TIFTON—When the spring semester began on Wednesday at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, the enrollment showed 3,172 students taking classes, marking the second largest spring term enrollment in the history of ABAC.
Dressed for the chilly day, ABAC President David Bridges enjoyed seeing the faces of incoming freshmen as well as returning students in a walk across the campus.
“There is always something special about the start of a semester,” Bridges said. “The students have been away from the campus since early December so it’s good to have them back. I like the colder weather myself so it’s refreshing to walk around, particularly with the news that enrollment is up.”
Director of Enrollment Management Donna Webb said the largest spring term enrollment in the history of ABAC was in the spring of 2009 when 3,230 students enrolled. Last year, a total of 3,138 students enrolled for the spring semester.
ABAC attracts students from almost all of Georgia’s 159 counties as well as 22 states and 24 countries. Florida follows Georgia in the number of students enrolled with 121. There are 32 students from South Carolina. California, Colorado, and Wisconsin are also represented. The international component of the student body includes students from Australia, Canada, India, and France.
Area merchants are also happy for the return of ABAC students. In a 2012 survey, ABAC had an annual economic impact of over $261 million on Tift and surrounding counties.
Spring term classes continue through April 27. Commencement is set for May 5.
