Robert ‘Leigh’ Brundage (Left) and Tracy Brundage (Right) at the establishment of the Brundage Family Elementary Education Scholarship.
TIFTON, Ga. — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s new bachelor’s degree in elementary education will have a special honor attached, coming from a familiar name with a long legacy of education.
The Brundage Family Elementary Education Scholarship was established in March 2026. It honors Robert “Leigh” Brundage, ABAC President Tracy Brundage’s father and a longtime educator.
“Education has always been central to my family’s story,” Brundage said. “My father devoted his career to elementary education, his brother was also a teacher, and many of us in the next generation have worked in higher education. This scholarship honors my father’s belief that strong schools begin with well-prepared, passionate teachers, and it reflects our family’s commitment to supporting those who choose this important profession.”
Education and the Brundage surname have long been synonymous. The family has dedicated itself to serving as educators and has impacted multiple generations of students.
Offering an elementary education major at ABAC has long been a goal of Brundage since she began as ABAC president in August 2022. The college’s first elementary education bachelor’s degree cohort will begin this fall.
“This scholarship arrives at a defining moment for ABAC’s elementary education program as the college prepares to welcome its inaugural cohort,” said Dr. Melissa Baker, department head for Education and Wellness. “Dr. Brundage and Leigh Brundage’s investment affirms that preparing highly qualified teachers begins with removing barriers and opening doors, enabling students to focus on becoming the educators our schools and communities need. We are deeply grateful for their leadership and enduring commitment to advancing student success, access, and educational opportunity at ABAC.”
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Elementary Education offers a high-quality and experiential pathway for students preparing to become skilled and confident pre-K through fifth-grade teachers for Georgia’s classrooms.
About ABAC
Founded in 1908, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College provides a personalized, hands-on learning experience for students across Georgia and beyond. With a strong focus on academic excellence, affordability, and student success, ABAC offers more than a dozen bachelor’s degrees and is recognized for its leadership in agriculture, business, humanities, nursing, sciences, and education. ABAC serves as a vital resource for the region, preparing graduates who are ready to lead their communities and careers.
