Earlier this week, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College announced that it will offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Economic Development for the first time.

BRIDGES

"This is another history-making day for ABAC," said President David Bridges. "Not only can studentsearn a business degree, but they can couple it with many of our other degrees like agriculture or communications to earn a degree in ag business or business communications. This provides new options for our bachelor's degree students."

Academic Affairs Vice President Niles Reddick echoed Bridges' comments.

"One student may choose to focus entirely on the business aspect," Reddick said. "Another might choose to concentrate on the economic development angle, particularly rural development.  I think the degree captures a niche here because it could be all about preparing to take over a small family business."

Dill and Susan Driscoll, deans of the Stafford School of Business, were almost ecstatic with the endless possibilities the new degree offers.

"Let's say a student wants to focus on distribution," Dill Driscoll said. "We can send him to Lake

THE DRISCOLLS

 "We can truly focus on creating an educational track that fits the student's needs vs. a pre-set curriculum such as marketing, accounting or finance," Susan Driscoll said. "This degree is perfect for students who want to be managers of a business or create successful new businesses. Then we have the economic development courses for those who want to focus on building great communities through that avenue."

The freshman class enrollment in the Stafford School of Business was up 55 per cent last fall and 13 per cent overall in business. The Driscolls believe the new degree could prove to be the launching pad to greater heights.

"We started with 40 students in our bachelor's degree programs in January of 2008," Bridges said.  "Now we have over 1,000 students enrolled in bachelor's degrees." 

A well-established and respected gastroenterologist who has been serving the region for many years, Michael Dawson, M.D., will be closing his practice, Digestive Disorders and Liver Clinic of South Georgia, and will be joining Affinity Clinic as of April 7.

Dr. Dawson will be working alongside fellow gastroenterologosts Josh Zara, M.D., and George Yared, M.D., at Affinity Clinic. 

Dr. Dawson is available for the diagnosis and treatment of digestive, pancreatic, and liver diseases. This includes disorders of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon or large intestine, rectum and anus, liver, pancreas and biliary tract. 

After earning his medical degree from the University of Miami, Dr. Dawson completed an internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship at the Naval Hospital San Diego. He is certified in gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and has been practicing in Tifton for several years.   

To make an appointment with Dr. Dawson at Affinity Clinic, please call 229-391-4100. To learn more, Click Here!