruction that fosters information literacy, services that are responsive to the needs of its constituents, and access to information beyond its walls. The Library houses approximately 71,000 volumes, 24,000 pieces of microfilm, a audiovisual collection, the Georgiana Collection, the College archives, subscribes to approximately 420 magazines and newspapers, and provides GALILEO and other electronic resources. GALILEO allows access to over 100 databases, Internet, the library catalogs of all University System of Georgia libraries and other Georgia libraries. GALILEO also provides access to information for ABAC students taking courses at off-campus sites. Fax and delivery services are also available to provide information to ABAC students taking courses at remote sites. The Carlton Center also houses media production facilities, a large meeting room, the Academic Assistance Center, and the office of the Public Service and Business Outreach Center on the ground floor. The building is designed to serve the needs of students, faculty, and the community.

CENTRAL DISTRIBUTION PLANT—This building provides heating and cooling for most of the campus.

CHAMBLISS BUILDING—Containing 45,000 square feet, this building houses the faculty/staff of Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Equipment Technology, Environmental Horticulture, and Animal Science. Classrooms and a wide variety of laboratories are located in the building which are used by students in many different programs of study.

CONGER HALL—This three-story building houses the Business Administration Division and the Office of Student Support Services, which occupy the first two floors, and the Humanities Division, which is located on the third floor. Facilities include offices, flexible classroom space and an auditorium. The ABAC microcomputer labs are located on the second floor. The college’s Computer Center, situated on the first floor, holds records vital to the operation of the college.

DONALDSON DINING HALL—This, the largest dining facility in South Georgia, provides a seating capacity in excess of 950. In addition to providing dining services for the student body, the dining hall is frequently used for large banquets by groups throughout Tiftarea.

DRIGGERS LECTURE HALL-CHAPEL—This non-denominational chapel is used for weddings, recitals, and lectures.

GAINES HALL—This building houses part of the Nursing Division. It is adjacent to the Moore Building which also houses part of the nursing program.

GRAY HALL—This building is located adjacent to Britt Hall. It contains laboratories for physics and chemistry, classrooms and faculty offices.

GRESSETTE PHYSICAL EDUCATION CENTER—This 42,000 square feet physical education building contains faculty offices, classrooms, special rooms for weight lifting and personal contact sports, and a large basketball court with seating capacity for approximately 2,500. Adjacent to the complex is an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

EVANS HEALTH CENTER—The E. L. Evans Health Center has a 10-bed capacity and contains separate wards for males and females.

HOWARD AUDITORIUM-THRASH GYM—Equipped with a large stage and a capacity for nearly 500 people, the auditorium is the center of many college and community activities, including concerts and plays. Located at a right angle to the auditorium, and connected with it by a rotunda, the Thrash Gymnasium is used for classes in physical education, intramural sports, and other student activities.

J.G. WOODROOF FARM—The college’s farm contains over 200 acres and is used in such academic programs as agronomy, agricultural engineering, animal husbandry, wildlife, forestry, environmental horticulture, and veterinary medicine.

J. L. BRANCH STUDENT CENTER—Located directly behind Tift Hall, the J. Lamar Branch Student Center contains the administrative offices of Student Affairs and the student offices of the Student Government Association, Student Union, Student Judicial Council, and the student communications media. The building also houses the Bookstore, Post Office, Snack Bar, and Recreation Center.

KING HALL—This building houses general classrooms, computer labs, faculty offices, and the Learning Support Office.

MOORE BUILDING—This structure houses part of the Nursing Division and contains classrooms, an audio-tutorial laboratory, faculty offices, a student lounge, and a conference room.

MUSIC BUILDING—Centrally located on campus, the music building houses classrooms, laboratories, practice rooms, rehearsal areas and offices of the vocal and instrumental programs of the college.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION OUTDOOR FACILITIES—Situated along the east side of the campus is a 40-acre physical education outdoor sports complex. It features a baseball field, tennis courts, archery range, a softball field and a field for soccer and intramural sports. In addition, a putting green and driving range are located near Lake Baldwin. ABAC also features stables for students’ horses and a rodeo arena. These facilities are open to college students, faculty, and staff.

PHYSICAL PLANT WAREHOUSE—This facility houses the supply center for the college. It contains a warehouse storage area and offices for the administrative staff of Plant Operations.

RESIDENCE HALLS—Branch Hall (Men); Chandler Hall (Women); Comer Hall (Men); Fulwood Hall (Co-ed); Mitchell Hall (Men).

TIFT HALL-ADMINISTRATION—This building houses the administrative offices of the President, Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs, Vice President for Fiscal Affairs, and the Registrar’s Office, as well as the Arts Experiment Station, Director of College Services, Director of Institutional Research, Youth Connection, and the Office of Public Relations.

WELTNER HALL—This building houses the Office of Public Safety, the Office of Admissions, and the Human Resources Office. In addition, Georgia Department of Education Supervisors of Vocational Agriculture and Home Economics are located in this building.

YOW FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE BUILDING—This 20,000 square foot facility provides classroom, laboratory, and faculty office space for the Division of Agriculture and Forest Resources, including facilities for forest and wildlife management, agronomy and agricultural economics.