By Cornelius Myles | Staff Writer
Augusta University marked a historic milestone on April 24 as Russell T. Keen, Ed.D., was officially invested as the institution’s second president. The investiture ceremony, held at the Augusta Convention Center, brought together federal, state and local leaders, university faculty, staff, students, family, and friends to celebrate Keen’s leadership and vision for the university’s future.
Reflecting on his journey, Keen shared, “As a first-generation college graduate, I wholeheartedly believe in the power of a college education and the impact it can have on the life of a student because I have lived it firsthand. As president, student success and learning will be a top priority.”
A Ceremony Rooted in Community and Tradition
The investiture was attended by a wide array of supporters, including Speaker of the House Jon Burns, Congressman Rick Allen, University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue and Keen’s first-grade teacher, Jackie Wiggins. The event featured academic traditions, musical performances by the AU Wind Ensemble and remarks from university and community leaders.
Keen expressed deep gratitude for the support he received, acknowledging the USG Board of Regents, the presidential search committee and the investiture planning committee. He also thanked his family, especially his wife Karen and children Kaleigh and Brinson.
“I would not be here without the unwavering support of my family,” Keen said. “Karen, you are my best friend and soulmate.”
A Call to “Rise Up” and Collaborate
Throughout his address, Keen emphasized the theme of “rising up,” urging the university community and its partners to break barriers in research, student success and community engagement. Using the analogy of draft horses, he illustrated the exponential power of teamwork.
“While a single draft horse can pull 8,000 pounds,” Keen said, “two trained partners working in sync can pull up to 32,000 pounds – four times what they could individually. This is the power of partnership, and it’s how we will move Augusta University forward.”
Keen highlighted recent achievements, including a 40 percent increase in enrollment and a significant rise in national rankings for the Medical College of Georgia. He announced a landmark $46 million community contribution for a new translational research building, matched by a $99.8 million investment from the state, calling it “a testament to the power of partnerships.”
Deepening Community Ties
Keen underscored the importance of collaboration with local governments, businesses and military entities like Fort Eisenhower. He cited the Literacy Center within the Hub for Community Innovation as a prime example of how partnerships are already making a tangible difference for students and the broader community.
“There are a million dreams in the world,” Keen said. “These dreams belong to the students, patients, families and communities we serve. By working together, we can make these dreams a reality – for a student-centered, faculty- and staff-supported, research-focused university with deep community ties.”
A Vision for the Future
As Augusta University embarked on this new chapter, Keen’s message was clear: “Let us rise up together with an increased focus on pulling together and entangling. Augusta University, let’s do something extraordinary for this community, for our state, our nation and humanity.”
The investiture week also featured a series of events celebrating the university’s past, present and future, including a traditional toast at the fountain, performances and community gatherings, reinforcing Keen’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus culture.
With a leader deeply rooted in the community and a vision centered on collaboration and innovation, Augusta University stands poised to achieve new heights under Keen’s presidency.
Contact cmyles@augusta.edu.
