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.
Keen reflected on some of the university’s accomplishments over the past academic year, including a 40% increase in enrollment.
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“We’re getting closer and closer to a better tomorrow,” he said.
Keen said he is reminded of the “profound impact” that Augusta University’s medical college has through its research on cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
“I stress the importance of helping our students rise up and overcome the obstacles before them,” he said. “They are our future. We should do everything we possibly can to help them to seek the promise of greatness that each of them carry within them.”
The search for a new executive vice president of Academic Affairs
Augusta University is currently in the process of searching for a new executive vice president of Academic Affairs and Provost. Candidates include Vanessa Sheppard, Maggy Tomova, Jennifer Sullivan and Nicholas Verne.
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