ABAC celebrates agricultural degree offering in Bainbridge

BAINBRIDGE – Officials from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) were joined by leaders from the Bainbridge and the agricultural industry on Thursday to celebrate a new offering for students at the college’s Bainbridge campus.

Beginning this fall, Bainbridge-area students will be able to earn a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Education from ABAC’s School of Agriculture and Natural Resources. ABAC President Tracy Brundage said the new offering marks a first step toward a larger presence of agricultural programs on the college’s Bainbridge campus.

“Our goal is to expand, to deepen the impact, and to continue aligning our programs with the real needs of agriculture and education in Georgia and beyond,” she said.

“With the launch of our agriculture program here in Bainbridge, beginning with Agricultural Education, ABAC is extending its legacy in a new and purposeful way into this region. And even more importantly, the students who step into this program are making their mark, not just on this campus, but in classrooms, communities, and the agriculture industry itself.”

Dr. Andrew Thoron, Dean of ABAC’s School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, called it a landmark day for the college and added that the program is a perfect fit for the region.

“We know that the agriculture industry is a tremendous economic engine for this entire region,” he said. “We are here to support that through the preparation of work-ready graduates who have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to lead, teach, manage, and innovate. In academics, there are many variables we use to measure success. But one that we remain focused on is job placement. I’m proud to say that ABAC excels in that area. Our graduates are highly sought after, and we consistently receive feedback from those in the industry who want to hire more of our students.”

Since the inception of ABAC’s Agricultural Education program, each cohort of students leaves behind their handprints as a symbol of shaping the future through teaching, leadership, and service. At the conclusion of Thursday’s event, Brundage and Thoron were joined by Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall, an ABAC alumnus, in placing their handprints on a sign that reads “Agriculture Degree – Making Our Mark” that will be displayed at the Bainbridge campus.

The program to be offered in Bainbridge has two tracks – Agricultural Studies and Teacher Preparation. In May, the seventh cohort of students graduated from the program. With over 260 graduates in seven years, ABAC’s program became the largest Agricultural Education program in the country.

In his remarks, McCall said he has no doubt the program will succeed in Bainbridge and credited Brundage with leading the effort to make it available to students in the region.

“As an alumnus, I’m thankful that President Brundage knows how important that second ‘A’ in ABAC is,” he said. “I appreciate her leadership that has made this day possible.”

Bainbridge High School Principal Christopher Bryant pointed to his school’s successful partnership with ABAC over the years and believes the new degree offering will strengthen that bond. He also lauded the hiring of Program Coordinator Martin Bius, one of his former teachers at BHS, noting that he will be a strong advocate for students seeking their bachelor’s degree.

For more information on the program, visit https://agbainbridge.abac.edu.