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 2021. This is the sixth consecutive year Keel has been named among the state’s top leaders as president of Augusta University.

Each year the magazine recognizes individuals who demonstrate the strongest qualities of leadership, power and influence in the state. Members of the 23rd list, which is featured in this month’s issue of the magazine, include government officials and leaders in business and education.

“I am honored to receive this distinguished recognition again during such an unprecedented year in health care and academia,” said Keel. “I also want to congratulate the University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley and presidential colleagues across the state, as well as Augusta’s very own Mayor Hardie Davis Jr., Sue Parr, Tom Clark and Jay Markwalter. Their influence is felt beyond our community into every corner of our state.”

Under Keel’s leadership, the university remained on the forefront in the fight against COVID-19 when the Dental College of Georgia used 3D printers to produce COVID-19 nasal testing swabs for use statewide. Also, enrollment jumped 3.1% despite the pandemic, including an increase in dual enrollment as high school students took college courses.

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.

Keel earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Augusta College in 1978, and a doctorate in reproductive endocrinology from the Medical College of Georgia in 1982. A graduate of both of Augusta University’s legacy institutions, Keel worked for 20 years as a professor and researcher before moving into administration. He and his wife, accomplished scientist and scholar First Lady Tammie Schalue, PhD, are both scuba diving instructors.