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‘Starting as a Stallion’ Orientations Begin June 8 at ABAC

TIFTON—Students who are beginning their college careers at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College this fall semester can engage in a new and different orientation process. Donna Webb, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, said the “Starting as a Stallion” optional in-person orientation sessions will begin June 8. “I think our incoming freshmen will enjoy these sessions,” Webb said. “Like most everything else in this pandemic era, we are trying something we have never attempted before, but I believe we can accomplish the purpose and practice social distancing at the same time.” Webb said the in-person orientation sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. “Students will receive an email invitation for the in-person sessions which are limited for social distancing,” Webb said. “One guest will be allowed to attend with each student.” Each session will serve as a complement to ABAC’s online videos which are also a key part of the orientation process. In the summer of 2020, all orientation sessions were online because of the pandemic. “This is our attempt to offer interested students a more hands-on transition to ABAC,” Webb said. “All of our key offices will be open so that after the session, students can visit with financial aid, student accounts, accommodation services, and other offices.” For more information about “Starting as a Stallion,” students can contact Webb at dwebb@abac.edu. Fall semester classes begin at ABAC on Aug. 11. ###

ClicRtechnologies Donates Livestock Weighing Technology to ABAC

TIFTON–New technology is at the fingertips of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College students thanks to a $40,000 donation to the ABAC Foundation from ClicRtechnologies. A ClicRweight Bovine Solution System will be utilized at the Beef Unit at ABAC’s J.G. Woodroof Farm. Dr. Mark Kistler, Dean of ABAC’s School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is excited about the partnership with ClicRtechnologies. “The ClicRweight Bovine Solution System will provide valuable data for the management and operation of our Beef Unit,” Kistler said. “More importantly, it will be utilized by many of our academic programs such as Animal Science and Livestock Production as well as Agribusiness and Agricultural Technology and Systems Management.” Kistler said having students use the latest in technology will help them have the knowledge and skills they need for future employment. Joseph Spicola Sr., Chairman and CEO of ClicRtechnologies, believes ranchers need to embrace technology or get left behind because technology is the future of agriculture. “We hope to emphasize skills gained in the different degrees and tracks offered at ABAC to encourage people to pursue an education in agriculture,” Spicola said. “We believe ABAC will give ranchers and small family farms an opportunity to see this revolutionary technology firsthand.” ClicRtechnologies creates technology that obtains weights in challenging situations. The ClicRweight Bovine Solution System uses 3D imaging technology that reads cattle, pig, and alligator weights without disrupting the routine of the animals. “The School of Agriculture and Natural Resources is thankful for the generosity of Mr. Spicola and all of the folks at ClicRtechnologies,” Kistler said. “We are looking forward to a long partnership.” ###

ABAC Plans Return to Normal For 2021 Fall Semester

TIFTON—To use a couple of time-honored expressions, Dr. David Bridges does not want to jump the gun, but he does want to be ahead of the curve. Bridges, the president of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College since 2006 and the longest serving president in the University System of Georgia (USG), says ABAC students can expect a return to normalcy for the 2021 fall semester. “Our plan is to return to normal operations in the fall,” Bridges said. “I want our existing students to know that, and I particularly want incoming freshmen to know it.” Like all the other 25 institutions in the USG, ABAC offered only online classes for the final weeks of the 2020 spring semester and the entirety of the summer term because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students during the 2020 fall term took a mix of online classes and in-person classes. Now in the middle of the 2021 spring semester, ABAC students take mostly in-person classes with some online classes. “I want students taking in-person instruction in a safe environment this fall,” Bridges said. “We will make available a limited number of online classes for those students who still may not feel comfortable sitting in a lecture hall.” Bridges is even thinking beyond the classroom. “I want students living in on-campus housing, going to club meetings, playing sports, and eating in the dining hall,” Bridges said. “Give our students what they deserve, the total college experience. “ABAC has always been known for its friendly atmosphere and a quality education that prepares students for life. Even during the pandemic, we have not backed off that premise.” ABAC enrolled 3,990 students during the 2020 fall term, the second largest enrollment in the history of the college. Those students came from 155 of Georgia’s 159 counties, 53 of Florida’s 67 counties, 19 states, and 24 countries. A record 2,353 of those students enrolled in the 12 bachelor’s degree programs that ABAC offers. Classes are scheduled to begin for the ABAC fall semester on Aug. 11. ###

