Office of the President

Presidential Search

Concluding a remarkably successful 40-year career in research and higher education administration, Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD, announced that he will retire next summer following the 2023-24 academic year. Keel will retire after more than 14 years in the University System of Georgia, serving as president of Georgia Southern University before moving to Augusta. Keel has been president of Augusta University since July 2015.

“Serving as the president of Augusta University has been the capstone of my career and one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Keel, who received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the university’s two legacy institutions. “The decision to leave as so many wonderful things are happening at Augusta University is bittersweet, but I have always wanted to end my career on a high note, at a point when First Lady Tammie Schalue and I can most enjoy the next chapter of our lives together.”

Located on four campuses in the historic city for which it is named and on four regional campuses across the state, Augusta University is Georgia's designated health sciences and medical research university, home of the Georgia Cancer Center and the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, and one of the country's top universities for student success.

Check back regularly for updates and to learn more as the presidential search progresses.

Listening Sessions

The Augusta University Presidential Search Committee invites you to participate in the search process. The search committee will facilitate listening sessions for students, faculty, staff and community members to provide input on the qualities and priorities of the university’s next president. While each meeting is targeted for a specific group, all sessions are open for anyone to attend. Your input will inform the prospectus we develop to formally advertise the position. To ensure everyone has the ability to participate, the university will hold all of the listening sessions virtually. 

Session 1 (Community)

  • Wednesday, Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m.
  • Jaguar Student Activities Center Ballroom
Website

Session 2 (Faculty)

  • Thursday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m.
  • Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre
Website

Session 3 (Staff)

  • Thursday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.
  • Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre
Website

Session 4 (Students)

  • Thursday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.
  • Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre
Website

Session 5 (Faculty)

  • Thursday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m.
  • Natalie and Lansing B. Lee Jr. Auditorium, BC 1040
Website

Session 6 (Staff)

  • Thursday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m.
  • Natalie and Lansing B. Lee Jr. Auditorium, BC 1040
Website

Session 7 (Students)

  • Thursday, Dec. 7, 4 p.m.
  • Natalie and Lansing B. Lee Jr. Auditorium, BC 1040
Website

Search Committee

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) named members of the Presidential Search Committee on Nov. 17, 2023. The committee will conduct a national search to succeed President Brooks Keel, who plans to retire in June 2024.

Members of the Presidential Search Committee are:

  • Regent Jim Hull, committee chair
  • Regent and Board Chairman Harold Reynolds
  • Regent Tim Evans
  • Brian Annex, chair of medicine, Medical College of Georgia (MCG)
  • John Baker, president, AU Alumni Association
  • Peter Basciano, associate professor, James M. Hull College of Business
  • Todd Boudreau, deputy commandant, Army Cyber School
  • Tiana Curry-McCoy, associate professor, College of Allied Health Sciences; chair, AU Faculty Senate
  • Don Grantham, board member, MCG Foundation; community leader
  • Charles G. Green Jr., MD; board chairman, MCG Foundation
  • Debbie Layman, co-chair and board member, AU Foundation
  • Angel Lovett, director, Parent & Family Philanthropy & Engagement, Augusta University; chair, AU Staff Council
  • Teresa MacCartney, chief operating officer, USG
  • Dee Mallory, undergraduate president, AU Student Government Association
  • Will McKnight, president, McKnight Construction Co.; community leader
  • Robert Osborne, executive vice president, SouthState Bank; community leader
  • Puja Punukollu, graduate president, AU Student Government Association
  • Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO, Wellstar Health System
  • Yvonne Turner, AU executive vice president for finance and chief business officer

Timeline

November 2023

  • Augusta University Presidential Search Committee announced

November 2023

  • Charge to Augusta University Presidential Search Committee by Chancellor Perdue, University System of Georgia (USG), and the Presidential Search Committee Chair Hull

Responsibility: USG, Presidential Search Committee, and Buffkin/Baker

December 6th and 7th, 2023

  • In-person/virtual listening sessions to discuss expectations and desired qualifications of Augusta University’s next president
  • Presidential Search webpage and feedback survey launched

Responsibility: Presidential Search Committee, Augusta University, and Buffkin/Baker

Winter 2024

  • Candidate recruitment and identification through advertising, correspondence, solicitation of nominations, and direct recruiting of candidates

Responsibility: Presidential Search Committee and Buffkin/Baker

Spring 2024

  • Presidential Search Committee will review all resumes and nominations submitted for consideration
  • Presidential Search Committee Meeting to select candidates for first-round interviews

Responsibility: Presidential Search Committee and Buffkin/Baker

Spring 2024

  • President Search Committee interviews first-round candidates
  • Presidential Search Committee may select 3-5 unranked candidates for recommendation to the USG Board of Regents for additional consideration
  • The search firm will contact all candidates who are not selected for semi-final consideration.

Responsibility:  Presidential Search Committee and Buffkin/Baker

Spring 2024

  • 3-5 candidates interview with the USG Board of Regents

Responsibility: USG Board of Regents and Buffkin/Baker

Spring 2024

  • Public announcement listing the finalist or finalists for the presidency
  • An offer may be extended to the selected candidate

Responsibility: USG Chancellor and Buffkin/Baker

Provide input on the qualities and priorities of the university’s next president.

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