Jessica Gandy of Lenox has always had a love of history, so when a new bachelor’s degree in Rural Studies became available at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College she jumped at the chance to enroll.

   “I heard about the program from my instructor and was really interested,” Gandy said.“I can’t wait to take part in the internships that will be offered.”

   Gandy, whose specific area of study will be Rural Community and Social Affairs under the Rural Studies umbrella, was bitten by the history bug courtesy of her great-grandfather, a World War II medic.

   Gandy’s decision to attend ABAC came about in a rather unique way. She was home-schooled and when it came time to decide on a college she was set on going to a Bible school in Australia, but her mom wasn’t too fond of her being so far from home.

   “She suggested that I take my core (curriculum classes) here and if my heart was still set on Australia then we would see, but I fell in love with ABAC my first semester,” Gandy said.  “That is just another reason why I am so excited about the Rural Studies program. I can stay here a little longer.”

   At ABAC she is an active part of student activities. She has served as President of Phi Theta Kappa and as the Phi Theta Kappa representative for the Student Government Association.  She also tutors at the Student Success Center.