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May 26, 2021

Spinks Selected for Roy R. Jackson Award at ABAC

TIFTON—Kim Spinks has been selected as the 2021 recipient of the Roy R. Jackson Award for Staff Excellence, presented each year to the top staff member at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Presented in memory of Roy R. Jackson, Sr., award recipients must have completed at least 10 years of continuous full-time service to ABAC.  Award criteria states that the staff member must be dependable, loyal, reliable, and one who contributes to the growth and development of the college beyond the normal call of duty. Now serving as the Office Coordinator for the Office of Academic Support, Spinks has been an ABAC staff member for 22 years. A coworker states Spinks is always pleasant and professional, whether her focus is on a recruit, applicant, student, graduate, parent, alumnus, visitor or an ABAC employee.  She has proven to be flexible and adaptive at ABAC, serving in various positions and working well as a team member or alone, depending on the task, and is always ready and willing to assist any co-worker when needed in a pinch.  Another coworker writes that Spinks processes graduation applications promptly and adds a personal touch by sending a lovely congratulatory note to the soon-to-be ABAC alumnus as well as to their advisor.  In so doing, it keeps both the advisor and student up-to-date and informed.  One colleague says Spinks is service-oriented and “others-minded, always going above and beyond to assist ABAC students.  I believe our students, faculty, and staff would all agree that this year’s awardee has a genuine desire to make the ABAC experience positive.” ###
May 25, 2021

ABAC Faculty Member Selected for Georgia Agricultural Education Hall of Fame

TIFTON—Dr. Farish Mulkey, an assistant professor of agricultural education at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, has been selected for the Georgia Agricultural Education Hall of Fame.  Mulkey joins two current ABAC faculty members, Dr. Frank Flanders and Von Peavy, in the Hall of Fame. “We are extremely proud of Dr. Mulkey and the fact that ABAC now has three active faculty members in the Hall of Fame,” Dr. Andrew Thoron, Head of the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication at ABAC, said. “I think this proves without a doubt that ABAC is vested in agricultural education in Georgia.” Mulkey began his 32-year career in agricultural education as a classroom agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Macon County High School in 1988.  His career continues today at ABAC where he advises, teaches, and prepares the next crop of agricultural educators. In a career that saw him teach both middle and high school in Macon County, Worth County, Bainbridge, and Stephens County, Mulkey and his students have achieved a great deal of success. He served as advisor to 61 state degree recipients, 14 American Degree recipients, 18 state and four national Career Development Event winners, and nine state proficiency award winners. The role of an agricultural education teacher is very diverse. In addition to teaching and guiding students, agriculture teachers are expected to make an impact on their community and their profession. Just as he did as an FFA advisor, Mulkey excelled at those expectations. Mulkey served as a Young Farmer advisor, providing instruction for adults in his community, was named Teacher of the Year in his school system, participated on local Farm Bureau boards, and served on committees within the Georgia Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association. A Georgia Agricultural Education Hall of Fame spokesman said that Mulkey's very decorated and successful career was not highlighted by the many plaques, trophies, and ribbons that his students earned; rather his career is highlighted by the character that he exhibited and instilled in the young people he taught in class. ###
May 24, 2021

Luke-Morgan Receives Teaching Excellence Award at ABAC

TIFTON—Dr. Audrey Luke-Morgan has been selected as the 2021 recipient of the W. Bruce and Rosalyn Ray Donaldson Award for Teaching Excellence at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. First awarded in 1965, the purpose of the prestigious award is to publicly recognize superior instruction and exemplary service to the college by honoring one faculty member each year, as chosen by a special representative committee of faculty and students. The recipient is honored with a recognition plaque and a monetary award. To be eligible for consideration for the Donaldson Teaching Excellence Award, a faculty member must be a full-time instructor with five or more years of continuous service to the college. An Associate Professor in the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Luke-Morgan has taught at ABAC since 2012. She received an associate degree from ABAC, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Georgia (UGA), a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from UGA, and a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Valdosta State University. To best meet the needs of her students, Luke-Morgan has each student complete a biography and self-assessment so that she can tailor each course to target skills such as public speaking or use of spreadsheet software. “I believe that you must move out of your comfort zone to reach your full potential to learn and grow,” Luke-Morgan said. Several letters of support reference Luke-Morgan’s passion and fire for her subject matter. Dr. Mark Kistler, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, said, “she strives to kindle each student’s curiosity for lifelong learning.” A peer recommendation states that she peaks the students’ interest in introductory classes where they often struggle with terminology with “practical and everyday examples to demonstrate use and application. She then pushes her juniors and seniors to rise to a much higher bar of performance in her classes.” A former student writes, “It is very easy to lecture about all of the things you know, but to translate that knowledge into a conversation that everyone can understand is a special gift that makes the best professors.” Luke-Morgan was the 1992 valedictorian at Fitzgerald High School. In 1994, she was selected as the top academic student at ABAC, receiving the J.G. Woodroof Scholar award with a 4.0 grade point average. ###
May 20, 2021

