President Keel gives final State of the University Address

By Makenzy Veldboom | Editor in chief

President Dr. Keel gave his final State of the University Address May 15 at 2:00 p.m. at the Maxwell Theatre on Summerville.

The University Address began with a video highlighting the accomplishments of Augusta University over the last year.

Following the video, Dr. Keel delved into the highlights of the last year. 

Some of these highlights included: new parking deck breaking ground on Health Science Campus, the deal with Wellstar closed, the ribbon cutting for College of Science and Math 4th floor research space, the naming of the Paulette Harris Literacy Center, Augusta University Online launched, Augusta University’s road to becoming accredited as a school of public health, a 20% increase in enrollment, the many accomplishments from our sports teams and new Augustus statues places around campus with one planning to be placed in the Bush Field airport.

Keel also highlighted at the beginning of this school year how the faculty, student body and community came together to help the over 400 freshman moving into Augusta University with no dorms to move into.

Keel’s time at AU was also highlighted with his career here actually beginning in 1974 as a student then in 2015 as the President.

Highlights of Keel’s time at AU were also highlighted in the presentation with some being: the schools name changing from GRU to AU, a 27% increase in enrollment, a 29% increase in freshman class size, 35% increase in academic programs and around 20,000 students graduating from the university since 2015. 

Following the highlights, Keel gave a special thanks to the President’s Office, President’s Executive Cabinet and the President’s Cabinet.

He also reflected on his time and thanked all who have helped make everything possible here at the university and encouraged the audience to look to what the future holds.

To watch a replay of the State of the University address visit here:

https://www.augusta.edu/stream/#stream

Contact Makenzy Veldboom at kveldboom@augusta.edu

Top photo from augusta.edu