08/19/2026
Monday, we welcomed the ABAC Class of 2030 during one of my favorite traditions of the academic year, Convocation.
More than 800 first-year students gathered in Gressette Gymnasium, making this the largest freshman Convocation audience in ABAC history. Before the ceremony, our faculty and staff lined the entrance to welcome our newest Stallions, cheering them on as they entered the gym and began their journey as members of the ABAC family.
It was an honor to join Dr. Jason Goodner, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Ryan Hogan, Vice President of Enrollment, Marketing, and Communication, in welcoming these students to campus. We were also inspired by remarks from our student leaders, including Ethan Bertram, SGA President, and Emily Bolen and Wendy Gonzalez Huerta, Co-Presidents of the Stallion Society.
A special thank you to Dr. Nicholas Urquhart, Rachel Frantz, Shawn Burnette, the Academic Ceremonies Committee, Stallion Society leaders, faculty, and staff who helped create such a meaningful beginning to the academic year.
The highlight of the day was seeing the Class of 2030 gathered in front of Tift Hall, forming “2030” on the lawn. It was a powerful symbol of both the future of ABAC and the promise each of these students brings to our campus.
Welcome to ABAC, Class of 2030. Your future starts here, and we are excited to be part of your journey.