ABAC’s Polly Huff Receives Top Honor from Georgia Association of Museums

TIFTON—The Georgia Association of Museums (GAM) recently honored Polly Huff from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College with the Museum Professional Award, the industry’s top honor for a museum professional currently serving in the state of Georgia.  Huff, the curator at ABAC’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture (GMA) in Tifton, received the award at the virtual meeting of the Georgia Association for Museums Conference.  “The Middleton Shoe Shop,” an original exhibition at the Museum curated by Huff, also won the Exhibit Award in Category 2, which encompasses project budgets below $25,000. Nominating Committee Chair Virginia Howell, Director of the Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking, and members April Moon Carlson, Independent Museum Consultant; Christa McCay, Curator of the Marietta Museum of History; and Holly Beasley Wait, Director of the National Civil War Naval Museum, singled out Huff for “more than two decades of producing innovative exhibits, maximizing limited resources in incredibly creative ways, and being an advocate for the museum field.” In her role as the ABAC curator, Huff oversees a collection of more than 100,000 GMA artifacts. She has designed and installed over 100 significant exhibitions at the GMA, the Art Gallery, and satellite locations; oversees the institutional archives on campus and at the Museum; handles the curatorial duties at ABAC’s Fulwood Garden Center; and is the staff liaison for Tifton’s Wiregrass Farmers Market. “The Middleton Shoe Shop” project took the Museum’s curatorial staff on a journey across the country and back to the 1800s when a cache of mysterious shoe shop artifacts donated by an Indiana resident was discovered at the GMA 40 years after the donation had taken place. Months of intense research with the assistance of museum colleagues from across the country eventually identified the shoemaker in the lone photograph stored with the artifacts as James Middleton, a Tifton shoemaker who lived and worked in the area in the late 1800s-early 1900s. Huff and restoration specialist David King built an exhibit duplicating the exact scene of Middleton’s shoe shop depicted in that lone photograph. Working with local restoration photographer Charles Styer, Huff recreated a life size rendering of the shop complete with a wall mural of the Middleton wagon, a lifelike museum figure replica of Middleton himself, and a display of several hundred shoemaking artifacts. The exhibit’s wooden shoe forms were treated with a special museum wax, which infused the nostalgic scent of shoeshine paste into the experience.  When the pandemic brought everything to a halt in 2020, Huff and her senior media intern, Tristin Clements from Tifton, filmed the exhibit installation and converted the opening into a virtual event, offering it to Museum guests in the early days of the pandemic to the sound of a nostalgic 1890s tune. Huff was recently elected for a third term on the GAM Board of Directors.  She is a frequent panelist and presenter for the state organization and its membership.                                                             ###
May 18, 2021

ABAC Begins Four-Day Work Week

TIFTON—For the second consecutive summer, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will utilize a four-day work week. ABAC President David Bridges said ABAC’s hours of operation will be from 7 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on a Monday through Thursday basis. The college will be closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  “Closing three days a week will save energy during the hot months of the summer,” Bridges said.  “Employees can also enjoy a three-day weekend with their families during this time.” The four-day ABAC work week began May 17 will continue through July 24.  Summer term classes begin at ABAC on June 1.  The fall semester opens Aug. 10. ###
May 17, 2021

Abbeville Graduate Receives Top Award at ABAC Commencement

TIFTON—Meredith McGlamory, an Agricultural Communication major from Abbeville, received the ABAC Alumni Association Award as the top graduate participating in the commencement ceremony on Friday at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Because of social distancing guidelines, ABAC hosted three commencement ceremonies, two in Tifton and one in Bainbridge.  A total of 302 graduates participated in the ceremonies.  McGlamory received a plaque and a check for $500 from the ABAC Alumni Association, which sponsors the award and conducts the interviews which lead to the selection of the winner. The recipient of the award must participate in the commencement ceremony.  The award recognizes scholarship, leadership, and citizenship. From her role as Homecoming Queen to the time she rode on horseback carrying the flag for the Alpha Gamma Rho Breast Cancer Barrel Race, McGlamory has experienced all sides of ABAC. A stellar academic student with a 3.73 grade point average, McGlamory was a Distinguished Honor Student and made the Dean’s List and the President’s List.  She interned with Bayer Crop Science where she worked on experimental chemical plots in row crops.  She also went on a study abroad trip to Belize and took part in a mission trip to Bolivia. At one point in her ABAC career, McGlamory was the Social Media Intern for the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition.  She also served as an active member of the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow.  McGlamory has worked at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show, and she traveled with other ABAC students on the annual Farm Tour when they visited Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Closer to home, McGlamory has guided visitors on the Sunbelt Expo trams, dealt with small animals at Branch’s Vet Clinic, and worked in Plant Pathology at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station.  A Ms. ABAC Finalist, she often helped to recruit new students at Stallion Day. One of McGlamory’s references said, “she strives for success in everything she does and always represents ABAC in a positive manner.” McGlamory plans to travel to New Zealand after graduation to take part in an outreach ministry program. Summer term classes begin at ABAC on June 1, and the fall semester opens Aug. 10. ###

News Archive

View Archive Abbeville Graduate Receives Top Award at ABAC Commencement
March 18, 2024

Human communication subject of April 1 Usher Lecture Series event

TIFTON – The life cycle of ideas will be the topic for the next installment of the Jess Usher Lecture Series at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College on Monday, April 1.Dr. Jay Baldwin, an associate professor of communication in ABAC’s School of Arts & Sciences, will be giving the lecture, titled “How Ideas Have Sex: An Account of Human Communication.”The presentation will center around communication as a “Darwinian reproductive process” and how ideas struggle for existence. Topics will include how ideas spread in societies with some fading quickly and others becoming more durable.The lecture is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at ABAC’s Howard Auditorium. Each Usher Lecture Series event is free and open to the public.The Jess Usher Lecture Series features a carefully curated slate of dynamic presentations, drawn from a wide range of disciplines and delivered by distinguished members of the ABAC faculty as well as distinguished guest lecturers. Formerly known as the ABAC Lecture Series, this special collection has been renamed in memory of Dr. Jess Usher, an ABAC professor and former lecturer in the series, who passed away in June 2021.
March 18, 2024

Carter Arts and Lecture Series brings Atlanta Chinese Dance Company to Bainbridge

BAINBRIDGE – Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College at Bainbridge will host the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company on Thursday, March 28 as part of the Carter Arts and Lecture Series.Founded in 1991, the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company educates and entertains audiences about Chinese history and culture through the art of Chinese dance. This interactive program is a visual feast of colorful Chinese ribbons, kung fu fans, and more, featuring dazzling Chinese dance performances interspersed with audience participation and background information about the dances. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. at the Charles H. Kirbo Regional Center on ABAC Bainbridge Campus. This event is free and open to the public. The Carter Arts & Lecture Series, now in its 11th season, is committed to enhancing the educational experience by bringing compelling speakers, distinguished authors, and performing arts to the ABAC Bainbridge campus. These events are designed to bring the campus and public together to educate, inspire, and spark imagination. The Carter Arts and Lecture Series is sponsored by The Thomas M. and Irene B. Kirbo Foundation and First Port City Bank. The series will continue with the ABAC Jazz Ensemble performance featuring The Jim Gasior Trio on April 19. For more information visit www.artsatabac.com.
March 15, 2024

