Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) is pleased to announce that Dr. Andrew Thoron has been named the new Dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Thoron joined ABAC in January 2020, as the head of the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication.

“Dr. Thoron is an innovative leader who is well-respected by his colleagues both on campus and across the Southeast,” said ABAC President, Dr. Tracy Brundage. “His vision for the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources – which remains one of the most prestigious of its kind in the country – aligns perfectly with our college’s mission to provide the best possible experience for our students.”

Thoron, a native of Illinois, earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Illinois State University, and both a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Agricultural Education & Communication from the University of Florida. He previously served as an assistant professor at the University of Illinois. He also worked as an Associate professor in the University of Florida’s Department of Agricultural Education & Communication from 2011 to 2019 before coming to ABAC.

“I’m honored and excited to serve as Dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources,” Thoron said. “Together, we will continue to foster a culture of excellence in teaching, community engagement, and industry partnerships, ensuring our students are job-ready and well-prepared to lead in the agriculture and natural resource industries.”

In the past five years, ABAC’s Agricultural Education program has ranked second nationally in the production of agriculture teachers. 85% of graduates have obtained teaching jobs,
with 90% of those remaining in the profession three years later. The program has also been recognized as the nation’s top post-secondary program for its cooperation with state and national agriculture teacher organizations. Annually, students and faculty contribute over 10,000 volunteer hours to FFA Chapter events at local, state, and national levels.

“The success of the program is a reflection of our faculty’s commitment to providing meaningful experiences that bring academics to life,” Thoron said. “Our students enter the teaching field well-prepared and stay in the profession.”

Thoron also highlighted the continued growth of ABAC’s Agricultural Communication program, with students securing jobs at major agricultural communication firms, earning internships, and gaining recognition for their research contributions. “Our students are highly sought after for graduate school by top research universities,” he said.

“Georgia’s largest industry is agriculture, so it is critical that ABAC choose the best possible Dean for our School of Agriculture and Natural Resources,” said Dr. Dana Nichols, ABAC’s interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “In Dr. Thoron, I am confident we have found a leader who will not only maintain the excellent programs that we already offer but also drive the School to new heights. His leadership will ensure ABAC continues our high standards of educating students to support agriculture and natural resources in our state and beyond.”

Thoron and his wife, Ashley, have one son, Reiher. He will officially begin in his new role on May 1.