Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) welcomed a record number of students on Tuesday for the first day of class for the fall semester.

The college’s opening-day enrollment of 4,071 is the highest in ABAC’s 117-year history. It also marks the third consecutive year that the college has experienced a rise in enrollment, as this fall’s historic numbers reflect a 6.4 percent increase from last year. ABAC President Tracy Brundage said the growth reflects the confidence students and families have in the value of an ABAC education. 

“At ABAC, we are committed to delivering high-quality academic programs that prepare our students to be career-ready from the moment they graduate,” Brundage said. “Whether in agriculture, business, healthcare, humanities, or science, our graduates leave here with the knowledge, skills, and real-world experiences that set them apart in the workforce. We are proud to see more students than ever choosing ABAC as the place where they can pursue their goals and build a successful future.”

Monday morning, over 750 freshmen attended the annual Convocation ceremony at Gressette Gym, the largest group to ever participate in the ceremony, according to Trent Hester, ABAC’s Director of Residence Life and Housing.

“You are now a member of a vibrant academic community, one that values curiosity, rigor, and the pursuit of knowledge,” ABAC Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jason Goodner told the freshmen assembled for the event. “Here at ABAC, we believe that every student has the capacity to thrive, to be challenged, and to rise to meet the demands of a college education that is both meaningful and transformative.”

“We are excited to welcome the largest entering class at ABAC back to campus,” said Dr. Joseph Falcone, interim Dean of the School of Nursing, Health, and Natural Science. “In addition to our agricultural offerings, our ACEN-accredited nursing programs prepare our students for rewarding careers in healthcare with hands-on training and expert faculty. Our commitment to experiential learning and mentored research sets our students apart in our robust biology programs, including pre-medical, pre-veterinary, and pre-dental.”

All the indications of the largest enrollment in ABAC’s history were evident on campus on Tuesday as students, nearly 1,300 living in the college’s two apartment-style residence halls, found their way to class, enjoyed lunch in the Donaldson Dining Hall, and began settling in for another academic year. Jenna Williams, a senior from Douglas and ABAC’s Student Government Association president, said the students’ return to campus is always exciting.

"There is nothing more inspiring than seeing our campus community alive with activity,” she said. “I look forward to all that this academic year has in store and the impact our students will make.”