ABAC’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture hosts Folklife Festival April 6

TIFTON - Visitors can enjoy a celebration of the rich, rural heritage of South Georgia during the annual Folklife Festival on April 6 at the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture. Showcasing South Georgia’s history and culture, the event runs from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. with interactive activities for both children and adults.A can’t miss moment of the day will be the ceremonial firing of the turpentine still at 11 a.m. for the Historic Village’s annual turpentine distillation.  Museum guests can get a close view of this age-old process that is central to South Georgia’s cultural heritage. The Museum’s Vulcan Steam Engine will also be available for guests to experience a train ride through the Historic Village.The Folklife Festival highlights interactive activities including livestock and wildlife encounters, cornbread samples, sawmill demonstrations and mule plowing. There will also be pine needle basket making demonstrations, tatting demonstrations, hay rides and live music. A new event this year, “Past to Present” Historical Dance, will take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.Guests can also visit the antique tractors that will be on display on the Cotton Gin Lawn. The antique tractors will parade through the Historic Village at noon and 2 p.m.The Museum’s curatorial staff will have several offerings for Folklife festival guests. In the Art Gallery, the “Lost to the Ages” exhibit will feature the photography of Evey Mercer as she utilizes stunning photography to preserve the image of vanishing items for future generations. The artist will be present to lead guided gallery tours, give an artist talk, and mingle with attendees during a light reception.Author Muriel Eden-Paul will spend the day at the GMA’s turpentiners’ cabin-The Knight Cabin, where she will sign copies of her book, Song of Jaybird. The book follows Delia and Henry-fictional characters based on historic records of turpentine camp workers, who in 1897 travel from Georgia to the Etna Turentine Camp in Florida with their mules Bo and Belle, a wagon holding their worldly possessions, and very pregnant with their first child.In the Cordell Conference Center, the American Legacy Quilt Show will wow guests with exceptional fiber work. Raffle basket tickets will be available for purchase.At the Museum's Destination Ag Agricultural Literacy complex visitors will have the opportunity to meet and visit with Destination Ag's friendly goats, sheep and mini Herefords in the "Busy Barnyard". Destination Ag's exciting playground, pollinator garden and honeybee observation hive will be open for all to enjoy. "Happy Sunrise" face-painting will also be at Destination Ag, adorning faces of all ages with their festive, colorful artistry.To satisfy every hearty appetite, there will be a variety of delicious options to choose from. The Historic Village’s Drug Store will offer barbecue sandwiches, chili dogs, and hand dipped ice cream. Food trucks will also be on site with a variety of options including funnel cakes, egg rolls and street tacos. Admission to the Folklife Festival is $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, $6 for children 5–16 years of age and free for children four and under. Anyone seeking more information can contact the Museum at (229) 391-5205. 
March 15, 2024

