Russell T. Keen, EdD
President Augusta University
- Augusta GA
Dr. Russell T. Keen is an administrator with more than 20 years of experience in leadership and fostering partnerships in higher education.
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Biography
A native of Augusta and a proud first-generation college graduate, Dr. Keen holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Management from the University of Georgia, along with a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia Southern University.
Dr. Keen is widely recognized for his ability to build strategic partnerships, engage stakeholders, and secure critical resources to advance institutional priorities. His leadership is marked by a deep commitment to academic excellence, student success, and transformative research. Since joining Augusta University in 2015 as executive vice president and chief of staff to President Brooks A. Keel, Dr. Keen has played a pivotal role in AU’s growth, including the landmark partnership with Wellstar Health System to form Wellstar MCG Health.
Under his leadership, Augusta University is advancing a comprehensive strategy to strengthen its research enterprise, expand access to education, and deepen its impact across the state and beyond. Dr. Keen is particularly focused on positioning AU to achieve Carnegie R1 classification and becoming a destination of choice for faculty, students, and collaborators.
Beyond campus, Dr. Keen serves on several influential boards, including the Georgia Research Alliance Board of Trustees, Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Augusta Tomorrow, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and the Peach Belt Conference Board of Directors—reflecting his enduring commitment to civic leadership and regional development.
Dr. Keen and his wife, Karen, have been married for 23 years and are the proud parents of two children, Kaleigh and Brinson, both of whom are students in the University System of Georgia.
Areas of Expertise
Education
University of Georgia
Ed.D.
Higher Education Management
2019
Georgia Southern University
M.Ed.
Higher Education Administration
2014
Georgia Southern University
B.B.A.
Business Administration, Specializing in Finance
1999
Affiliations
- Georgia Research Alliance Board of Trustees
- Georgia Chamber of Commerce
- Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
- Augusta Tomorrow
- Peach Belt Conference Board of Directors
Media Appearances
Dr. Keen officially steps into role as Augusta University’s second president
Augusta Press online
2025-04-25
An investiture ceremony on Thursday afternoon celebrated Dr. Russell Keen’s official start as Augusta University’s second president.
Keen was named second president in June 2024, following first president Brooks Keel, who was installed in July 2015.
“I know under President Keen’s leadership, Augusta University’s future is incredibly bright,” Keel remarked during the event.
Dr. Russell Keen inaugurated as Augusta University’s second president
WJBF
2025-04-24
Augusta University officially has a new president. Dr. Russell Keen was inaugurated as the 2nd President of Augusta University on Thursday. School faculty and administration, as well as dignitaries and elected officials gathered at the Convention Center to watch as Keen officially took the helm of the university.
The inauguration concluded a week of festivities honoring Keen’s accomplishments and ushering in his administration. The Honorable Congressman Rick Allen, USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue, and former Augusta University President Brooks Keel were just some who spoke of Keen’s over 20 year career in higher education. Keen’s first and eighth grade teachers, Ms. Jackie Wiggins and Ms. Sandy Woods also spoke on their time as Keen’s teachers, and his growth as a student into the President of Augusta University.
Dr. Russell Keen officially installed as Augusta University president
WRDW
2025-04-24
Dr. Russell Keen officially installed as Augusta University president.
AU President Russell Keen discusses life on campus and looks toward an exciting future
WJBF tv
2025-04-22
The future looks bright for Augusta University. From new facilities for research, to degree programs to prepare students for the workplace, there’s a lot going on. AU President Russell Keen stops by The Means Report to talk about life in Jaguar Nation. Watch our interview and find out how you can support Dr. Keen, his team, and the student body. Please join us for The Means Report every Monday afternoon at 12:30 on NewsChannel 6.
Augusta University awarded $99.8 million from the state for new research facility
WFXG tv
2025-03-07
Expansion and improvement, that is what is on the horizon for Augusta University as they move forward with a grant of nearly $100 million from the state of Georgia for a new medical research facility.
