Among the graduates at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s fall commencement was Lance Montgerard, the first graduate from the college’s Criminal Justice bachelor’s degree eMajor program.

The program, ABAC’s first completely online degree program, was launched in Spring semester of 2023, according to Dr. Matthew Anderson, ABAC’s Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.

“The Criminal Justice major has three tracks: law enforcement, general studies, and social justice,” he said. “These three tracks prepare students to work as law enforcement officers, probation and parole officers, and to work in corrections as well as various roles in which they may contribute to social changes.

Melissa Harrell, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, oversees the program and said Montgerard was one of the first students to show interest.

“He had his goals in place and was prepared to begin the program,” she said. “He was committed to the program and moved seamlessly through to become our first graduate.”

“It has been my honor to go through this program,” said Montgerard, who has been an instructor at Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC), which trains new law enforcement officers, on ABAC’s campus. “I am so thankful for this program and would not have been able to complete my degree in a standard classroom environment due to my job. Balancing a full-time job and going to college at the same time was hard but not unmanageable.”

Montgerard graduated from Darton College, now Albany State University, in 1990 and worked at the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office for 25 years, but wanted to continue his education. When the online degree program launched, he immediately took advantage of it.

“My mom, Carolyn, was the main driving force to get my degree,” he said. “She asked me to complete this for myself and for her. I also could not have done it without the understanding and encouragement of my bosses, Marty Smith and Jared York. My wife, Lynn, has been my rock during the late nights and solo study sessions and read all of my papers.

“It was difficult at first, but once I got past the learning curve with online learning, it was all downhill from there,” he added. “I found that ensuring I provided time each day to get my studies done was the biggest success for me. Professor Harrell was a wonderful advisor. I would not have made it without her help.”

“The program has grown rapidly since its launch and now tops 80 students,” Anderson said. “We’re pleased to offer this degree option for students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attain their degree due to work or family obligations, and we are extremely proud to congratulate the program’s first graduate.”