Bius to coordinate agricultural education program at ABAC Bainbridge

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) has named Martin Bius, a veteran agricultural educator with more than 30 years of experience in Decatur County, as the coordinator of its newly launched Agricultural Education program at the ABAC Bainbridge campus.

The Agricultural Education bachelor’s degree will benefit students interested in a variety of agricultural fields. Graduates can pursue careers in education, management, extension, training and development, human resources, and several other areas through the two tracks that will be offered.

Bius began his teaching career in 1990 at West Bainbridge Middle School and later taught high school agriculture while serving as advisor to the Decatur County Young Farmers Chapter. After retiring from classroom instruction in 2019, he and his wife, Denise, moved to Tifton, where he most recently served as Adult Education Director for the Georgia Agriculture Education Program and Executive Secretary for the Georgia Young Farmers Association.

“Martin Bius brings a lifetime of service and leadership to the Bainbridge campus, rooted in more than 30 years of experience as an agricultural educator, FFA advisor, and Young Farmer teacher in this very community,” said Dr. Andrew Thoron, Dean of ABAC’s School of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “His statewide impact through roles with the Georgia FFA Alumni and as Director of Georgia Young Farmers positions him perfectly to lead and grow our School of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Bainbridge.”

Returning to Bainbridge, Bius expressed excitement about the opportunity to serve his hometown once again.

“I was there 30 years in Bainbridge from middle school to high school to Young Farmers, and I've been a part of the community,” Bius said. “That's where my wife and I have called home. Both of our children are in Bainbridge, and there's no plans for them to be leaving and so, we're fortunate to be able to get back to Bainbridge, where our home roots are.”

Bius noted that Thoron and ABAC President Tracy Brundage have been instrumental in bringing an agricultural degree to Bainbridge and emphasized the need for such a program, pointing to the region’s deep agricultural roots and limited access to degree programs in the field.

“Agriculture is the cornerstone industry of this region, and there are very few institutions nearby offering degrees in the field,” he said. “This program opens doors that haven’t been available before. We have a campus in Bainbridge, but until now, there has been no agricultural education component. This program fills a vital need in this part of the state and neighboring regions.”

Designed to offer flexibility, the new program aims to attract students who want to stay close to home or balance full-time work while earning their degrees.

“We should be able to generate a lot of interest in those students that don't want to go away to college, or they might want to work a full-time job during the day. We can present some alternatives for them to get a degree,” Bius explained. “They want to stay at home, they want to work, they want to be involved in their communities, and this is going to allow them the opportunity to get a degree that they can grow with.”

“In this role, Martin will lead outreach efforts, support student success, and strengthen partnerships with schools, industry, and community organizations throughout the tri-state area,” said Thoron. “His deep roots in the region and passion for agricultural education make him uniquely equipped to build relationships with students and stakeholders as we expand the impact of ABAC’s School of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the Bainbridge site.”

Interest in the program is already building. Bius shared that several former ABAC students who earned associate degrees have shown interest in continuing their education at the Bainbridge campus, with one applicant already in process.

He also noted strong support from local farmers and agribusiness leaders.

“There’s a lot of excitement among the agricultural community in and around Decatur County,” he said. “Farmers, agribusinesses - they all recognize the value this program will bring. I’m eager to connect with community members, stakeholders, and students. We want to spread the word, build interest, and show students the meaningful opportunities a degree in agriculture can offer.”

He also highlighted plans to collaborate with strong existing FFA and 4-H programs in the area, as well as expand dual enrollment opportunities for high school students.

“This is a new journey for all of us,” Bius said. “But it’s an exciting one — and we’re going to learn and grow together.”

For more information, visit agbainbridge.abac.edu