Community and leaders gather to celebrate the inauguration of Dr. Russell T. Keen as the new president of Augusta University.
Augusta University celebrated Dr. Russell T. Keen’s inauguration as its second president on April 24, 2025. The event drew notable community leaders, highlighting Keen’s local roots and vision for future collaboration. His tenure promises to advance student success, community engagement, and significant projects that include a new research facility backed by a $46 million community contribution.
Augusta is buzzing with excitement as Dr. Russell T. Keen was officially inaugurated as the second president of Augusta University during a delightful ceremony held on April 24, 2025, at the Augusta Convention Center. The event brightened the atmosphere of the city, bringing together an enthusiastic crowd that included federal, state, and local leaders, along with members of the university community, family, and friends. The enthusiasm was palpable as the community came together to celebrate this pivotal moment.
Dr. Keen is not just any president; he is a proud native of Augusta and a first-generation college graduate. His journey to this esteemed position is inspiring. With over two decades under his belt in the University System of Georgia (USG), he has carved a niche for himself. His prior roles include vital positions at Georgia Southern University, the University of Georgia, and, of course, right here at Augusta University. Before stepping into the presidential role, Dr. Keen was the Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff to President Brooks A. Keel.
The investiture ceremony attracted a number of influential attendees. Among them were state dignitaries such as Speaker of the House Jon Burns, Congressman Rick Allen, and Chancellor Dr. Sonny Perdue. The spirit of the occasion was uplifted with heartfelt recognition for vital contributors to Dr. Keen’s journey, including a special mention of his first-grade teacher, Ms. Jackie Wiggins, who was present to celebrate this milestone.
In Dr. Keen’s investiture address, he expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the USG Board of Regents, the presidential search committee, and the investiture planning committee. He applauded various individuals and organizations for their generous contributions toward the weeklong festivities celebrating his investiture. He shared a thought-provoking analogy about draft horses to highlight the importance of collaboration and teamwork. His message underscored that while individual efforts are commendable, it’s the synergy of trained partners working together that brings about significant achievements.
The theme of “rising up” resonated throughout his speech, as Dr. Keen emphasized the need to conquer challenges in areas like disease research, students’ success, and community engagement. The numbers he reported were indeed impressive: a staggering 40% increase in enrollment at Augusta University, and a remarkable rise in total sponsored awards. The Medical College of Georgia has also made strides, improving its national ranking thanks to increased NIH funding.
Dr. Keen announced some exciting news for Augusta, revealing a $46 million contribution from the community toward a new translational research building. Additionally, a $99.8 million investment from Governor Kemp and state legislators further supports this groundbreaking project. Dr. Keen highlighted that working together with local governments, school boards, businesses, and military entities such as Fort Eisenhower is crucial for tackling the challenges that lie ahead.
In his personal reflections, Dr. Keen shared invaluable lessons learned from his parents about faith, family, friendship, and responsibility. He paid tribute to his wife, Karen, and thanked his children, Kaleigh and Brinson, for their unwavering support throughout his journey. In a heartfelt moment, he expressed that “there are a million dreams in the world”, aligning them with the university’s mission to serve students, patients, families, and communities.
As he concluded his address, Dr. Keen issued a rallying cry for everyone in the Augusta University community to unite in their efforts, aiming to benefit not just their local area but also the state, nation, and humanity. The investiture of Dr. Russell T. Keen marks a thrilling new chapter for Augusta University, and one can only imagine the exciting milestones that lie ahead as the community stands strong together!
Dr. Russell T. Keen Inaugurated as President of Augusta University
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