On Tuesday, May 1, at the annual employee fish fry, ABAC at Bainbridge named Dr. Dave Nelson as its 2017-2018 Meritorious Faculty Award winner and Melanie Murphy as its 2017-2018 Meritorious Staff Award winner.

Originally, from Jacksonville, Florida, Dr. Dave Nelson graduated with a BA in history from the University of North Florida and then completed a MA in Public History and then a PhD in History from Florida State University. He started at Bainbridge College in 2008 and is a student-centered professor.  He sponsors the Model UN Team, the History Club, the 42 Club, and the Film Club while also serving as the Director of the Honors Program. 

He founded the Scotland study abroad program, which has since become a part of the University System of Georgia’s European Council international offerings. Dr. Nelson also chairs the Carter Arts and Lecture series committee.  This past year he was promoted to Professor of History.  Dr. Nelson, his wife Heather, and their son, Carter, live in Quincy (Fla.).   

Dr. Nelson was nominated for the 2018 meritorious award by his fellow faculty members.  Some of their comments were, “his projects benefit the students of ABAC at Bainbridge by exposing them to the world outside of rural Southwest Georgia.  “The Study Abroad program gives students in our community a chance to see other parts of the world that otherwise they may not have the opportunity to see.”

Melanie Murphy began her career at Bainbridge State College in January 1996 as a part-time student assistant in the Technical Studies Division. The following year she was promoted to full-time Senior Secretary in Technical Studies. She remained there for nine years at which time she became Program Assistant for the Associate Degree in the nursing program. 

Over the years, Murphy has worked as secretary at plant, procurement assistant/technician in the business office, and is currently working as Administrative Assistant in Student Services.

Melanie was nominated for the 2018 meritorious award by her fellow co-workers. She is described as always willing to help whenever and wherever needed and with a positive attitude.

She is always friendly and respectful to her fellow co-workers and to the students she comes in contact with on a daily basis.  “Melanie’s work ethics benefit ABAC at Bainbridge.  Student Services (Building 300) could not run without her hard work and daily overseeing.”