ABAC Honors Top Academic Students

TIFTON – Five hundred and forty-seven students qualified for academic honors during the 2023-24 academic year at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Students receiving Distinguished Honor status have completed 45 or more academic semester hours at ABAC with an overall grade point average of 3.75 or higher. Superior Honor students have completed 45 academic semester hours at ABAC with an overall grade point average of 3.5 to 3.74. Honor status goes to students who have completed 45 or more academic semester hours at ABAC with an overall grade point average of 3.25 to 3.49.  Students recognized with their majors and hometowns are as follows: Abbeville Christopher Cannon, Agriculture, Honors Acworth Abigail Farquhar, Biology, Distinguished Jesse Jerls, Agribusiness, Distinguished Caroline Lea, Biology, Distinguished Adairsville Michael Stewart, Natural Resource Management, Distinguished Adel Karina Arteaga Trejo, Business, Distinguished Dawson Cowart, Business, Distinguished Lizbeth Espinoza, Nursing, Superior Lionela Gutierrez Nava, Writing & Communication, Distinguished Riley O’Linn, Biology, Honors Tucker Parrish, Business, Distinguished  Kwinci Way, Biology, Distinguished Jessika Zarco, Nursing, Honors Adrian Braswell Walraven, Natural Resource Management, Superior  Ailey Patrick Ethredge, Environmental Horticulture, Distinguished Alapaha Emma Griner, Agriculture, Distinguished Allysa Jackson, Nursing-ASN, Honors Albany Delaney Garcia, Writing & Communication, Distinguished Landen Harrelson, Nursing, Honors Nathan Masters, Biology, Distinguished James Moore, Agribusiness, Honors Rayna Rex, Business, Honors Bentley Shumate, Nursing, Honors Davis Solis, Business, Honors Allenhurst Javier Mojica, Agricultural Education, Superior Alma Caleb Houston, Agribusiness, Distinguished Ronald Woodall, Agribusiness, Honors Alpharetta Lauren Domenico, Agricultural Education, Superior Evan Lassiat, Environmental Horticulture, Honors Ambrose Hunter Moore, Agriculture, Superior Emily Purvis, Agriculture, Honors Grant Roberson, Biology, Distinguished Harmon Smith, Business, Distinguished Americus Theresa Bowden, Agriculture, Distinguished Alli Dent, Business, Honors Morgan Kitchens, Agriculture, Honors Arabi Erin Melcher, Nursing-ASN, Honors Arlington Sutton McCarley, Criminal Justice, Honors Ashburn Cierra Boney, Nursing-ASN, Honors Garrett Gravitt, Agriculture, Distinguished Jenny Hall, Agriculture, Honors Hayden Norman, History & Government, Superior Jacob Odom, Agribusiness, Superior Allyson Pate, Biology, Superior Isabella Wright-Jensen, Biology, Distinguished Athens Macy Taylor, Agriculture, Honors Atlanta Daniela Mar, History & Government, Distinguished Augusta Barbara McFadden, Biology, Distinguished Samuel Tyler, Environmental Horticulture, Distinguished Baconton Sara Shiver, Nursing-ASN, Honors Bainbridge Morgan Brown, Nursing-ASN, Honors Mayo Livingston, Business, Superior Hayden Martin, Business, Distinguished Mason Martin, Business, Superior Sara Matthews, Agribusiness, Distinguished Edward Moorhead, Criminal Justice, Superior Lawson Murray, Agriculture, Honors Joseph Presnal, Business, Distinguished Bethany Rentz, History & Government, Distinguished Jonah Taylor, Business, Superior Tereza Toole, Business, Distinguished Ball Ground Zenella Brehm, Agriculture, Distinguished Baxley Robert Courson, Agriculture, Honors Benjamin Griffis, Business, Honors Bethlehem Brock Sharp, Agribusiness, Honors Bishop Emma Richwine, Agricultural Communication, Distinguished Blairsville Alyssa Sweat, Writing & Communication, Distinguished Bloomingdale Sara Sheffield, Rural Community Development, Distinguished Bogart Ethan Torres, Biology, Honors Bonaire Holly Bass, Agribusiness, Superior Amber Doss, Nursing, Superior Boston Breanna Ryan, Agriculture, Honors Corey Singletary, Agribusiness, Superior Brooklet Tyler Hunter, Agriculture, Honors Broxton Ronald Wiggins, Agribusiness, Honors Brunswick Morgan Hickson, History & Government, Distinguished Alex Ramirez Silva, Biology, Superior Buena Vista Harley Fulghum, Agricultural Education, Honors Ouida Preston, Agricultural Education, Superior Hadleigh Snider, Agricultural Education, Superior Buford Stephen Cole, Natural Resource Management, Superior Butler John Jarrell, Agricultural Technology Management, Honors Byron Kamren Yaughn, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Cairo Russell Bedingfield, Agribusiness, Honors Ashley Carroll, Nursing-ASN, Superior Erin Pearce, Agricultural Education, Superior Calhoun Anna Burton, Business, Distinguished Camilla Thomas Boyer, Agricultural Education, Superior Lauren Faircloth, Agribusiness, Distinguished Elizabeth McDaniel, Agriculture, Honors Canton Tyler Hunter, Natural Resource Management, Superior Molly Parker, Natural Resource Management, Superior Sabrina Turnbow, Rural Community Development, Distinguished Carnesville Laney McGee, Agribusiness, Distinguished Cataula Sara White, Agriculture, Honors Cedartown Jakamron Ammons-Coleman, Agriculture, Honors Chatsworth Tristen Ball, Agriculture, Distinguished McAllister Caylor, Natural Resource Management, Honors Chula Luke Dorman, Environmental Horticulture, Honors Kayleigh Fowler, Agricultural Education, Superior Logan Milner, Rural Community Development, Distinguished Greer Rutledge-Schemmel, Biology, Superior Emily Staton, Agribusiness, Distinguished Vincent Thompson, Agricultural Technology Management, Distinguished Clermont Jessie Palmer, Agriculture, Honors Climax Nakhalia Frazier, Writing & Communication, Superior Cohutta Lanie Cronan, AS Core Curriculum, Honors Colquitt Allison Burke, Biology, Distinguished Joseph Cook, Business, Honors Joshua Enfinger, Agribusiness, Superior Sarah Jenkins, AS Core Curriculum, Superior Jaycie Johnson, AS Core Curriculum, Honors Holden Richardson, Agribusiness, Honors Lily Sheffield, Agriculture, Superior Magen Vaughn, Biology, Superior Comer Emily McDonald, History & Government, Superior Cordele Daniel Bohler, Biology, Distinguished Zachary Moralez, Nursing-ASN, Honors Kailee Richardson, Agribusiness, Distinguished William Simpson, Business, Honors Regan Webb, Business, Superior Covington Georgia Larimer, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Crawford Lola Hammond, Agriculture, Honors Cumming Hayden Krippner, Environmental Horticulture, Superior Nathan Krippner, Environmental Horticulture, Distinguished Cuthbert Macy Mathews, Nursing-ASN, Honors Jackson Mote, Agribusiness, Honors Landon Torbert, Agribusiness, Honors Dallas Jacob Owens, Natural Resource