Augusta University president named one of Georgia’s most influential

For the ninth consecutive year, Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD, has been named to Georgia Trend’s list of “100 Most Influential Georgians” for 2023.

Each year the magazine recognizes the top 100 leaders who demonstrate the strongest leadership qualities, power and influence in the state.

“I am honored to receive this distinguished recognition because it is a testament to everything our faculty, staff and students at Augusta University are doing to continue to grow our university and make a positive impact in our community and across Georgia,” said Keel.

“I also want to congratulate USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue, Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, as well as Augusta’s own Jay Markwalter for being named to this distinguished list. Each in their own way is leaving a lasting impression throughout the state.”

Under Keel’s leadership, Augusta University awarded an all-time high 2,543 degrees in 2022, primarily in the high-demand fields of health care, education and cyber security.

Enrollment also continues to be on the rise as Augusta University saw a 2.2% increase in fall 2022, the second highest among USG institutions.

To address the university’s retention rate, a key metric of student and university success, Keel is investing in a student success infrastructure, including student success counselors and advisors and data analytics tools and professionals.

In the past year, along with the new School of Public Health and Augusta University Online, the Augusta University Literacy Center opened its doors in a new location at the HUB for Community Innovation and Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences announced plans to greatly expand its animation program.

Keel earned his bachelor’s degree from Augusta College in 1978 and his doctorate from the Medical College of Georgia in 1982. He worked for 20 years as a professor and researcher before moving into administration and has led Augusta University since 2015.