Inauguration Week, from April 21-26, 2025, celebrated the investiture of Russell T. Keen as Augusta University's second president. A series of special events marked the historic occasion.
Dr. Russell T. Keen assumed the presidency of Augusta University on July 1, 2024, bringing with him more than two decades of leadership experience within the University System of Georgia and a bold vision for elevating Augusta University as a national leader in health sciences education and research.
A native of Augusta and a proud first-generation college graduate, Dr. Keen holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Management from the University of Georgia, along with a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia Southern University.
Dr. Keen is widely recognized for his ability to build strategic partnerships, engage stakeholders, and secure critical resources to advance institutional priorities. His leadership is marked by a deep commitment to academic excellence, student success, and transformative research. Since joining Augusta University in 2015 as executive vice president and chief of staff to President Brooks A. Keel, Dr. Keen has played a pivotal role in AU’s growth, including the landmark partnership with Wellstar Health System to form Wellstar MCG Health.
Read MoreAugusta University’s First Lady Karen Keen was born and raised in Millen, Georgia, where her passion for education began at an early age. She progressed through Jenkins County Public Schools before attending Georgia Southern University as a first-generation college student and earning a bachelor's degree in early childhood education.
Two weeks after graduating from Georgia Southern, at the convincing of a close friend, Karen agreed to go on a “blind date” with a young man who had also recently graduated from the university. Within two years, she married Russell Keen and they set out to make a life together with hearts of service and the aim of creating a home full of faith and joy.
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Write or record a congratulatory message for the president to commemorate his investiture and inauguration week. These messages and videos will be compiled and shared with the president and first lady to remember this historic moment.
With sincere appreciation to those who helped make this investiture possible