AU has been one of the nation’s top medical programs, continuously improving with world-class research, but they have been limited by one factor, space, the one thing this constantly growing university is in need of.
Augusta University receives nearly $100 million for research upgrades
WRDW tv
2025-03-07
It’s a move to push Augusta University towards its goal of becoming a top research university.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed off on nearly $100 million to help fund a new research building at the institution.
The funding was included in the state budget signed at the state capitol Thursday.
Augusta University | Healthcare Workforce: A Prescription for the Future
Georgia Trend print
2025-02-01
Augusta University addresses the state's healthcare workforce needs through strategic expansion creating innovative student learning opportunities.
Community welcomes AU’s new leader
Augusta Business Daily online
2024-07-07
A reception to introduce and welcome incoming Augusta University President, Dr. Russell Keen attracted a full house on his first day in the job.
Students, faculty, and staff lined up to greet Keen during a reception in the Jaguar Student Center prior to the ceremony to kick off his new leadership.
Among those attending was Dr. Marc Austin, among the final academic hires by retiring President Brooks Keel.
Austin told ABD he was pleased with what Keen has said about moving Augusta University into its next phase of development.
“It was exactly what I would have hoped for, which is we’re going to continue to grow, but we’re going to do it in a way that supports our students,” he said. “I think that’s one of the big challenges for any university, and this president is the right president at the right time to take on that student-centric challenge that we all face.”
'This is a passion': Augusta University's new president talks priorities ahead of first day
Augusta Chronicle print
2024-07-01
Augusta University's new leader officially took the reins of the school on Monday. What are his plans going forward?
The Augusta Chronicle interviewed President Russell Keen last week about some important topics in higher education and how those will be tackled in the future.
Keen said they continue to work toward their goal of 16,000 students enrolled by 2030. One of the barriers to enrollment that was highlighted was ensuring people know the value and possibilities that open up with a degree.
Augusta University President Dr. Russell T. Keen welcomed on his first day
WJBF tv
2024-07-01
From Dr. Keel to Dr. Keen, Augusta University staff and students filled the room right here in the Dr. Roscoe Williams Ballroom to welcome their new university leader.
“Together, Augusta, we will break every chain and rise to new heights of success and achievement…,” Augusta University President Dr. Russell T. Keen said.
Monday morning, Dr. Russell T. Keen rang in as the new president for Augusta University.
‘Education can change your life’: New AU chief shares vision
WRDW tv
2024-07-01
Monday marked the start of a new era at Augusta University: It was Dr. Russell Keen’s first day as president.
Longtime President Dr. Brooks Keel retired last week, and Keen, an internal candidate to be his successor, has taken over.
Keen is no stranger to the area. He is a graduate of Lakeside High School. He received a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Georgia Southern University and a Doctor of Higher Education from the University of Georgia.
Keen has more than 20 years in higher education.
AU welcomes new president: Russell Keen
WFXG tv
2024-07-01
A new month means new leadership at Augusta University, as President Russell Keen begins his first day.
In a presidential welcome reception, Monday, Keen introduced himself and shared some of his goals with students, faculty and community stakeholders.
President Keen grew up in the area and says he’s extremely humbled by the opportunity.
He tells FOX54 he started the day in the classroom and had this message for students. “If you’re a first-generation college student and you’re trying to figure it out, you might hear voices in your own head or from other people saying you can’t do it and it doesn’t matter," he says. "But, I’m living proof that an education can change your life and that an education can contribute to the community and the state of humanity if you just continue to do it and see it through.”
The new president and first lady Karen Keen are enthusiastic about what’s to come. With the fall semester quickly approaching, catapulting the university forward is top of mind.
Via Cognitive Health opens new facility, enhancing care for Alzheimer’s patients
WJBF tv
2024-06-20
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and today marks a major step forward in the battle against the disease.
Via Cognitive Health held a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday morning for its much-anticipated facility.
They are a nonprofit organization in the CSRA that has served families facing Alzheimer’s since 1996.
