On Feb. 20, 1908, 27 students laid the groundwork for the school we all know and love today. Originally known as the Second District A&M School, later changed in 1924 to South Georgia A&M College. Then in 1929, the college changed its name to Georgia State College for Men. Finally, in the year 1933. The school’s name changed for a final time to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. It wouldn’t be until 2008 that the college would start to offer students four-year college degrees.
On Feb. 20, 2020, ABAC celebrated its 112 Birthday with multiple students enrolled in baccalaureate degree-based programs, from degrees ranging from Agriculture to Nursing to even Writing and Communication.
This birthday not only celebrates 112 years of student growth, but it also has a very large economic impact on the South Georgia communities. According to Dr. Renata Elad, Dean of ABAC’s Stafford School of Business, “ABAC’s footprint in South Georgia makes quite a large impression.” She explained that in her recent analysis study of statewide economics, that in 2018 ABAC impacted Southern Georgia with $499,403,672.
From Tifton, Moultrie, Bainbridge, Blakely and Donalsonville, ABAC has impacted over 4,000 students from all over the state and even other countries. In fact, according to the Official ABAC Website, “ABAC now attracts students from 23 countries, 21 states and 156 of Georgia’s 159 counties.”
If you would like to find out more information on the history of ABAC, visit the first floor of Tift Hall. Here you will be able to follow the 112 years of history in the George T. Smith Parlor, the ABAC History Room and the Freedom Gallery.
This is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
