Augusta University is Georgia's health sciences university and a national center for cyber security education. Home to the state’s only public academic medical center, Augusta’s world-class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today. The university is comprised of nine colleges, including one of the nation's oldest medical schools, the Medical College of Georgia; the Hull College of Business; and the state's only dental school, the Dental College of Georgia.

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Presidents Assuming Office during Times of Fiscal Strain

Dr. Russell T. Keen assumed the presidency of Augusta University on July 1, 2024, bringing with him more than two decades of leadership experience within the University System of Georgia and a bold vision for elevating Augusta University as a national leader in health sciences education and research.

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.

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Dr. Keen officially steps into role as Augusta University’s second president

Dr. Russell Keen inaugurated as Augusta University’s second president

Dr. Russell Keen officially installed as Augusta University president

AU President Russell Keen discusses life on campus and looks toward an exciting future

Augusta University awarded $99.8 million from the state for new research facility

Augusta University receives nearly $100 million for research upgrades

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Community welcomes AU’s new leader

'This is a passion': Augusta University's new president talks priorities ahead of first day

Augusta University President Dr. Russell T. Keen welcomed on his first day

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AU welcomes new president: Russell Keen

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A man holding a binder in a large atrium of a college building.

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A husband and wife walk along a path through a picturesque university campus. The university's name, "Augusta University," is featured on an archway above them.

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expert-insights-leaders-share-insights-of-augusta-university-wellstar-partnership-at-health-connect-south

President

 In the two years since Augusta University and Wellstar Health System formally signed an agreement on August 30, 2023, the historic partnership has continued to evolve into a truly collaborative alliance.

At its heart, the mission hasn’t changed: improving the health and wellbeing of all Georgians while educating and preparing the next generation of health care providers through access to world-class training.

That was the message shared by Augusta University President Russell T. Keen, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University Dean David C. Hess, MD, and former Wellstar President and CEO Candice L. Saunders at the recent Health Connect South conference held at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.

During their panel “Advancing Healthcare Through Public-Private Partnerships,” the three leaders – each instrumental in helping to create, implement and mold the historic partnership – shared with close to 1,100 attendees their insight into what makes the partnership beneficial for all and how it can be a model for advancing health care and health care education in Georgia and beyond.

The full panel discussion is available for viewing here:


 It was an important event, and a full article is attached below as well.

 And if you're interested in learning more about the partnership between Augusta University and Wellstar, or connect with Augusta's President Russell T. Keen - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.




#Expert Insights: Leaders share insights of Augusta University, Wellstar partnership at Health Connect South

Watch our interview to learn what's happening at AU.

Augusta University President Russell Keen discusses life on campus and looks toward an exciting futu

In the season finale of "In the Wild," we sit down with Russell T. Keen, EdD, the new president of Augusta University, to reflect on a remarkable first year of leadership. From key achievements to pivotal moments, Keen shares his perspective on what has shaped the university this year and what’s on the horizon. 

Learn more about the Dr. Keen: https://www.augusta.edu/president/bio

This video was produced and created by Communications & Marketing at Augusta University.



Two men sit on a couple of chairs on a television and podcast set.

President Russell T. Keen on Augusta University’s momentum | In the Wild

Augusta University formally celebrated the investiture of President Russell T. Keen as the second president of AU with a series of special events during Inauguration Week, April 21-26.

Learn more about President Keen: https://www.augusta.edu/president/bio

This video was produced and created by Communications & Marketing at Augusta University.



Inauguration Week of President Russell T. Keen | Augusta University

The formal Presidential Investiture ceremony signifies the beginning of the next chapter of leadership for Augusta University, and it presents an opportunity for the university and community to witness the formal installation of the new leader. The ceremony features academic traditions, speakers, music and remarks by the President Keen.

Order of Ceremony
00:24 Ringing of the Arsenal Bell – Dr. William Bates
00:35 Inaugural Processional – Summerville Brass Quintet
06:30 Presentation of Colors – Augusta University Army ROTC
08:07 National Anthem – Ms. Emma Kelley
9:36 Invocation – Dr. David H. McKinley
12:19 Welcome – Regent T. Dallas Smith
15:18 Musical Interlude – Ms. Emma Kelley
20:49 Remarks 
35:16 Impact on Education 
51:54 Greetings to the President 
1:13:05 Presidential Investiture – Dr. Sonny Perdue
1:19:29 Musical Interlude – Ms. Melissa Johnson
1:24:15 Inaugural Address – Dr. Russell T. Keen
1:52:09 Alma Mater – University Singers
1:53:54 Closing Benediction – Dr. John Waters
1:57:41 Ringing of the Arsenal Bell – Ms. Jan Bane
1:58:09 Recessional – Summerville Brass Quintet

Learn more about the President Keen: https://www.augusta.edu/president/bio

This video was produced and created by Communications & Marketing at Augusta University.



Investiture of President Russell T. Keen, EdD | FULL EVENT | Augusta University

Dr. Russell Keen was selected last June as Augusta University's president, but his investiture ceremony was this week.
  
 For more Local News from WRDW:  https://www.wrdw.com/
 For more YouTube Content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTU2nwebYm3QBuCG3_I0rQw

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.

Dr. Russell Keen is inaugurated as Augusta University's 2nd President

Students, faculty and staff gathered to welcome Dr. Russell T. Keen as the new president of Augusta University. At this special presidential reception, Dr. Keen met with members of the AU community and shared his vision and goals for AU, highlighting his dedication to enhancing research, student success and community engagement.

Learn more about the Office of the President : https://www.augusta.edu/president/

This video was produced and created by Communications & Marketing at Augusta University.



Dr. Keen Presidential Welcome Reception | FULL EVENT

Russell Keen shares his vision for Augusta University
  
 For more Local News from WRDW:  https://www.wrdw.com/
 For more YouTube Content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTU2nwebYm3QBuCG3_I0rQw

Russell Keen shares his vision for Augusta University

On Oct. 23, Augusta University unveiled a brand new esports arena, located on the third floor of the Hull McKnight Building of the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, with featured guest speakers Neil J. MacKinnon, PhD,  provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, Russell Keen, EdD, executive vice president for administration and chief of staff, Michael Shaffer, executive vice president for strategic partnerships and economic development, Susan Davies, PhD, vice president for enrollment and student affairs and Colin Stewart, PhD, associate vice president for student affairs.

Learn more about the program: https://jagwire.augusta.edu/augusta-university-unveils-new-esports-area-with-ribbon-cutting/

This video was produced and created by the corporate video team in Communications & Marketing at Augusta University.



Game On! Inside Augusta University's cutting-edge Esports Arena

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