They’ve only been able to do this at their location on Central Avenue, known as the Jud C. Hickey Center.
But thanks to generous donors, they now have a brand-new facility to provide even better services.
“We have had a long journey, and we’ve met with many, many different amazing partners throughout the community, throughout the country to try to design and plan a space that’s really going to meet the needs of what our program is and our curriculum,” said Executive Director Jennifer Pennington.
Via Cognitive Health has been working to get the facility over the last 8 years, leading to a brand -new facility with several features.
“We have built a gym for exercise, we have an art room, we have a work room where you might build a birdhouse or fix a bicycle,” said Janet McKnight. “We have a game room, we have a salon where you might get your haircut or shampooed that day. We also have a conference room where we’re able to give the families support through education and support groups.”
According to Pennington, there are currently an estimated 10,000 people in the Augusta community living with Alzheimer’s, and 200,000 battling the disease across the state of Georgia.
“It’s often very silent–people don’t like to talk about it a lot,” Pennington said. “People will just hide away in their homes, and they start to pull back from their normal social life–and that’s not what needs to be done.”
City leaders attending the ceremony say it’s a step forward in caring for patients with the disease.
“1 in 3 senior adults are diagnosed with this, and this is an issue that is affecting the lives of not only Georgians and Augustans, but our entire country and our world,” said Dr. Russell Keen.
Keen is the incoming new President at Augusta University, and says the institution continues to do extensive research into cognitive health.
Augusta University celebrates opening of storefront in JA Discovery Center
The Augusta Press online
2024-03-28
Augusta University celebrated the official opening of a storefront at the Junior Achievement Discovery Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday evening, March 27.
Following the grand opening of the JA Discovery Center on Jan. 11, a statewide program created for middle schoolers, over 3,500 students from Richmond and Columbia County have enjoyed a day-long field trip to learn about business and financial literacy.
In preparing for the future, middle school visitors are also taught about real world budgets and the benefits of pursuing higher education by visiting the Augusta University and Augusta Technical College storefronts.
By applying concepts learned in classes, students from the CSRA are able to take part in simulated, immersive experiences with nearly 20 storefronts, thanks to the efforts of several volunteers.
Russell Keen, executive vice president for administration and chief of staff for Keel, said various staff members collaborated to make the storefront a reality, and created a “fabulous” and educational simulation.
“What we’re finding is that the sooner we can get it ingrained in children that they actually can achieve higher education, the more they can achieve their dreams if they just see it,” he said. “This allows them to really envision themselves through their education … and it’s really fun, which is cool.”
Augusta University presents new mural just in time for graduation
The Augusta Press online
2024-03-18
Arts students, volunteers and staff from Augusta University excitedly presented a brand new mural in Downtown Augusta on the corner of Reynolds and 11th Street.
After months of planning, collaborating and painting, Augusta University’s Art and Design Department proudly unveiled the 151 inches high and 660 inches wide mural with hopes of making the community a little more colorful.
As the mural is positioned directly across the street from AU’s partner, the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, Russell Keen, executive vice president for administration and chief of staff for AU President Brooks Keel, believes the piece will make community members proud of their university and its growing efforts.
“This mural represents how far we’ve come in terms of community engagement as a university – how we’ve embraced the community and how it’s embraced us,” Keen said. “It shows how we can work together to beautify downtown and make it more appealing for everybody.”
WRDW Morning Mix Mingle at the Mural
WRDW tv
2024-03-18
Mornig Mix at WRDW talks about the new Augusta University mural.
Dr. Russell Keen named Augusta University EVP for administration
Grice Connect online
2021-08-29
“I have been honored to work alongside Dr. Keel, the Augusta University leadership team, and my colleagues throughout the enterprise since 2015. The university has grown tremendously since then, and we continue to be excited for the future,” Dr. Russel Keen said. “We remain focused on innovative solutions and new partnerships to enhance the success of our students and faculty as we strive to reach our goal of 16,000 students by 2030.”
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