Augusta University
Stacey EidsonThe 2026 Georgia General Assembly convened this week, beginning the state’s annual 40-day legislative session. The Office of Government Relations at Augusta University works diligently year-round to build and maintain strategic relationships with government stakeholders and to monitor and analyze legislation that affects the university’s academic, research and health care missions.
Following the success of last year’s legislative session, Augusta University President Russell T. Keen, university leadership, the Government Relations team and the Augusta community have a lot to celebrate headed into 2026.
Last year, Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp’s amended 2025 fiscal year budget included $99.8 million to help fund the construction of a new translational research building at Augusta University. It was the largest cash-funded capital project in the amended state budget.
“The excellence of our academic programs, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the talent of our exceptional students define Augusta University as an institution that is committed to learning, discovery, and innovation. As Georgia’s designated health sciences university, our lifesaving and life-changing work carries a profound responsibility: preparing the next generation of health professionals, advancing research that strengthens the state’s well-being, and serving communities through education and clinical care.”
Augusta University President Russell T. Keen
The new 150,000-square-foot research building will provide modern laboratory spaces, advanced equipment and updated technology infrastructure, ensuring scientists have the necessary tools to support the continued growth of the groundbreaking research at AU and the Medical College of Georgia.
“The excellence of our academic programs, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the talent of our exceptional students define Augusta University as an institution that is committed to learning, discovery, and innovation. As Georgia’s designated health sciences university, our lifesaving and life-changing work carries a profound responsibility: preparing the next generation of health professionals, advancing research that strengthens the state’s well-being, and serving communities through education and clinical care,” Keen said. “We are deeply thankful for the partnership of the governor, the leadership of the House and Senate, and the members of the Georgia General Assembly. Their continued support and commitment to Augusta University ensure that we can fulfill this mission for the benefit of the state we serve.”
Augusta University has also raised nearly $30 million from philanthropy, including donations from the AU Foundation, the MCG Foundation, generous community members and the City of Augusta to help fund the $146.2 million project.
Margie Miller, vice president of Government Relations at Augusta University, wants to keep the positive momentum going throughout the 2026 legislative session.
“We prepare all year to put Augusta University in the best possible position,” Miller said. “Last year was incredible. The new research building will provide 150,000 square feet of space to create a physical environment that is centralized, advanced, flexible and conducive to collaborative discovery, particularly fostering clinical and translational research.”
“Augusta University is known throughout the state for providing a world-class academic and research community that positions students for opportunity and success,” she added. “We proudly serve all of Georgia, and we are excited for this year’s session and what the next 40 days will bring.”
Some of the 2026 legislative priorities for Augusta University are $4.4 million for the replacement of the fire alarm system in the Interdisciplinary Research Building on the Health Sciences Campus, the renewal of the University System of Georgia’s Strategic Reserves policy, which is set to expire on July 1, and a request for $264.83 million in USG Formal Funding.
“Augusta University is known throughout the state for providing a world-class academic and research community that positions students for opportunity and success. We proudly serve all of Georgia, and we are excited for this year’s session and what the next 40 days will bring.”
Margie Miller, vice president of Government Relations
During the session, the Government Relations team will track all activities and legislation affecting the university. For weekly updates on all legislative news, Government Relations invites those interested to subscribe to the Capitol Connection, an online newsletter that provides a legislative recap, budget updates and other details about the week at the Georgia Statehouse.
Led by Miller, the Government Relations team includes Director of Federal Government Relations Monty Philpot Brock, Director of State Government Relations Ashton Blackwood Paine and Assistant Director of State Government Relations Luke Ray.
Also, three students from Augusta University – Anna Carver, Avery Robinson and Lahari Kamabathula – have been selected for the Georgia Legislative Internship Program with the Georgia General Assembly and will receive invaluable firsthand experience of the legislative process.
The Government Relations team also has a student intern, Noah Ceyssens, who will be working with the team in Atlanta. In addition, thanks to the inaugural Jags On-Campus Internship Program, Government Relations is welcoming intern Kedesan Amanuel to its Augusta office.
Capitol Connection will follow these interns on their journey during the legislative session this semester.
For weekly updates on all legislative news, Government Relations invites readers to subscribe to Capitol Connection.
Milledge Austin
Tim Rausch
Chris Curry