Management, Distinguished Ethan Stark, Natural Resource Management, Superior Dalton Brock Parham, Agricultural Technology Management, Superior Doerun Robert Bass, Agricultural Technology Management, Honors Blaire Beasley, Agriculture, Honors Karli Yarbrough, Agribusiness, Distinguished Donalsonville Macy Batchelor, AS Core Curriculum, Distinguished Jessica Gingery, Nursing-ASN, Honors Peyton Price, Business, Superior Benjamin Roland, Agribusiness, Honors Kelly Sanchez-Marquez, Business, Honors Ramsey Williams, Biology, Superior Douglas Amelia Crockett, History & Government, Honors Tatiana Gomez, Nursing, Superior Natalie Grantham, Agribusiness, Distinguished Makenzie Hester, Biology, Honors Janeth Ovalle, Nursing, Honors Victoria Pierce, Nursing-ASN, Superior Alvin Ricketson, Biology, Distinguished Kristen Thomason, Agribusiness, Honors Jenna Williams, Biology, Distinguished Sydney Willson, Nursing-ASN, Honors Nolan Wood, Nursing-ASN, Honors Dudley Bobby Knight, Agribusiness, Superior Eastman Clifton Gooch, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Edison Peyton Brown, Business, Honors Emily Everson, Nursing-ASN, Honors Ethan Ragan, Agribusiness, Distinguished Ellerslie Ashton Curry, Agriculture, Distinguished Hannah Grubbs, Agricultural Technology Management, Distinguished Ellijay Octavia Bushey, Agricultural Education, Honors Enigma Gregory Donley, History & Government, Honors Lauren Massey, Biology, Distinguished Nathan Nichols, Agricultural Education, Superior Ricky Tucker, Agriculture, Superior Fayetteville Danielle Butler, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Bonnie Landers, Agricultural Education, Superior Fitzgerald Emilie Andrews, AFA in Music – Vocal, Honors William Bowen, AS Core Curriculum, Honors David Brown, Biology, Superior Jordan Brown, Agricultural Communication, Distinguished Britin Cowan, Business, Distinguished Danielle Daunhauer, Biology, Distinguished Amy Hernandez, History & Government, Distinguished Rainey Kirkland, Nursing-ASN, Superior Emily Oliver, Nursing-ASN, Honors Chloe Pate, Biology, Distinguished Marlaina Reaves, Biology, Distinguished Kennedie Stembridge, Nursing-ASN, Superior Reese Wynn, Agriculture, Superior Folkston Emma Harris, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Forsyth Mathew Byerly, Biology, Honors Victoria Hobby, Environmental Horticulture, Superior Caleb Jones, Environmental Horticulture, Distinguished Kaitlyn Shields, Natural Resource Management, Honors Fort Oglethorpe Jesse Black, Agricultural Education, Superior Fort Valley Roxana Sanchez Guillen, Business, Superior Garfield Kadin Harper, Agricultural Education, Superior Gray Michael Corley, Natural Resource Management, Honors Emily Wilkinson, Nursing, Superior Griffin Alexa Norman, Agriculture, Superior Makayla Riley, Environmental Horticulture, Distinguished Guyton Macee Smith, Agricultural Education, Superior Hahira Sarah Baker, Nursing, Distinguished Rebecca Lemmon, Nursing-ASN, Superior Ansley Simmons, Biology, Distinguished Cassandra Uchida, Agriculture, Distinguished Hamilton James Stewart, Natural Resource Management, Honors Hartsfield Hannah Welsh, Business, Distinguished Hawkinsville Kaitlyn Johnson, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Hazlehurst Bryson Williams, Biology, Distinguished Whitley Williams, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Hephzibah Shawn Murphy, Agribusiness, Distinguished Iron City Gracen Kirkland, Biology, Distinguished Jackson Victoria Newbury, Business, Honors Dustin Sullivan, Agribusiness, Honors Jakin Olivia Spooner, Biology, Superior Jesup Makaylah Fox, Biology, Honors Austin Kernes, Writing & Communication, Honors Shad O’Neal, Biology, Distinguished Jonesboro Rebecca Palmer, Rural Community Development, Honors Kathleen Phillip Babin, Agriculture, Superior Ashley Kay Moon, AS Core Curriculum, Honors Alexandria Moore, Criminal Justice, Superior Keysville Jessi Strickland, Agribusiness, Honors Kingsland Avery Fuqua, Environmental Horticulture, Honors Kite Brandy Stapleton, Biology, Honors Lagrange Jacob Bearden, Agribusiness, Superior Annette Bradley, Agriculture, Distinguished Ashton Cindrick, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Tara Massie, Biology, Honors Emma Walker, Agribusiness, Honors Lakeland Allison Gibbs, Nursing-ASN, Honors Leesburg Ashton Corbett, Biology, Distinguished Stephen Kardamis, Writing & Communication, Distinguished Carsen Pickle, Biology, Distinguished Talon Shierling, Biology, Superior John Sikes, Biology, Superior Lydia Stodghill, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Aubreigh Walls, Business, Honors Lenox Levi Griner, Business, Distinguished Krysta Danforth, Rural Community Development, Superior Jacob Shirah, Biology, Distinguished Jennipher VanBrackle, History & Government, Superior Annah Williams, Agribusiness, Distinguished Lilburn Wyatt Talik, Business, Distinguished Loganville Matthew Dyals, Agriculture, Honors Maven Farmer, Business, Distinguished Ludowici Amaya Bragg, Natural Resource Management, Honors Colton Peacock, Agricultural Education, Superior Lumber City Johnny Taylor, History & Government, Honors Macon Jennifer Chambers, Agriculture, Honors Joseph Stevenson, Environmental Horticulture, Superior Thomas Walker, Agribusiness, Distinguished Madison Noah Garner, Natural Resource Management, Honors Marietta Josephine Bertrand, Agriculture, Distinguished Theodore Brewer, Agriculture, Honors Kiley Webb, Agribusiness, Honors Marshallville Cleveland Langston, Agriculture, Superior Mauk Keelie Albritton, Natural Resource Management, Superior Kelsie Albritton, Natural Resource Management, Honors McDonough Alyssa Aguilar, Agriculture, Honors Patricia Goodson, Agriculture, Distinguished Jacob Pinder, Agribusiness, Honors McRae Helena Bailie Graham, Agriculture, Distinguished Carter Greene, Agribusiness, Distinguished Lindsey Grimes, Biology, Distinguished Trinity Miller, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Meigs Abby Kennedy, Rural Community Development, Honors Mershon Alex Hart, Agribusiness, Superior Jaron Raulerson, Agribusiness, Honors Midland Makenzie Osborn, Nursing-ASN, Honors Milan Caleb Henderson, Natural Resource Management, Superior Hannah Williams, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Mineral Bluff Patrick Conner, Agricultural Education, Honors Mitchell Michael Downs, Natural Resource Management, Honors Monroe Brynna Tripp, Agricultural Education, Honors Grace Zimmerman, Agribusiness, Superior Montezuma Jonathan Reyes, Agriculture, Distinguished Moultrie Abigail Ard, Rural