ABAC Dorms No. 1 in GA

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Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Tifton, Georgia

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ABAC Place is one of two residence halls on the college's campus in Tifton.

ABAC DORMS RANKED NO. 1 IN GEORGIA

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

For the second consecutive year, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College's residence halls have been ranked No. 1 in the state by an online platform that provides in-depth profiles, data-driven rankings, and millions of reviews on colleges across the nation.

Niche.com awarded ABAC an “A” rating based on a combination of student surveys, housing costs, capacity, and safety data.

“We’re honored to be recognized again as having the best residence halls in Georgia,” said Trent Hester, ABAC residence life & housing director. “Our focus is creating an environment where students feel comfortable, connected, and truly at home from the moment they arrive on campus.”

Student feedback continues to reflect that experience. According to Niche data, 75% of students rate the social atmosphere of ABAC’s residence halls as great, while 67% give high marks to their overall quality. Reviewers frequently highlight the welcoming environment and comfortable living spaces.

Emilee Gruno of Quitman, an incoming elementary education student, said the sense of belonging played a major role in her college decision: “I chose ABAC because of the quality of academics, but when I visited campus, the residence halls really stood out,” Gruno said. “They were charming and felt like they could truly be my home away from home.”

ABAC's residence halls ranked No. 75 among the best college dorms in America, according to Niche.com

In addition to the dorms getting an "A" rating, ABAC also received "A-" rankings for its safety and campus food.

ABAC officials say the on-campus living experience is designed to foster connection and engagement, placing students at the center of campus life.

The college is investing in residence hall improvements in the next two years, including updating flooring and enhancing shared spaces.

“We understand that creating a safe and welcoming environment is essential to our students’ ability to be successful,” said Dr. Alan Kramer, assistant vice president for student affairs & dean of students.

“Our two buildings, ABAC Place and ABAC Lakeside, provide a perfect complement to the 60-plus clubs and organizations our students engage in, helping them immediately connect with the campus community. This recognition reflects our commitment to providing spaces where students can learn, grow, and feel at home, and we are honored to receive it,” Kramer said.

Among Niche's other rankings for ABAC, the college is No. 11 for best value among Georgia colleges and No. 666 nationally. ABAC is ranked as the third-best college for nursing in Georgia and 156th nationwide.

ABAC is also ranked No. 4 among the best college campuses in Georgia and is ranked as the 29th best agricultural college in the United States.

Among those named Conservationists of the Year in their respective counties pictured from left are: Bryan Griffin, Justin Davis, Clay Alberson, John Brownlee, Ken Coleman, Patricia Willard, and Dickie Dowdy.

MIDDLE S.GA DISTRICT NAMES CONSERVATIONISTS OF YEAR IN AREA COUNTIES

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Middle South Georgia Soil and Water Conservation District recently honored the 2025 Conservationists of the Year in each county within its area.

The local agency is dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of the area’s natural resources. The service area includes Ben Hill, Brooks, Colquitt, Crisp, Irwin, Thomas, Tift, Turner and Worth counties.

The following individuals and operations were honored:

• Bryan Griffin - Ben Hill County

• Rick Davis - Brooks County

• Ken Coleman - Colquitt County

• Dowdy Family Farms - Crisp County

• John Brownlee - Irwin County

• Bret & Cage Owens - Thomas County

• Ryan Branch - Tift County

• Clay Alberson - Turner County

• Justin Davis - Worth County

The Middle South Georgia Soil and Water Conservation District is a unit of state government that directs natural resource management programs in the area counties. The Conservation District works with farmers, landowners, and other units of government to educate and actively promote programs and practices that support the conservation, use, and development of soil, water, and related resources.

Tift County Commission Chairman Tony McBrayer, left, and Tifton Mayor Julie B. Smith proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in Tifton and Tift County.

PINWHEELS BRING ATTENTION TO CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

April is National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, and the Tift County Council on Child Abuse held it annual Pinwheel Ceremony last week in front of the special programs building of the Tift County Recreation Department on Baldwin Drive.

The ceremony was attended by various local officials and volunteers. Tifton Mayor Julie B. Smith and Tift County Commission Chairman Tony McBrayer delivered a joint proclamation designating the Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in Tifton and Tift County.

The pinwheels represent the number of children reported as being neglected or abused in Tift County.

TIFT COUNTY HIGH NAMES VALEDICTORIAN, SALUTATORIAN

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Tift County High School has announced the top academic honors for the Class of 2026. James Wise has been named valedictorian, and Thomas He has been named salutatorian.

These honors recognize the students who have achieved the highest academic rankings in their graduating class. Both Wise and He have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their studies throughout their high school careers while also contributing to their school and community.

“Tift County High School is incredibly proud of James and Thomas for their outstanding academic achievements,” said Principal Jennifer Johnson. “Their commitment to excellence, leadership, and perseverance truly represents the best of the Blue Devil tradition. We look forward to seeing the impact they will continue to make as they pursue their future goals.”

