Dr. Russell T. Keen Invested as Second President of Augusta University

News Summary

On April 24, 2025, Augusta, Georgia celebrated the investiture of Dr. Russell T. Keen as the second president of Augusta University. The ceremony, attended by community leaders and family, highlighted Dr. Keen’s impressive background and commitment to education. He announced notable achievements such as a 40% increase in enrollment and plans for significant investments in research facilities. Through collaboration and community partnerships, Dr. Keen aims to elevate the university’s impact in the region.

Celebration in Augusta as Dr. Russell T. Keen Becomes Second President of Augusta University

Augusta, Georgia, was buzzing with excitement on April 24, 2025, when Dr. Russell T. Keen was officially welcomed as the second president of Augusta University. This investiture ceremony brought together a vibrant mix of federal, state, and local leaders, alongside family, friends, and members of the university community. The atmosphere was filled with joy and anticipation as everyone gathered to celebrate this significant milestone.

A Native Son Takes the Helm

Dr. Keen, a proud Augusta native and a first-generation college graduate, took on the presidency role starting July 1, 2024. With an impressive background that includes over twenty years of experience within the University System of Georgia, Dr. Keen is no stranger to the world of academia. He has held a variety of important positions at institutions like Georgia Southern University and the University of Georgia, but his heart has always been tied to Augusta University, where he previously served as the Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff.

Honoring Community Leaders and Mentors

The ceremony saw a number of notable attendees, including well-known figures such as Speaker of the House Jon Burns and Congressman Rick Allen, along with Chancellor Dr. Sonny Perdue. In a touching moment, Dr. Keen’s first-grade teacher, Ms. Jackie Wiggins, was also present, symbolizing the value of education and the long-lasting impact that teachers can have on their students.

A Message of Gratitude and Collaboration

During his address, Dr. Keen expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Regents, the presidential search committee, and the tireless members of the investiture planning committee. His speech was not just about him; it was a celebration of the support he received along the way. He made an interesting analogy about draft horses to highlight the power of teamwork, emphasizing how collaboration can lead to extraordinary results. The community was encouraged to come together to tackle challenges in disease research, promote student success, and strengthen community engagement.

Encouraging Growth and Achievement

Dr. Keen proudly announced that there has been a 40% increase in enrollment at Augusta University, alongside significant growth in total sponsored awards and a rise in the national ranking of the Medical College of Georgia, thanks to increased NIH funding. These results highlight the hard work and dedication of the university community, showcasing how their collective efforts are truly paying off.

On top of these achievements, Dr. Keen revealed plans for a new $46 million translational research building that will enhance the university’s capabilities and facilitate groundbreaking research. He also shared exciting news about a $99.8 million investment from the state budget, thanks to the support of Governor Kemp and state leaders. This backing signals a strong commitment to education and research in Georgia.

Building Strong Community Partnerships

Collaboration was a strong theme throughout Dr. Keen’s address, where he spoke about the importance of working with community partners. An example of this is the successful partnership with the Literacy Center within the Hub for Community Innovation. By pooling resources and expertise, these collaborations have the potential to change lives and support the growth of Augusta University.

A Personal Touch

Dr. Keen took a moment to reflect on the values instilled in him by his parents, emphasizing faith, family, friendship, and responsibility. He paid special tribute to his wife, Karen, referring to her as his best friend and soulmate, and recognized their children, Kaleigh and Brinson, for their unwavering support throughout his journey.

Looking Forward

In closing, Dr. Keen connected the aspirations of students, patients, and families served by Augusta University to the institution’s mission of being student-centered, faculty-supported, and research-focused. He urged everyone in the community to come together and work collaboratively towards remarkable achievements that will benefit the entire region.

With Dr. Russell T. Keen at the helm, the future of Augusta University looks bright, and the collective spirit of collaboration promises to lead the university to even greater heights.

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Additional Resources

• WFXG: Dr. Russell Keen Officially Installed as Augusta University’s Second President
• Wikipedia: Augusta University
• Grice Connect: Dr. Russell T. Keen Invested as Second President of Augusta University
• Google Search: Augusta University
• WJBF: Dr. Russell Keen Inaugurated as Augusta University’s Second President
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Augusta University
• The Augusta Press: Dr. Keen Officially Steps into Role as Augusta University’s Second President
• Google News: Dr. Russell T. Keen