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Portrait of Kim Spinks Award Winner

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.” ###

portrait of Dr. Farish Mulkey Award winner

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. ###

Portrait of Dr. Audrey Luke-Morgan award winner

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. ###

Museum Curator and Student Intern

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. ###

Faculty presenting to students

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. ###

Meredith McGlamory award winner and Dr. David Bridges

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

ABAC Stafford School of Business professor publishes article about AI uses in business education

BAINBRIDGE - Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way educators develop case studies for their courses, according to a recent article published in the summer 2024 edition of National Business Education Association (NBEA) Business Education Forum by Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Business professor Tatyana Pashnyak.“I was a very early adopter of AI, Chat GPT specifically, as one of the first participants in the pilot app,” said Pashnyak, who teaches at ABAC’s Bainbridge site. “It is my responsibility as a faculty member to teach students how to use the tremendous power of AI ethically and responsibly.”The article, titled "Harness the Power of AI to Create Engaging Business Case Studies," examines the integration of AI into the case study creation process, which allows instructors to tailor content to specific learning outcomes and student profiles, resulting in a more personalized and effective learning experience.[CB1] In the article, Pashnyak explains that case studies play a crucial role in business courses by providing students with real-world context and practical experience, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to actual business situations. This hands-on approach prepares them for future careers by exposing them to diverse business situations and perspectives and fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills.However, creating these case studies is labor-intensive and time-consuming for instructors and the constantly evolving business environment requires deep industry knowledge and access to detailed information. Pashnyak said that with the power of AI, instructors can generate engaging and informative case studies in a fraction of the time it used to take, creating realistic and relevant scenarios that align with learning objectives. “Harnessing the power of AI to create engaging and effective case studies for business courses can significantly enhance the educational experience of students,” she said. “This approach not only saves time but also ensures that case studies remain current and applicable for classes."

Hill named Interim Cross Country Coach at ABAC

TIFTON - Taelor Hill has been named as the interim coach of the cross country teams at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. The announcement was made by ABAC Athletic Director Charles Wimberly.“Taelor’s energy and enthusiasm are evident in everything that she does,” Wimberly said. “She is an outstanding person, and she has consistently demonstrated her leadership abilities in many areas. I’m confident that she’ll continue the momentum our cross country program has as we begin competition in the Southern States Athletic Conference and NAIA competition.”Hill currently serves as the athletic program’s Eligibility and Compliance Coordinator and is also ABAC’s Senior Women Leader representative for the NAIA.“I’m excited about this opportunity,” Hill said. “We have a great mix of returning student-athletes as well as new runners entering the program. It’s an exciting time for all our programs and I can’t wait to get started.”ABAC’s cross country programs began in the fall of 2022 and will enter their third season of competition this fall. Former coach Mike Beeman retired earlier this year and Hill said she is grateful for the foundation he built.“Coach Beeman did a fantastic job getting our programs competitive so quickly,” Hill said. “I am committed to continuing that success. Tifton has a huge running community and that will continue to be an asset for our programs.”Hill is a graduate of ABAC’s Stafford School of Business and competed in cross country as well as track and field in high school, as well as soccer, basketball, swimming, and gymnastics.Last fall, ABAC also celebrated its first athlete to place in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association Region 17 championships.The Southern States Conference includes nine schools that field cross-country teams for men and women (Blue Mountain Christian, Brewton Parker, Faulkner, Life University, Loyola New Orleans, University of Mobile, Tennessee Southern, Thomas University, and William Carey) while Dalton State College and Middle Georgia field women’s teams.

