Augusta University president named one of Georgia’s most influential

Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD, has been named to Georgia Trend’s list of “100 Most Influential Georgians” for 2019.

Each year the magazine recognizes individuals who demonstrate the strongest qualities of leadership, power and influence in the state. Members of the 19th list, which is featured in this month’s issue of the magazine, include government officials and leaders in business and education.

“I’m honored to be in great company with such an esteemed group of individuals,” Keel said. “I also want to congratulate University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley and presidential colleagues across the state, as well as Augusta’s very own Mayor Hardie Davis Jr., Tom Clark and Jay Markwalter. Their influence is felt beyond our community into every corner of our state.”

Keel was recognized for being instrumental in the development of three new cyber bachelor degrees that support the growing cybersecurity industry in Augusta.

Before being named president of Augusta University in 2015, Keel was the 12th president of Georgia Southern University. Under his leadership, Augusta University enrollment climbed to record numbers at over 9,000 students, the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences was founded, residence halls were built, a new College of Science and Mathematics building is under construction and an accelerated medical degree was introduced and approved by the Board of Regents.

Keel is a member of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Society for Gynecologic Investigation. Among the boards he has served are the American Board of Bioanalysis, the American Association of Bioanalysts Board of Registry, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, the Southeastern Universities Research Association, the Executive Committee of the Council on Research Policy and Graduate Education of APLU.