JoAnn Brannen

JoAnn Brannen, a native of Tifton, Georgia, came to ABAC to receive an education, but little did she know this would be the place she would meet her husband and return to be a professor. Brannen attended ABAC from 1977-1978 in the Associate of Applied Science program, and from 1989-1994 in the evening program, receiving her Associates of Science degree. After attending ABAC, Brannen transferred to Valdosta State University to receive her Bachelors degree in Adult Education and her Master’s degree in Business Education.

Brannen chose education as a major because she was inspired by one of her business teachers in high school. After working in a kindergarten class for six years as a para-pro, she knew she wanted to be in education, but as a business professor instead of an early childhood education teacher. Brannen took advantage of ABAC being in her home town when the decision arose to go back to school. Brannen said, “After being at ABAC in the seventies, it was a no-brainer to come back here the second time around.”

She is currently an Assistant Professor of Information Technology in ABAC’s Stafford School of Business, which includes advising 30-50 students every semester, coordinating all Fundamentals of Computer Application (CISM) courses with the publisher and choosing the textbook for these courses. This year Brannen actually designed the front and back cover for this year’s CISM textbook. Other tasks include editing the Stafford School of Business website and helping any faculty with website issues. Most importantly, Brannen enjoys introducing new technology to students and teaching it to her students in the classroom.

During Brannen’s time at ABAC as a student, she recalls many different concerts being some of her fondest memories. Much like a person would see at ABAC now, Brannen loved the closeness of the students and the atmosphere. During Brannen’s time at ABAC, she remembers the lake being one of her favorite spots on campus and spending a great deal of time there. Melba Cooper, one of the computer teachers at ABAC during the seventies, and Nancy Scott, an accounting professor in the nineties, were Brannen’s favorite professors. Both of these professors influenced Brannen’s path greatly. While at ABAC, Brannen was involved with Phi Beta Lambda, the business club.

Brannen serves on the Board of Directors for ABAC’s Alumni Council, as well as the Coordinator for the Stafford School of Business Alumni Council. Being a part of these councils allows her to make any and all changes to their websites and coordinating different events. This past spring, Brannen coordinated the first ever “Yakking with the Bo$$’ kayak race for the Stafford School of Business Alumni Council.

Brannen feels it is important to be involved with these councils because without ABAC, she would not have been able to come without the scholarships she received from the ABAC Foundation. Brannen wants to give back to ABAC like ABAC gave to her when she needed it and wants to continue this legacy.

The main advice Brannen gives to her advisees is that school is their job. They should always attend class and dress for class just as they would for a job. In ten years, Brannen hopes ABAC’s enrollment will grow, there will be more online classes, new buildings, a new technology degree, and hopes the Stafford School of Business will be fully accredited.