Registration open for ThunderCon 2024

TIFTON – Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of fandom and fun at ThunderCon 2024, the second annual pop culture convention at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Scheduled for September 14, this highly anticipated event promises to be bigger, better, and more exciting than ever before.“We are very excited to host ThunderCon again this year,” said Shawn Burnette, Coordinator of Student Activities. “We had such a positive response from ABAC students and the community about last year's event, that we decided to expand upon our vendor and artist spaces. If they make or sell anything related to pop culture, anime, comics, or movies they are welcome at ThunderCon.”Hosted in the Carlton Center from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., ThunderCon aims to bring together ABAC students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the Tifton community and surrounding areas to celebrate a wide variety of interests and hobbies, from anime and comic books to video games, sci-fi, fantasy and trading card games.This year, ThunderCon is taking it up a notch by offering more panel presentations and a cosplay contest. Enthusiasts from the Tifton and ABAC communities can apply to host their own panel, sharing their passion and knowledge about any pop culture subject. Additionally, cosplayers of all skill levels are invited to compete in the cosplay contest, showcasing their creativity and craftsmanship.Registration for vendors and artists is now open, with a fee of $40 for vendors and $30 for artists. Registered participants will receive one eight-foot table, two chairs, and admission for themselves and an assistant. Additional setup items are welcome, allowing vendors and artists to create a unique and eye-catching display.More information is available at link.abac.edu/thundercon.

ABAC sophomore serves as town mayor

TIFTON – Brooke Huckaby lives a fairly typical college life. The 21-year-old Agricultural Technology Management major attends class, studies hard, and puts hours in at work. Unlike her classmates, the sophomore at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College has another more unusual role. She is the Mayor of her hometown of Arabi. “As far as I know I’m the youngest female mayor in United States history, and the youngest mayor in Georgia state history,” Huckaby said.Huckaby was elected Mayor of Arabi, a small town in Crisp County, when she was just 20 years old and has been serving while attending college full-time. The initial push to run came when someone approached her father about running for the seat.“He told me he wasn’t going to sign up for it again, and I was like, ‘Well you’re crazy. Why don’t you want to do it?,” she said. “And he looked at me and said, ‘Well Brooke, if you think it’s so great, then why don’t you do it?’ So, when qualifying came around, I just went up to City Hall and put my name on the ballot.” Campaigning as a young woman in South Georgia wasn’t easy, she said. But she just had to convince people that new ideas weren’t bad ideas. “I told people I wasn’t coming in to try and make big changes and completely flip everything upside down,” she said. “I just want to continue what we’ve had going and investing in ourselves, and the community really came together and supported me.”Huckaby does have big plans for her small hometown. She sits on several boards and is involved in the county’s larger political scene, all to make things better for the people who live and work there.“We’re part of the Propel program, which is aimed at bringing prosperity and economic development to rural cities in Georgia,” she said. “I’m on a board that focuses on youth enrichment and we’re really focusing on illiteracy rates, juvenile crime. We’re in the process of starting a police department and I’m about to get started on the hiring process for that.”Huckaby said that her professors at ABAC have been very supportive, working with her to make sure she can fulfil her elected duties and her degree requirements. “All of my professors have been wonderful,” she said. "I haven’t had to miss any tests or due dates for assignments. But if I do need something more flexible because of it, they’ve really worked with me. I’ve got a really good support system."Eventually, Huckaby wants to end up in the Governor’s Mansion in Atlanta. “I really want to go further,” she said. “I want to get high enough in politics where I can influence change, but not high enough to where the politics start to influence me. I feel like at a state level, I’ll still be able to balance everything else in my life too.”For now though, she’s focused on her town and her studies.“It’s a tough gig but I enjoy it,” she said. “We’re really trying to target the younger generations in our small communities … let them know that somebody’s there, that somebody cares about them and their future. You’ve got so many people leaving where they were raised because they don’t feel like there’s anything there for them. But nothing’s going to be there unless people try to come back and rejuvenate it and put something into it. “In my opinion, you don’t have a position to complain about anything if you’re not willing to be part of the change,” she added. “People my age need to realize that the older generations aren’t going to be around forever. If we don’t start now, then when are we going to start?”

