The ABAC Pacesetter recognizes individuals that go above and beyond their duties as a student or faculty member. Usually, anywhere between 30-40 nominations come in each year. Out of those who are honored as a Pacesetter, the Stallion recognizes one individual as the Superior Pacesetter.
This year the Superior Pacesetter went to Mike Chason after a 40-year career at ABAC. “He wears many different hats on this campus,” said Landon Rowe. He serves as the ABAC Historian, the liaison to the public and the voice of ABAC.
Chason is known to have many great quotes around campus. Some words that Chason lives by, “Not only is it a great day to be alive, but it’s a great day to be a Stallion.” Rowe said.
“Every day is a great day at ABAC, but winning the Superior Pacesetter at ABAC made a great day even greater,” said Chason. ABAC is a special place, and even after 40 years here, I still continue to find new ways to appreciate being a part of the ABAC family.
Rowe nominated Chason for the recognition without knowing he would be selected for the honorary award, Superior Pacesetter. “This employee of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College has been a constant force of positivity for the faculty and students here for decades,” Rowe explained.
Chason was extremely appreciative for the nomination from Rowe. He said, “I want to say thank you to Landon and everyone else who sent this incredible honor my way.”
Alan Kramer, Athletic Director and Assistant Dean of Students, was initially nominated for his dedication to students both on and off the field.
In the last semester, he has made bounds to diversify the campus even further.
Without his efforts to inform students and get them involved in the selection process, Sigma Gamma Rho, a historically African-American sorority.
After his 26 years at ABAC, this was Kramer’s third Pacesetter. “It’s really cool, the students work hard to do this, it is a very positive award which inspires the ABAC family,” Kramer said.
Kaycee Aultman was recommended by more than one person, all citing her time as President of the ABAC ambassadors, an honor student, a tutor and her recent trip to Washington D.C. for a leadership conference as their reasons for nomination.
Aultman’s mother, Jerri Kay Aultman received a Pacesetter from ABAC in the 1988-1989 academic year.
“I’ve always known what they were, and I’ve always admired the people that win them, It has been the best honor, and I am so grateful,” said Aultman.
Other recipients of the Pacesetter award included; Jay Baldwin, Erin Campbell, Jessica Casaday, Lynda Fisher, Jordyn James, Hannah King, Lane Riley and Suzzane Smith from ABAC and Kathryn Patterson from the Bainbridge campus.
