The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia voted Thursday morning, June 6, to name an Augusta University vice president as its only finalist for president.
Following AU President Brooks Keel’s September announcement of plans to retire June 30, Russell T. Keen, who serves as the executive vice president for administration and chief of staff to Keel, has been selected as the sole finalist to take over university’s presidency.
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Keel’s retirement will conclude a 40-year career in research and higher education administration, prior to the start of his presidency in July 2015. Keel was previously president at Georgia Southern University, where he and Keen first met.
“As a native of the Augusta area, Dr. Keen understands the challenge of maintaining AU’s momentum in the climb from good to better to best as a research university and innovator in medical higher education,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said.
Upon hearing the news, Keen said he was immensely thrilled to be considered for the position and a chance to continue Keel’s work – which resulted in significant growth for AU’s enrollment and funding.
“I’m grateful to the board and Chancellor Perdue for their confidence in me,” he said. “My time on campus and in Augusta has prepared me for a seamless transition into this role, and I would be honored to continue the legacy of a president I consider a mentor.”
A first-generation college student and a Georgia Southern graduate, Keen has worked within the university system for over 22 years.
The board will take action on officially deciding whether or not Keen will fill the presidency position at a future board meeting in at least five days.
“It is an immense privilege to be considered for this position,” Keen said. “… I’m wholeheartedly vested in advancing the university’s success through its current initiatives and into its next chapter.”
