TIFTON — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College recently announced Dr. Jason Goodner as its new provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Since June 2019, Goodner has served as the vice chancellor for academics and chief academic officer at Arkansas State University – Beebe. In this position, he led the academic programs and faculty for three divisions, overseeing an enrollment of 3,000 students. Previously, he served as the institution’s Dean of Arts & Humanities.
“Dr. Goodner will be a tremendous addition to our campus,” said ABAC President Dr. Tracy Brundage. “His strong academic background, combined with his understanding of what is needed for ABAC to thrive, makes him a perfect fit. We are excited to welcome him to our team.”
Before his tenure in Arkansas, Goodner was a member of the faculty at Darton State College and Albany State University. Additionally, he served as the interim chair of the Social Science Division, interim coordinator of assessment, and acting vice president for academic affairs at Darton State College during various stages of its consolidation with Albany State University. He also served as the academic dean/chief academic officer at Andrew College for five years.

“I am honored to serve as ABAC’s next provost and vice president for academic affairs,” Goodner said. “ABAC has long been an avenue of upward mobility for so many in Georgia and beyond. I look forward to partnering with President Brundage as well as the faculty, staff, and students to fulfill ABAC’s mission of providing excellent educational experiences that prepare our graduates for life.”

Goodner holds a doctorate in Adult and Career Education from Valdosta State University. He also earned a Master of Science in Social Administration from Georgia Southwestern State University and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Sociology from Georgia Southern University.

“ABAC’s reputation resonated with me and served as a significant reason for my seeking the position,” Goodner said. “However, I would be remiss if I did not share that Tifton was a significant draw. My wife Leslie and I are from South Georgia, and she is an ABAC alum, Class of 2002. We are excited to return to the area.”

Goodner will assume his new role on June 2.