Albany State, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College sign historic partnership

ALBANY – Albany State University and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College have signed an articulation agreement solidifying a seamless transition for ABAC criminal justice graduates to ASU’s master of science in Criminal Justice degree program.

This agreement guarantees admission and waives application fees for these ABAC students. It’s the first partnership of this kind between the two institutions.

ABAC is a public college in Tifton, part of the University System of Georgia, and offers baccalaureate and associate’s degrees as well as both two-year and four-year programs.

The school’s four-year criminal justice program began in 2023 and currently has 60 students.

Last spring, the institution launched its online criminal justice program, which grew student numbers from about 30 to 60.

Tracy Brundage, ABAC’s president, said she expects that number to continue to grow and that growth will include the popularity of the articulation program with ASU.

“We might start off having a smaller cohort that articulates over to Albany State for their graduate degree, but I think over time once it gets momentum and people have awareness of the opportunity, I think it will grow,” she said.

Brundage said the current criminal justice cohort at Albany State is thriving, and the program was chosen for this partnership to provide an opportunity for students to further their education in a field where jobs are in demand and employers are looking for qualified graduates. She said the partnership not only benefits both educational institutions but the region as a whole.

Statistics from the Federal Bureau of Labor predict an average of 72,000 openings nationally in law enforcement. Brundage said the Georgia Department of Labor projects an 11% growth in this field by 2030.

She said the partnership gives students more opportunities to find jobs in a field that needs them.

An important part of the school’s mission is its service to rural southwest Georgia. Brundage said about 74% of its students are from the region, and she knows many of the school’s graduates return home after receiving their education.

“We take great pride in knowing those who return home will have the necessary skills and knowledge to lead successful lives and make meaningful contributions to their communities,” she said.

ABAC and ASU’s partnership is helping to meet the work force and economic development needs of the region, Brundage said.

ASU President Marion Fedrick said it’s meaningful and intentional collaborations like the one with ABAC that continue to make students successful and grow the student success model.

“We look forward to partnering with other USG schools as we continue to grow and continue to make a foundation that … will last for generations to come,” she said.

Charles Ochie, dean of ASU’s graduate school, said the partnership was historic. As a graduate of both ABAC and ASU, he said the partnership was special to him.

Matthew Anderson, the dean ABAC’s of School of Arts and Sciences, said the school prides itself on preparing its students for success.

“Of course, many careers require additional training beyond ABAC, so we’re delighted when we can establish agreements with other institutions to help open the door to the next step in students’ education,” he said.

The partnership could produce its first graduates as soon as Spring 2025.

Brundage said there is an opportunity for other ABAC programs to one day be included in the partnership.

Staff Photo: Lucille Lannigan[email protected]