Community Development, Honors Nicholas Brokaw, Nursing-ASN, Distinguished Alec Crews, Writing & Communication, Distinguished Shandreka Croft, Nursing-ASN, Superior Daniel Durrence, Agricultural Technology Management, Honors Loisann Friedman, Rural Community Development, Honors LeAnna Gay, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Madison Giles, Business, Distinguished Abigail Glass, Nursing-ASN, Honors Jennifer Hernandez, Rural Community Development, Distinguished Maycey Kight, Agribusiness, Distinguished Raney Lamon, Biology, Distinguished Thelma Licona, Business, Superior Kathryn Maxwell, Agricultural Education, Superior Sarai Ramirez, Nursing-ASN, Honors Gracie White, Biology, Distinguished Michael Willingham, Writing & Communication, Superior Mitchell Wingate, Business, Honors Nahunta Tessa Dixon, Natural Resource Management, Distinguished Nashville Gracie Barfield, Biology, Superior Alexis Powell, Nursing-ASN, Honors Isabell Rhodes, Biology, Honors Hayden Woody, Biology, Honors Newnan Jennifer Brinton, Agriculture, Honors Catherine Yeager, Agriculture, Superior Nicholls MacKenzie Grantham, Agribusiness, Honors Lindsay Kirkland, Agricultural Education, Superior Norman Park Lanee Guess, Nursing-ASN, Superior Mariana Fernandez, Nursing-ASN, Honors Lili Martin-Rivera, Rural Community Development, Honors Robert Mitchell, Agricultural Technology Management, Superior Bailley Wynn, Writing & Communication, Honors Ocilla Janee Benson, Natural Resource Management, Honors Brylee Branch, Nursing-ASN, Honors Sara Hancock, Rural Community Development, Distinguished Molly Morris, Rural Community Development, Distinguished Thea Murray, Agribusiness, Honors Oglethorpe Camila Valles Rodriguez, Agriculture, Distinguished Omega Brayan Alvarado, Biology, Superior Lorenzo Gomez, Nursing-ASN, Superior Valerie Hernandez, Nursing-ASN, Honors Rebecca Perez, Business, Honors Pavo Maria Garcia, Nursing, Honors Peachtree City Elijah Fennell, Agriculture, Distinguished Perry Hailey Breaux, Nursing, Superior Anniston Hall, Agriculture, Honors Brenna Mizell, Agriculture, Honors Annabelle Putman, Agricultural Education, Superior Abigail Rainwater, Agricultural Education, Honors Brian Wisekal, Agriculture, Distinguished Pineview Sarah Thompson, Agricultural Technology Management, Distinguished Pitts Katie Burnette, Agriculture, Honors Plains Sarah Lamb, Agribusiness, Distinguished Poulan Margaret Martiny, AS Core Curriculum, Honors Quitman Grayson Peek, Biology, Distinguished Rebecca Mark Clements, Agriculture, Distinguished Wyleigh Sturdevan, Biology, Honors Clara Wiley, Business, Distinguished Julia Wiley, Biology, Honors Rachel Wilson, Agricultural Education, Superior Resaca Mason Higdon, Agriculture, Honors Richmond Hill Dalton Hemmings, Natural Resource Management, Honors Rincon Lane Harvey, Natural Resource Management, Distinguished Rochelle Owen Harris, Agriculture, Distinguished Abigail Lampp, Rural Community Development, Distinguished Rocky Ford Calin Smith, Environmental Horticulture, Superior Rome Joel Johnson, Agriculture, Distinguished Roopville Zebulun Turner, Natural Resource Management, Distinguished Royston Devin Boyer, Agriculture, Distinguished Rutledge Rachel Wood, Agribusiness, Distinguished Savannah Peyton Coursey, Agricultural Communication, Superior Screven Savannah Beasley, Agriculture, Superior Senoia Josie Batchelor, Agribusiness, Distinguished John Monnin, Environmental Horticulture, Superior Shiloh Haley Davis, Agriculture, Superior Bailee Tracy, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Silver Creek Jimmy Duncan, Agribusiness, Superior Smyrna Maria Bruno Munoz, Rural Community Development, Honors Social Circle Kaliany Tartas-Ortiz, Agriculture, Distinguished Soperton Calle Cauley, Agriculture, Honors Sparks Aurelio Bautista, Agriculture, Honors Maddie Harper, Agriculture, Honors Shelby Joiner, Agricultural Education, Honors Breanna Spearman, Agriculture, Superior Springfield Megan Williams, Agriculture, Distinguished Statham Audrey Eagle, Agricultural Education, Superior Summerville Andrew Allen, Agriculture, Honors Christine Dooley, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Surrency Sherry Baxley, Nursing, Superior Sycamore Madison Ball, Business, Superior Josie Bullington, Agricultural Communication, Superior Julie Funk, Biology, Distinguished Sylvester Payton Brooks, Business, Superior Anthony Cook, Business, Honors Laura DuPree, Agribusiness, Honors Hannah Fletcher, Agricultural Communication, Distinguished Marley Gunter, Agribusiness, Superior Cassandra Hernandez, Business, Honors Anslee James, Writing & Communication, Superior Amie Jones, Agriculture, Honors Kara Lewis, Business, Superior Abby Nelms, History & Government, Distinguished Luke Paramore, AS Core Curriculum, Distinguished Andrew Spainhour, Biology, Superior Anna Tipper, Biology, Distinguished Troy Twyman, Business, Honors Raquel Whitcomb, Agriculture, Superior Brianna Zupko, Biology, Honors Tallapoosa Colton Sanders, Agribusiness, Distinguished Layla Wallace, Agricultural Communication, Superior Tennille Chapman Phillips, Agricultural Education, Honors The Rock Cheyenne Colley, Agriculture, Honors Thomaston Pasley Thompson, Agribusiness, Honors Thomasville Benjamin Sanders, Business, Honors Aaliyah Smith, Nursing, Honors Taylor Stegall, Biology, Distinguished Tifton Uriel Acosta, Business, Honors Kelly Atkins, Biology, Distinguished Katie Ayscue, Nursing, Superior Evelyn Bailey, Agriculture, Honors Monica Balderas, Nursing-ASN, Superior Sydney Barry, Business, Superior Lily Bates, Rural Community Development, Distinguished John Beaumont, Business, Superior Joshua Bowyer, Writing & Communication, Honors Weston Boyd, Agribusiness, Honors Alexis Braselton, Biology, Superior Anthony Brey, Nursing, Honors Leayla Broome, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Hannah Bryson, Biology, Distinguished Reanna Brown, Agricultural Education, Honors Emma Burgess, AS Core Curriculum, Honors Isabel Contreras, Biology, Superior Aerial Densmore, Business, Distinguished Hollee Dunston, Nursing-ASN, Honors Jennifer Duque-Sanchez, Rural Community Development, Superior Jalen Edmondson, Writing & Communication, Honors Nickolas Erskine, Business, Honors Pearson Futch, Biology, Distinguished Megan Gaines, Nursing-ASN, Distinguished Laura Gomez, Nursing-ASN, Superior Breanna Green, Biology, Superior Madison Griffin, Nursing-ASN, Superior Clark Hall, Business, Superior Coby-James Harper, Agribusiness, Distinguished Patricia Henderson, Agricultural Communication, Honors Slade Holloway, Agribusiness, Distinguished