ABAC Dedicates Classroom to Dr. Frank Flanders

TIFTON— Dr. Frank Flanders was in a class of his own as a professor at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Now, Flanders has a classroom of his own after a recent dedication ceremony in the newly renovated Chambliss Hall that honors his lasting contributions to Agricultural Education.

"This classroom, now named in honor of Dr. Flanders, represents a bridge between ABAC’s proud agricultural tradition and the innovation that defines modern agricultural education," said ABAC President Dr. Tracy Brundage at the dedication. "In this very building, our students are learning hands-on skills in areas like agricultural technology, mechanical systems, and agricultural education — skills that prepare them for careers that keep our state and nation moving forward."

An ABAC alumnus from the Class of 1972, Flanders’ roots at the college run deep. After earning his bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist degrees in Agriculture and Agricultural Education from the University of Georgia, and later his Doctor of Education in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education, Flanders dedicated his life to teaching and mentoring the next generation of agricultural leaders. He taught at Georgia public schools before spending more than three decades on the faculty at the University of Georgia and then returning to ABAC in 2017 to help grow and strengthen the Agricultural Education program.

During his five years as an associate professor at ABAC, Flanders inspired students through innovative teaching, real-world experiences, and an unwavering belief in the power of education. He earned more than 25 professional honors during his career, including ABAC’s Outstanding Educator Award, the W. Bruce and Rosalyn Ray Donaldson Award for Excellence in Student Engagement, and the National Mentor Award from the National Association of Agricultural Educators. He was also inducted into the Georgia FFA Ag Education Hall of Fame in 2003.

Flanders was named Associate Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Education upon his retirement and continues to support the college through the Frank B. Flanders Agricultural Education Fund and student scholarships.

"I can't tell you how much it means to me to have this classroom dedicated to me," Flanders said. He said ABAC grips everyone who comes through its doors. Flanders dedicated his life to Agricultural Education, a legacy ABAC has continued since his retirement. "The program closest to my heart, ABAC’s Agricultural Education, is now the largest in agriculture teacher preparation in the United States."

The newly named Frank B. Flanders Classroom in Chambliss Hall stands as a tribute to his passion for teaching, his mentorship of students, and his lifelong commitment to advancing Agricultural Education.