Registration open for ABAC Town and Gown on Aug. 13

TIFTON — Local businesses and non-profits will have the chance to welcome students to campus on Aug. 13 during the annual Town and Gown event at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.Town and Gown, which began in 2007, will take place from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Carlton Center on ABAC’s Tifton campus. It will give local businesses, churches, and non-profit organizations a chance to reach out to students with volunteer opportunities and giveaways to entice students to visit or join.ABAC’s Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Alan Kramer said Town and Gown will coincide with the first day of classes for fall semester.“ABAC Town and Gown is all about building those vital connections between our students and the community,” he said. “It’s a benefit to our students, because it allows them to get to know and love Tifton as the friendly and supportive community we are proud to call home, and it benefits the community by bringing in new patrons and future employees.”The cost for any local or corporate for-profit vendor is $40, and the cost for a non-profit organization is $20 with proof of 501(c)3 status. Participating groups will be able to set up their tables starting at 3 p.m. and will need to have displays broken down no later than 6 p.m.The deadline to register for the event is Aug. 6.Other information about the event and registration details are at https://www.abac.edu/campus-life/dean-of-students/town-gown/To register or for more information, contact the Office of Student Affairs at (229) 391-5130 or deanofstudents@abac.edu.

ABAC officials visit new Harley Langdale Jr. Barn at Brooks Co. Schools

QUITMAN – Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College President Tracy Brundage joined other members of the college’s leadership team for a tour of the new Harley Langdale Jr. Agricultural Barn recently. A grand opening was held for the new facility. The tour was led by Brooks County Superintendent Dr. Vickie Reed along with CTAE Director Brian Law, Young Farmer teacher Christy Thomas, High School FFA Advisor and Agriculture teacher Josie Brightwell, and Middle School FFA Advisor and Agriculture teacher Rebecca Crowder. “We were excited to visit the Harley Langdale Jr. Agricultural Barn in Quitman,” President Brundage said. “Dr. Reed and her team should be extremely proud to see this project come to fruition. This impressive facility will serve as a tremendous resource for students and the Brooks County community alike.” The project began as an initiative to provide more hands-on experiences for Brooks County students at all levels. Seed funding came from the Georgia General Assembly in 2021 but when additional funding was needed to complete construction, the Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation stepped in. “It’s exciting to see the positive impact this facility is having on our students,” Dr. Reed said. “It means so much to our school system and our community that the Langdale Foundation recognized this need and got involved to make it happen. It will benefit this community for years to come.” The barn covers 12,150 square feet and is solely dedicated to advancing agricultural education and practices in the community. Dr. Audrey Luke-Morgan, Department Head of Agriculture, Dr. Andrew Thoron, Department Head for Agricultural Education and Communication, and Ryan Hogan, Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing, and Communications and a Brooks County native, joined President Brundage for a tour of the barn as well as Brooks County High’s canning plant and performing arts theater. “Growing up in Brooks County, I understand the importance of agriculture in our community,” Hogan said. “This facility represents a commitment to give students experiential learning while supporting the agriculture industry. ABAC is proud of our partnership with Brooks County.” The tour also served as a reunion of sorts as Brightwell and Crowder are ABAC graduates. ABAC’s Department of Agricultural Education and Communication produces more graduates than any college in the eastern United States, and Thoron said both young teachers are examples of the program’s success. “Clearly, Josie and Rebecca are doing what they love and thriving in Brooks County,” Thoron said. “We get great satisfaction as educators to see that in person. It’s a testament to their hard work and our program.” “Our Department of Agricultural Education and Communication is a tremendous point of pride for ABAC,” President Brundage added. “Dr. Thoron and Dr. Luke-Morgan have an impressive network of ABAC graduates around the country, which strengthens our brand and will ensure the program’s continued success.”