Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College President Tracy Brundage addressed faculty and staff during the annual State of the College meeting on Aug. 7.

A little more than one year ago, Dr. Tracy Brundage officially began her tenure as the 11th president in the 115-year history of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Monday, she addressed the college’s faculty and staff during the annual State of the College meeting and recounted what a busy year her first one has been.

"When I took a moment to look back and see everything that we have accomplished in the past year, it’s impressive,” Brundage said. “We have a great team and ABAC is a fantastic institution. But the work never ends, and we will continue to make it an even better place for our students.”

A review of the past 12 months included the development of a new strategic plan, the introduction of new certificate programs, and the transition to four-year athletics which includes the return of men’s and women’s basketball next year.

Also, Brundage lauded the ABAC Foundation and the Office of College Advancement for a 12 percent increase in giving over the last five years. ABAC continues to lead all state colleges in the University System of Georgia in overall fundraising and is far and away the leader in giving per full-time student for the entire system.

"This tremendous support by our donors and alumni made is possible for ABAC to offer over $1.1 million in scholarships to 816 students last year,” Brundage said. “We had 640 graduates in the last academic year and over half of them graduated debt free. That makes such a difference for them as they start the next chapter of their lives and we’re all grateful for those who believe in our mission and make that possible.”

Brundage also discussed the five points of the 2023 Strategic Plan, covering enrollment, academic excellence, student success, institutional effectiveness, and viability.

“There are many challenges today in higher education,” Brundage said. “But we know we offer an outstanding education at an affordable price. We’ll continue to find ways to expand our offerings and create new opportunities for our students. They’re at the center of everything that we do and that won’t change.”

Classes for the Fall semester at ABAC begin Monday, August 14.