GA HR1039

Recognizes and commends Dr. David Bridges upon his retirement as President of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), where he served 16 years beginning July 1, 2006, making him the longest-serving president in the school's history and among all 26 University System of Georgia presidents

Dr. Bridges was the first ABAC alumnus (class of 1978) to serve as president and oversaw over $100 million in capital projects, including the $24 million Carlton Center/Edwards Hall project, $17 million ABAC Lakeside, and $15.5 million Historic Front of Campus project

Under his leadership, ABAC introduced bachelor's degree programs starting in 2008, consolidated Bainbridge State College into ABAC in 2017, and became the leading producer of agricultural education graduates among all colleges and universities east of the Mississippi River

Dr. Bridges doubled the ABAC Foundation's net assets, coordinated the addition of the Georgia Museum of Agriculture to campus, and received numerous awards including the 2013 John Hunt Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the 2009 Gold Outstanding Customer Service Leadership Award from the University System of Georgia Chancellor

Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to provide an appropriate copy of the resolution to Dr. Bridges