AU students reflect on memorable day with state lawmakers

There is a wave of momentum surrounding Augusta University right now, and it is palpable. If AU Capitol Day is any indication, that forward progress isn’t slowing down any time soon. 

Excitement was in the air on the bus to Atlanta in the early morning hours of Feb. 26, as faculty, staff and students traveled west together, and it followed the AU contingent throughout the entire day at the Georgia State Capitol.  

Augusta University President Russell T. Keen and First Lady Karen Keen greeted the 32 students as they arrived outside the Capitol, ready for a day under the Gold Dome. The first stop inside was a breakfast with a mix of policymakers and city and university leaders mingling with the students. 

“AU Capitol Day serves as a testament to the strong partnership between Augusta University and our state legislators, as we collaborate to create a lasting impact through education, research and health care, working toward a healthier and stronger Georgia,” said President Keen. “Karen and I were excited to join our AU students, Foundation trustees and alumni under the Gold Dome. I am grateful to the members of the legislature for their ongoing advocacy and support of Augusta University and appreciate their engagement with our students.” 

AU deans and organization leaders selected outstanding students to represent Augusta University in Atlanta for the annual tradition, which gives students an inside look at the legislative process in Georgia. Students had the unique opportunity to interact with members of the local delegation, and many out-of-town students were able to meet their representatives, as well.  

Jherrica Childers, who is active-duty military and pursuing her Master of Public Administration degree, was looking forward to Capitol Day to gain firsthand insight into the legislative process and bring to life her classroom lessons about policy development and implementation. She served as a voice for students, veterans and future public service leaders.  

“I felt well received from everyone I spoke with. From the president to the other students and the representatives we were able to meet, it just seemed like everyone loved AU,” said Childers, who felt, what she calls, an overwhelming sense of pride about the experience. “They’re very supportive of AU, and they were very quick to tell us any initiatives they were working on and that they support us and higher education.” 

Making connections

Karthik Arora, a third-year undergraduate neuroscience major whose father is a faculty member at the Medical College of Georgia, plans to apply to medical school. He shared details from a breakfast conversation he had with Phillip Coule, MD, the chief medical officer of Wellstar MCG Health, about HB 67, which includes $99.8 million for a new translational research building on Augusta University’s Health Sciences Campus, and how it could impact the future for students at MCG.  

“Dr. Coule was very approachable and patiently explained the intricacies of the bill and its possible effect on Georgia’s health care providers,” said Arora. 

Much of the excitement around Capitol Day centered around HB 67, with the bill being discussed on the Senate floor during Capitol Day and many students in the observation gallery as the budget was adopted. 

John Blalock, an undergraduate student double majoring in political science and cellular biology and considering both law and medical school, accompanied State Sen. Max Burns, R-Sylvania, and fellow AU students on the Senate floor during the budget vote. Blalock’s father trained at the Dental College of Georgia, and his mom previously worked for Burns in Washington, D.C. The Georgia lawmaker and Blalock reminisced and discussed Blalock’s plans for the future.  

“Meeting Sen. Burns was definitely a highlight. The personal connection with my mom made it special. Walking those historic halls and talking with the people who make our state’s laws really showed me how policies affect everything from our classrooms to our hospitals,” Blalock marveled. “After Capitol Day, I’m more certain than ever that I want to be a part of this process someday – bringing both medical and policy knowledge to the table to help tackle big challenges facing Georgia. Seeing health care policy debated by people who really care about these issues made me realize I don’t have to choose between my interests – they can actually strengthen each other.”

Elizabeth Gray, MD, campus dean of MCG’s Savannah Campus, was recognized on the Senate floor as “Doctor of the Day.” Gray had two medical students with her and was gratified by their conversations with legislators. 

“We were able to discuss with lawmakers the importance of a strong physician workforce in the state,” Gray said. “We were excited to hear personal stories from state representatives and state senators about how MCG has made a difference in their communities.” 

 Ilene Modaresi also went on to the Senate floor with Burns. The sophomore undergraduate political science major and member of the AU dance team represented AU’s student-athletes. Modaresi plans to attend law school after graduation and enjoyed seeing lawmakers debate and question one another as they made the case for their respective bills.  

The metro-Atlanta native was able to spend a few minutes with her dad, who works near the Capitol. The two visited while Modaresi was waiting to meet the state senator from the 7th District, Nabilah Islam Parkes, D-Duluth. Parkes is the youngest woman ever elected to the Georgia State Senate.

“I really took inspiration from her because I’m also a woman from the same district,” Modaresi said. “My dad told me she was the first woman of color to represent our district, so I felt very connected to her the moment I saw her. She went to a high school that was 10 minutes from my high school. I felt like we had a lot in common and seeing her really inspired me to want to dive deeper into politics.” 

Modaresi also introduced her father to the Keens and shared that it was a great chance for her to show her family why she loves AU. 

“He was so excited. He was hitting it off with President Keen,” she said. “They became buddies instantly. It felt good to show my dad the things that I’m doing. I tell my family about everything, of course, but it’s cool for them to see it happening in-person. Because all I want to do is make them proud.” 

Keen also spent time with local Augusta leaders visiting the Capitol for Greater Augusta Day. Members of the local chambers were in attendance advocating on behalf of the economic interests of the CSRA. He spoke to the group about the impact of research dollars earmarked for Augusta University on the entire community. 

“It matters for us because we can attract the best clinicians. They’re attracted to the best and most current research and innovation,” Keen said. “In 2014, we averaged just $39 million in funding from NIH. Along with MCG Dean Dr. David Hess, over the course of 10 years we’ve been systematically trying to recruit researchers to Augusta, and our research dollars have grown from $39 million to over $72 million. That’s huge for our local economy. For every $1 spent on NIH funding, the NIH estimates $2.46 goes back into the local economy.” 

A highlight of the day was when Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp joined the 
Keens, local delegates, foundation trustees, alumni, students, faculty and staff on the iconic Capitol steps for a group photo. The image is a lasting reminder of the experience that reinforces AU’s collective commitment to the state’s investment in research, education and the strengthening of the future of health care in Georgia. 

Lasting impressions

One of the key takeaways shared by students was a desire to get involved with politics and make their voices heard early on in their careers. They said getting a behind-the-scenes look into the 40-day session proved to them that the voices of constituents truly matter.   

College of Nursing student Asia Carter described Capitol Day as an eye-opening experience for her. 

“I didn’t realize how involved the general public can be, or how doctors and nurses can work with legislators,” said Carter, a Waynesboro native. 

Carter wants to be a resource for representatives by serving as an advocate for her future patients. She said something Coule mentioned during lunch will stick with her.

“He said, ‘Don’t wait for something bad to happen to speak up. Be an advocate for every single patient,’” Carter said. “I’m speaking as a nurse, because that’s one of the things we do, we advocate for our patients. You can advocate not only for them in the hospital, but also through participating in something like Capitol Day, in Atlanta, where policy is shaped.” 

Abi Chatham, a first-year dental student at DCG, served as an intern at the Capitol before beginning dental school. 

“It means so much to be a part of this Capitol Day with Augusta University. We got the opportunity to meet with legislators who will impact our future careers,” said Chatham, who was able to see her mom who works at the Capitol as a lobbyist and connect with some of her colleagues. “It’s so important to make relationships and learn about this process so we can one day hopefully make meaningful contributions to the overall health of our communities in Georgia.”