Ag News

ABAC names Thoron dean of ag school

On March 21, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) announced that Dr. Andrew Thoron has been named the new dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Thoron joined ABAC in January 2020 as the head of the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication.

“Dr. Thoron is an innovative leader who is well-respected by his colleagues both on campus and across the Southeast,” said ABAC President Dr. Tracy Brundage. “His vision for the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources – which remains one of the most prestigious of its kind in the country – aligns perfectly with our college’s mission to provide the best possible experience for our students.”

Thoron, a native of Illinois, earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Illinois State University, and master’s and doctoral degrees in agricultural education and communication from the University of Florida. He previously served as an assistant professor at the University of Illinois. He also worked as an associate professor in the University of Florida’s Department of Agricultural Education & Communication from 2011 to 2019 before coming to ABAC.

“I’m honored and excited to serve as dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources,” Thoron said. “Together, we will continue to foster a culture of excellence in teaching, community engagement, and industry partnerships, ensuring our students are job-ready and well-prepared to lead in the agriculture and natural resource industries.”

In the past five years, ABAC’s agricultural education program has ranked second nationally in the production of agriculture teachers. 85% of graduates have obtained teaching jobs, with 90% of those remaining in the profession three years later. The program has also been recognized as the nation’s top postsecondary program for its cooperation with state and national agriculture teacher organizations. Annually, students and faculty contribute over 10,000 volunteer hours to FFA Chapter events at local, state, and national levels.

ABAC’s Agricultural Communication students have secured jobs at major agricultural communication firms, earned internships, and gained recognition for their research contributions.

“Our students are highly sought after for graduate school by top research universities,” Thoron said. 

Thoron and his wife, Ashley, have one son, Reiher. He will officially begin in his new role on May 1.

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