Caitlyn Hysmith, Business, Honors Madison Ingram, Business, Distinguished Andrew Jimenez, Biology, Distinguished Landon Johnson, Business, Superior Bailey Jones, Business, Superior John Lee, AS Core Curriculum, Superior Michael Martin, Nursing, Honors Kendall Maxwell, Biology, Distinguished Peyton McMillan, AS Core Curriculum, Distinguished Sheranda Merriweather, Biology, Distinguished Luis Palomares, Business, Honors Reagan Pate, Nursing-ASN, Superior Kajal Patel, Nursing-ASN, Honors Neel Patel, Biology, Distinguished Nikul Patel, Business, Distinguished Viran Patel, Business, Distinguished Kayle Perez, Criminal Justice, Superior Samuel Phillips, Biology, Honors Brandon Prudhomme, Business, Honors David Rakestraw, Biology, Superior Kayley Register, Writing & Communication, Honors Colby Rigdon, History & Government, Distinguished Karina Rodriguez, Nursing-ASN, Superior Emily Rowland, Biology, Distinguished Julia Ryland, Rural Community Development, Superior Yelena Shell, Rural Community Development, Superior Taylor Slater, Nursing-ASN, Honors Kaitlen Shurling, AS Core Curriculum, Distinguished Taylor Stanfill, Business, Honors Cameron Sumner, History & Government, Distinguished Solar Tanton, Agriculture, Distinguished Heriberto Torres Serna, Nursing-ASN, Superior Karrigan Turner, Nursing-ASN, Honors Stacey Turner, Biology, Honors John Vo, Nursing, Superior Sarah Ward, Biology, Distinguished Callie West, Business, Superior Chase Wiley, Business, Superior Kaitlynn Willis, Agriculture, Honors Tignall Ethan Finck, Natural Resource Management, Superior Trion Jaden Hardy, Agribusiness, Distinguished Tunnel Hill Camren Williams, Agricultural Technology Management, Honors Ty Ty Amanda Chambless, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Ivey Cook, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Charles Cottle, Business, Superior Mary Powell, Biology, Superior Layne Walters, Rural Community Development, Honors Unadilla Marianna Jones, Agriculture, Honors Valdosta Gabe Moore, Nursing-ASN, Honors Connie Rogers, Agricultural Communication, Superior David Rose, Business, Honors Cassidy Smith, Rural Community Development, Distinguished Villa Rica Janzen Bryant, Environmental Horticulture, Superior Warner Robins Alecia Dumas, Agriculture, Superior Darby Masters, Agricultural Communication, Distinguished Washington Lydia Norman, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Waycross Heidi Breeden, Agriculture, Honors Whigham Victoria Kilgo, History & Government, Honors Stephen Sizemore, Criminal Justice, Superior Jack Strickland, Environmental Horticulture, Superior Willacoochee Jianna Fowler, Business, Distinguished Katelyn Malphus, Agriculture, Distinguished Williamson Jessica Presley, Agribusiness, Superior Winder Hailey Wooten, Agriculture, Honors Woodbine Skyleigh Dorman, Agriculture, Superior Wray Brenda Guerrero, Nursing-ASN, Distinguished Lesly Meza, Nursing-ASN, Distinguished Kara Morgan, Nursing-ASN, Superior Seth Paulk, Agriculture, Honors Zebulon Madison Dysart, Agricultural Education, Honors Hagen Marion, Business, Distinguished Other States ALABAMA Columbia Joseph Schoonover, Agriculture, Honors Dothan Kayley Walls, Agricultural Education, Superior Whit Woods, Agribusiness, Distinguished Eufaula Bailey Ellison, Agribusiness, Superior Gadsden Anna Dasher, Agricultural Technology Management, Superior Jasper Austin Veal, Environmental Horticulture, Distinguished Luverne Owen Russell, Agriculture, Distinguished Newton Emma Watson, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Pinckard Christopher Marsh, Agriculture, Distinguished Rehobeth Alyssa Glover, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Adam Stacy, Natural Resource Management, Superior Skipperville Maggie Bush, Agricultural Education, Distinguished CALIFORNIA Jurupa Valley Jazmine Basilio, Business, Distinguished FLORIDA Alachua Kristen Dyksterhouse, Agribusiness, Honors Apollo Beach Jocelyn Shourds, Agriculture, Distinguished Apopka Jordan Lind, Agriculture, Superior Bradenton Mikaela Barton, Agricultural Education, Superior Teagan Coyte, Agricultural Education, Superior Morgan Hoffman, Agricultural Communication, Honors Brandon Jacey Feiler, Business, Honors Citra Gracie Dukes, Agribusiness, Superior Clewiston Analucia Guardia, Agriculture, Honors Davenport Wendy Sullivan, Agricultural Education, Superior De Leon Springs Morgane Spears-Blackwelder, Agriculture, Honors Dunnellon Shelby Bell, Agribusiness, Superior Fort Meade Katherine Stokes, Agricultural Communication, Distinguished Fort Pierce Grace Lamb, Agriculture, Superior Geneva Lauren Claydon, Agriculture, Distinguished Greenville Valerie Ooley, Agriculture, Superior Groveland Eligh Spillane, Agriculture, Superior Immokalee Daniela Leon, Rural Community Development, Superior Jacksonville Mia McGurl, Agricultural Communication, Superior Lakeland Olivia Centanni, Agriculture, Superior Cassie Waters, Agricultural Education, Distinguished Live Oak Jon Quayle, Agribusiness, Honors Middleburg Elle Carter, Agricultural Education, Honors Kelby Griffin, Agriculture, Honors O’Brien Janna Groover, Agriculture, Honors Ocala Miranda Sellers, Biology, Distinguished Riverview Carleigh Scott, Nursing-ASN, Superior Ruskin Augusta Simmons, Agriculture, Superior Saint Cloud Madison Boyles, Agriculture, Honors Sorrento Rylee Grazulis, Agricultural Education, Honors Trenton Alizabeth Morehouse, Agricultural Education, Honors Wauchula Jacob Henderson, Agribusiness, Distinguished Webster Sydney Bagony, Agricultural Communication, Superior Windermere Justin Biederman, Agriculture, Honors NORTH CAROLINA Greensboro Timothy Webb, Agriculture, Honors Murphy Colby Davis, Agriculture, Superior Tarawa Terrace Alexis Bruner, Business, Superior SOUTH CAROLINA Barnwell Jordyn Twitty, Agriculture, Honors Belton Mariah Cash, Agriculture, Honors Ehrhardt Sydney Rentz, Agriculture, Distinguished Greenwood Hannah White, Agricultural Education, Honors Greer Brandi Abbott, Agriculture, Honors Landrum Grayson Lee, Agriculture, Honors Simpsonville Jordan Green, Natural Resource Management, Superior Summerville Hayden Bennett, Agricultural Education, Superior Ashlynn Sullivan, Agriculture, Superior Ward Dawson Holsomback, Agriculture, Honors Williston James Wall, Agribusiness, Distinguished Other Countries ENGLAND Chichester Noah Burton, AS Core Curriculum, Honors DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO Kinshasa Sarah Engonjo, Business, Honors NEW ZEALAND Te Awamutu Benjamin Ranby-al, Rural Community Development, Distinguished
March 14, 2024

