ABAC welcomes new faculty for 2026-27 academic year

ABAC welcomes 14 new faculty members for the 2026-27 academic year. The new faculty bring expertise in biology, chemistry, mathematics, nursing, music, economics, forestry and agricultural education, along with a wide range of professional, research and teaching experience.

“We are excited to welcome such a talented and diverse group of faculty to ABAC,” President Dr. Tracy Brundage said. “Each new faculty member brings unique experiences, perspectives and expertise to our campus, and that variety strengthens the educational experience we provide to our students.”

School of Nursing, Health and Natural Sciences

Dr. Daniel Dixon — Lecturer of Biology

Dixon earned a Ph.D. in microbiology and cell science from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in integrative biology from the same institution. His professional experience includes teaching biology and human nutrition at several colleges, as well as more than a decade of research and industry experience in microbiology, molecular biology, mosquito biology and biotechnology. Dixon has authored numerous technical and scientific publications and has presented his work at professional meetings and seminars. His research has included mosquito-borne disease surveillance, biological control and molecular biology, as well as work in RNA therapeutics and gene therapy manufacturing.

Alisha Nugent, RN, CNOR — Assistant Professor of Nursing

Nugent joins ABAC after more than 22 years of perioperative nursing experience, including 18 years as a CNOR-certified circulating nurse. She earned a master’s degree in nursing education from South University and an associate degree in nursing from ABAC. Since 2022, she has taught practical nursing students at Southern Regional Technical College in classroom, simulation and clinical settings, while also serving as a lead instructor and supporting student remediation and clinical coordination. Her clinical background includes operating-room nursing and perioperative services at Colquitt Regional Medical Center and Tift Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Abner Nunes — Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Nunes holds a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry and biochemistry from the Federal University of Alagoas, with doctoral research conducted in collaboration with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He also earned a master’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences and a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the Federal University of Alagoas. His research focuses on engineered nanoparticles, particularly gold nanoparticles, and their biological interactions, with applications related to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Nunes has published research in areas including nanoparticle toxicity, mitochondrial bioenergetics and drug delivery and has presented his work at national and regional scientific conferences.

Laura Powers — Lecturer of Nursing

Powers joins ABAC with extensive clinical nursing experience, including more than a decade as a registered nurse at Advanced Infusion Care and SGMC-Pearlman Cancer Center. Her experience includes patient assessment, medication and IV administration, care coordination, patient and family education and advocacy. She has worked with patients experiencing complex medical conditions and has collaborated with interdisciplinary health care teams in oncology and infusion settings. Powers earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Valdosta State University and an associate degree in science from Georgia Military College.

Angelia Reynolds — Lecturer of Mathematics

Reynolds brings more than 30 years of college-level mathematics teaching experience to ABAC. She most recently served as professor of mathematics and division chair at Gulf Coast State College, where she taught courses ranging from intermediate and college algebra to trigonometry, precalculus, business calculus and statistics. She holds a master’s degree in mathematics from Alabama State University. Her experience also includes coordinating courses and assessments, supporting dual-enrollment students and providing academic support through a mathematics lab. Reynolds has emphasized conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and real-world applications in her teaching.

Sue Roach, RN — Lecturer of Nursing

Roach brings more than 12 years of nursing experience and a background that combines clinical care, nursing education, and leadership. She has served as a nursing educator and coordinator at Colquitt Regional Medical Center and as a practical nursing instructor and clinical educator at Southern Regional Technical College. Her previous clinical experience includes managing outpatient oncology infusion services and nursing staff, working with cancer patients, and serving as a breast cancer patient navigator at Tift Regional Medical Center. Roach earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from South University and an associate degree in nursing from Darton State College. She is currently pursuing a master’s in nursing at Georgia Southwestern State University.

Andrea Ryland, RN — Lecturer of Nursing

Ryland brings extensive clinical, educational and quality-improvement experience to ABAC's nursing program. She previously served as a technical instructor of nursing at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. Her professional experience includes serving as assistant director of patient care at Tifton Endoscopy Center and as a continuing medical education coordinator at Tift Regional Medical Center, as well as working as a registered nurse in surgical, gastroenterology, oncology and telemetry settings. Ryland earned an associate degree in nursing from ABAC and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from South University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from the University of Central Florida.

