Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College has received $1.36 million in new funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Support Services program. “ABAC Project Success: A TRIO SSS Program” is underway and will run through Aug. 24, 2030.

Director of Sponsored Programs, Scott Pierce, said, “We are very grateful for the Department’s investment in our efforts in South Georgia. This new TRIO program will help to build our capacity to serve rural, low-income and first-generation college students. Combined with our Upward Bound projects, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of students in the region, and on their families.”

The new SSS program aims to increase the number of eligible students who successfully complete a bachelor’s degree. The plan includes intentionally designed and integrated advising that incorporates academic and nonacademic support to empower undergraduate college students to achieve their educational goals. Success metrics include increasing the number of students in good academic standing, increasing the persistence rate from year to year and, long-term, increasing bachelor’s degree graduation rates in all majors.

Dr. Nicholas Urquhart will lead the ABAC program. As the Associate Vice President for Student Success, Urquhart is well versed in student support programs and initiatives and is prepared to meet this new opportunity for ABAC. "The TRIO Student Support Services Program represents a powerful commitment to our students’ success, especially those from rural and first-generation backgrounds," Urquhart said. "This grant enables us to deliver comprehensive academic support and foster personal growth to ensure every student has the tools to thrive, graduate and succeed beyond college.”

For more information about Department of Education award number P042A250537, ABAC Project Success: A TRIO SSS Program, please contact Dr. Urquhart at [email protected] or by phone at 229-391-4917.