| The ABAC Ambassadors at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College recently named their prestigious Ambassador of the Year award in honor of ABAC Director of Public Relations Emeritus Michael D. Chason. “Mike was the founder of the ABAC Ambassadors program, which began in 1987,” said Sunny Sparrow, ABAC’s Assistant Director of Enrollment Management. “Since then, 339 students have carried on the tradition he started nearly four decades ago.” Sparrow serves as the Ambassadors’ advisor along with Marketing Media Coordinator Abby Clark. The Ambassadors dedicate countless hours and energy representing and promoting ABAC, and Sparrow said it’s quite an honor to be a part of the organization. The Ambassador of the Year award is presented annually to an Ambassador who goes above and beyond in service, leadership, and love for ABAC. |
“Mike began his ABAC journey in 1979 and has left a meaningful legacy,” Sparrow said. “His passion for students, love of storytelling, and unwavering support for ABAC have made him a true symbol of what it means to be an ABAC Stallion.
“He has supported this program both personally and financially, always believing in the leadership and potential of our Ambassadors,” she added. “Today, we say thank you for his years of service and dedication to ABAC and its students. It’s only fitting that this award now carries his name, the Michael D. Chason Ambassador of the Year Award.”
Chason retired after 32 years as ABAC’s Director of Public Relations in 2011 and was named Director of Public Relations Emeritus in 2012. He continued to serve ABAC in a part-time position until 2024. He was on hand to present the award to Jenna Williams from Douglas.
“I love the Ambassadors and the positive way they represent this institution,” Chason said. “This is a great honor for me, and I look forward to seeing the outstanding students who will receive this award.”
Sparrow said Williams is a student leader who represents “the absolute best of ABAC. She has served as a role model for her peers, a tireless advocate for the college, and a true champion of student involvement.”
Williams has served as the Ambassador President, Student Government Association President, President of Phi Theta Kappa, Co-President of the Stallion Society, an Executive Board Member for CAB, the ATOM Communications Coordinator, Tri Beta RSO Representative, and was crowned Ms. ABAC 2024.
“She leads with humility, inspires with her work ethic, and uplifts everyone around her,” Sparrow said. “Her impact on this program, and on ABAC, will be felt for years to come.”