ABAC’s Baldwin Players present Shakespeare adaptation for spring production

TIFTON – Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Baldwin Players will present “Never Runs Smooth… Shakespeare on Love,” an original play written by ABAC professor Dr. Brian Ray, on March 28-30. Ray said he originally wrote the play in 2006, but has since updated, added, and adapted his original work for the spring production.The play looks at the many ways that love is shown in the plays of William Shakespeare through the eyes of four couples as they explore scenes and discuss what they reveal about love. It's a play filled with corny humor mixed with sappy relationship stories. In the end, Ray believes the audience will agree with Shakespeare’s notion that the course of true love never runs smoothly. “Writing this play has been a labor of love for me, so perhaps it is fitting that the subject of the play is love,” said Ray. “I am fascinated by the language and ideas in all of William Shakespeare’s plays. I also love the theatre. I enjoyed every minute of seeing this project blossom from a casual conversation with a former colleague about mutual interests into a script of my own words molded around those immortal ones of Shakespeare. It was originally written and performed in 2006 as a shorter play. But for our current production, it has been lengthened by adding some important scenes and allowing more enriching character development. It is a lot of fun for the cast in rehearsal as we work to put it together for opening night.” In addition to Ray, who plays a car salesman named Duke, the cast includes community members Peter Pinnow, Caroline Evans, and Lauraleigh Shealey-Weeks; ABAC alums Ryan Norton and Alena Norton; Ezzard Stewart from Fitzgerald; and ABAC student Brooke Tyra, an environmental horticulture major from Buchanan.The production will be in ABAC’s Howard Auditorium beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for non-ABAC students with an ID card, and free for ABAC students, faculty and staff with ABAC ID.
March 8, 2024

ABAC hosts Southwest Georgia LSAMP summit

TIFTON – Students from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College recently participated in the 2024 Southwest Georgia Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Annual Summit. This event was hosted at ABAC in late February.Supported by the National Science Foundation, LSAMP promotes historically underrepresented students in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The overall mission of the Southwest Georgia LSAMP is to increase the number of qualified underrepresented minorities receiving baccalaureate degrees in STEM and those entering graduate school and the workforce.Students from around the region were able to attend professional development sessions, listen to a variety of speakers on wide-ranging topics, participate in a poster presentation and competition, and interact with other LSAMP scholars from across the state.“The LSAMP grant provides our students with opportunities to participate in research and mentoring experiences provided by dedicated STEM faculty at ABAC, as well as supporting them financially via a stipend and dedicated meeting travel funds,” said Dr. Heather Cathcart, a professor in the School of Arts and Sciences at ABAC. “The students are engaged early and able to see the possibilities of STEM education and STEM career goals.” ABAC students Christopher Hernandez, Andrew Jimenez, Nashra Layla, Barbara McFadden, and Alex Ramirez-Silva presented original research at the summit.Attendees were able to hear a presentation from Shannon Gregory, chief of flight operations and lead pilot at the John F. Kennedy Space Center. Gregory plans, directs, and coordinates all aspects of the center’s flight operations, launch, recovery, and flight tests, as well as provides Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) regulatory flight oversight to the Stennis Space Center, the Marshall Space Flight Center, and NASA Michoud Assembly Factory. SWGA LSAMP Alliance Director Dr. Monica Frazier from Columbus State University also addressed the students.Other speakers included ABAC faculty members Dr. Olumide Aborsade, Dr. Matthew Anderson, Dr. Adrian Israel Martinez-Franco, and Madison Thornhill; Dr. Claudia Dunkley from the University of Georgia’s Tifton Campus; Dr. Andrea Dawn Frazier from Columbus State University; Dr. Kendrick Savage from Georgia Gwinnett College; Barbara Rivera Holmes, President and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and member of the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents; Christina H. Owens with the Food and Drug Administration; and Dr. Alan Valdiviezo of Corteva Agriscience.Any students or faculty interested in participating in LSAMP should contact Dr. Heather Cathcart, Dr. Abul Sheikh, or Dr. Michael Maw at LSAMP@abac.edu for more information. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1817159. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.