Family legacy inspires new ABAC elementary education scholarship

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College's new bachelor’s degree in elementary education will have a special honor attached, coming from a familiar name with a long legacy of education.

The Brundage Family Elementary Education Scholarship was established in March 2026. It honors Robert "Leigh" Brundage, ABAC President Tracy Brundage’s father and longtime educator.

Education and the Brundage surname have long been synonymous. The family has dedicated itself to serving as educators and has impacted multiple generations of students.

Offering an elementary education major at ABAC has long been a goal of Brundage since she began as ABAC president in August 2022. The college’s first elementary education bachelor’s degree cohort will begin this fall.

"This scholarship arrives at a defining moment for ABAC's elementary education program as the college prepares to welcome its inaugural cohort," said Dr. Melissa Baker, department head for Education and Wellness. "Dr. Brundage and Leigh Brundage's investment affirms that preparing highly qualified teachers begins with removing barriers and opening doors, enabling students to focus on becoming the educators our schools and communities need. We are deeply grateful for their leadership and enduring commitment to advancing student success, access, and educational opportunity at ABAC."

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Elementary Education offers a high-quality and experiential pathway for students preparing to become skilled and confident pre-K through fifth grade teachers for Georgia’s classrooms.