Graduation ceremonies for the Tift County High School Class of 2026 will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at Brodie Field.

Pictured at Southwell's awards banquet are, from left, Southwell Medical Chief Operating Officer Mark Kimball, Tift Regional Medical Center Employee of the Year Crystal Howell, Southwell Medical Employee of the Year Billy Ward, Exceptional Physician Award recipient Dr. Andrew Nackashi, Veronica Graydon (accepting the John B. Prince Award on behalf of her late husband Wasdon Graydon), Jensen Patrick Nursing Excellence Award honoree Kayla Callahan, Advanced Practice Provider Award recipient Kristy Redlinger Stone, and Southwell President/CEO Christopher Dorman.

SOUTHWELL HONORS COLLEAGUES

AT ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Southwell recently saluted its employees and associates at an annual awards banquet at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center.

“Tonight is a special night of well-deserved tributes, honors, and recognition,” said Christopher Dorman, Southwell president/CEO. “Our people are our biggest strength, and I remain amazed at the level of dedication and hard work our team puts into every opportunity. Thank you for putting our patients first.”

The Tift Regional Medical Center (TRMC) Foundation honored Dr. Andrew Nackashi with the Exceptional Physician Award. Nackashi is a board-certified general surgeon with South Georgia Surgical who also serves as medical director of the Tift Comprehensive Breast Center. In addition, Nackashi is the medical director of robotic surgery at TRMC.

The TRMC Foundation also recognized Kristy Redlinger Stone with the Advanced Practice Provider Award. Stone is a physician assistant with the TRMC Anita Stewart Oncology Center. In addition, the TRMC Foundation recognized Kayla Callahan of the TRMC Cardiac Step Down Unit with the Jensen Patrick Nursing Excellence Award.

The John B. Prince III Distinguished Service Award is designed to recognize a longstanding TRMC associate who is also a community leader, using their influence to help further the hospital's mission. This year’s award was presented posthumously to the late Wasdon Graydon, who served in a board capacity with Southwell for more than 15 years. His wife Veronica Graydon accepted the award on his behalf.

Southwell also recognized employees of the month for the past year at TRMC and Southwell Medical. Social worker Crystal Howell with Hospice of Tift Area was named the TRMC Dixon Dorminy Employee of the Year. Billy Ward, an EVS technician with Southwell Medical in Adel, was announced as the Southwell Medical Employee of the Year.

Southwell also saluted employees with five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of service. Lori Folsom, assistant vice president of human resources; obstetrics nurse Livia Hall, and Controller Tonia Waldrop all reached the milestone of 40 years of service.

IT interface programmer Steve Simmons and operating room nurse Sara Sumner were honored for reaching 45 years of service; June McKinnon, radiation therapist, received accolades for surpassing 50 years of service.

Southwell consists of Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton, Southwell Medical and Southwell Health and Rehabilitation in Adel, and Southwell Physician Practices with clinics located throughout the region.

CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION OPEN FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Each spring, the U.S. House of Representatives sponsors an art competition for high school students. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents.

Submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition are due at the offices of U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Tifton, by this Friday, April 17.

All artwork must be framed and submitted at one of the following drop-off locations: Scott's Tifton office, 127-B Central Ave. N., or his office in Warner Robins, 120 Byrd Way, Suite 100.

For information on the Congressional Art Competition, click here.

KEEP TIFT BEAUTIFUL NAMES COMMERCIAL BEAUTY SPOT

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Tifton Veterans Administration Clinic at 1824 N. Ridge Ave. in Tifton is April's Commercial Beauty Spot, as designated by Keep Tift Beautiful (KTB), a citizens advisory board.

Keep Tift Beautiful promotes recycling, community gardening, litter abatement, and outdoor beautification.

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

Bridging the Gap Community Resource Center

2911 Sixth St., Tifton

April 10

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

"Max," is one of several tuxedo cats available for adoption at the Tift County Animal Shelter. Tuxedo cats are characterized by their distinct coat pattern resembling a tuxedo or formalwear, typically black fur with white markings on the chest. They channel class and elegance wherever they go. There's something mysterious about tuxedo cats that captures people's hearts. Find your formally attired friend and come see other pets available for adoption between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Tift County Animal Shelter on Highway 125 South, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERSHIP THEME:

'KEEP TIFTON GROWING'

~ APRIL 15, 1971

The Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce on April 15, 1971, announced that the theme of an upcoming membership drive was "Keep Tifton Growing." Heading the effort was Chamber Chairman Henry Sutton and Pat Atwater, John Blanton, Bill Blomgren, Ellis Brown, Dr. Robert Coleman, Sonny Hamilton, Ray Jensen, Dr. Carl Pittman Jr., and Wright Turner.

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