David Bridges was born in Cuthbert, Georgia and raised in Parrott, Georgia. He earned an Associate’s Degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, BS and MS degrees from Auburn University, and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. His studies were in agriculture with an emphasis on plant physiology and modeling of biological systems.
In January 1987, David joined the faculty of the University of Georgia as an Assistant Professor, where he quickly rose through the faculty ranks to Professorship. In 2001, he was named Assistant Dean of the College Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia.
In May of 2006, he was named the 10th President of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. With an enrollment of over 4,000 students, it is now recognized as a high quality, destination for baccalaureate degree-seeking students. It is nationally recognized for its programs in agriculture, natural resources, biology, nursing, and its one-of-a-kind Rural Studies Program.
Additionally, he serves as the Director of the Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation, a statutorily-created center that is focused on prosperity and development in rural Georgia. He serves as an ex officio member of Georgia’s House Rural Development Council.
Dr. Bridges’ recognitions, honors, and awards are many. Among the most noteworthy – the Texas A&M University Association of Former Students highest academic award, the Distinguished Doctoral Research Award. He was recognized by Sigma Xi, the world’s leading honorary research fraternity, with the Emerging Scientist Award. He holds Honorary Farmers Degrees from Georgia FFA and National FFA and he received Customer Service of the Year recognition from the Chancellor of the University System of Georgia and the Governor of the State of Georgia.
He has been recognized locally and at the state level for entrepreneurship, leadership, and public service. He is in his 16th year as president.
David, who has been married for 42 years to the former Kim Sims from Irwin County, Georgia. They have two children, Morgan who lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and son, Rees, who lives in Auburn, Alabama. They have two grandchildren.
David and Kim live on the Bridges’ family farm in Terrell County.