Triniti Sumner — Lecturer of Biology

Sumner joins ABAC with several years of secondary science teaching experience. She has taught biology, environmental science, forensic science, physical science, chemistry and epidemiology at high schools in South Georgia, where she also served as a science advisor and wrestling coach. Sumner earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from ABAC and a master’s degree in wildlife conservation and ecology from the University of Florida. Her background also includes experience as a quality-control laboratory technician, naturalist and wildlife researcher, including research involving snake fungal disease.

Mary Angela Thomas, RN — Assistant Professor of Nursing

Angela brings more than 13 years of nursing experience, along with experience in nursing administration and higher education. She has served as nursing faculty at Southern Regional Technical College, where she taught medical-surgical nursing, mental health and pharmacology and supported LPN-to-RN transitions. Her clinical experience includes work in medical-surgical, critical care, perioperative, oncology, and post-anesthesia care settings. Angela earned a master’s degree in nursing education and bachelor’s degrees in nursing and history from Georgia Southwestern State University.

School of Social Sciences, Education & Arts

Dr. Andre Acevedo — Assistant Professor of Jazz and Music Theory

Acevedo is a jazz saxophonist and educator who earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in jazz performance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Music in jazz and studio music from the University of Memphis and a Bachelor of Music in jazz studies from the University of North Florida. His teaching experience includes positions at Millikin University, Missouri State University and North Central Texas College, where he taught jazz, saxophone, improvisation, music theory and aural skills. Acevedo also brings professional performance experience in jazz, salsa, funk, musical theater and commercial music and has worked as a clinician, guest artist and adjudicator.

Dr. Christopher Walker — Lecturer of Music and Director of Bands

Walker brings more than 25 years of teaching experience and extensive expertise in woodwind performance, conducting and music history. He earned a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Oregon after earning bachelor's and master's degrees from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Walker has taught at ABAC since 2007 as an adjunct faculty, served as assistant professor of music and director of woodwind studies at Albany State University, and served as interim director of bands at Georgia Southwestern State University. His professional performance experience includes service with military bands, including the Air National Guard Band of the South and Air National Guard Band of the Northwest, as well as performances with orchestras, chamber ensembles, and musical theater groups.

Stafford School of Business

Dr. Kyle Fluegge — Assistant Professor of Economics

Fluegge is an applied health economist whose research examines how environmental factors, agriculture and pollution affect human health and decision-making, as well as the resulting costs associated with disease and health care use. He earned a Ph.D. in agricultural, environmental and development economics, a master’s degree in public health and a master’s degree in economics from The Ohio State University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Michigan. His scholarly work includes research in health policy, health care, and the economic impacts of health-related decisions.

School of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Ethan Finck — Lecturer of Forestry

Finck returns to ABAC after earning his master's degree in forest business from the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. He earned a bachelor's degree in natural resource management from ABAC, where he focused on wildlife management and graduated cum laude. His recent research at UGA has focused on precision forestry and forest industry analysis, including the use of technology and data in forestry operations. Finck also has professional experience with timber management, forest inventory, prescribed fire, wildlife habitat management and timber operations, including previous work with ABAC's School Forest.

Dr. Addie Tucker — Assistant Professor of Agricultural Education

Tucker returns to ABAC as an assistant professor of agricultural education after a career teaching agriculture at the elementary, middle and high school levels. She earned an educational doctorate in P-20 and community leadership from Murray State University, an educational specialist degree in agricultural education from Murray State, a master's degree in agriscience education from Auburn University and bachelor’s and associate degrees in agricultural education from the University of Georgia and ABAC, respectively. Tucker has served as an agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor, developed elementary agriculture curriculum and programs, and led projects including school gardens and agricultural summer camps. Her work has earned numerous honors, including the 2026 Georgia Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award and the 2025 Georgia Vocational and Agricultural Teachers Association Outstanding Elementary Educator Award.

“Congratulations to our new faculty members on joining the ABAC community,” Provost Dr. Jason Goodner said. “ABAC's growth in enrollment and programming has created exciting opportunities for our institution and students. I am excited to welcome our new faculty colleagues, whose expertise and dedication to student success will strengthen our learning environment.”