Augusta University unveils Dr. Gretchen B. Caughman Student Welcome Center 

Augusta University unveiled the Dr. Gretchen B. Caughman Student Welcome Center, located within the Student Center on the Health Sciences Campus, which will serve as the primary greeting space for prospective students. Managed by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, daily information sessions will be held in this new, state-of-the-art space, offering students and their families a holistic introduction to campus life. 

“The center will give student ambassadors the space to welcome prospective students and their families in a way that reflects who we are,” said AU President Russell T. Keen. “It will help the next generation of Jaguars imagine themselves here, see what’s possible and begin their own journey of changing lives and saving lives. Every single student we welcome represents future talent, future leadership and future impact for our state and beyond.” 

Previously housed in the historic Benet House on the Summerville Campus, which has served many purposes throughout its time, including the Commandant’s House of the Augusta Arsenal, the new Student Welcome Center includes office space for staff and will function as a hub for the 1828 Ambassadors.  

Krisha Patel, an fourth-year business administration and honors student who serves as the vice president of membership and recruitment, attended the grand opening on behalf of the 1828 Ambassadors. Having been part of the admissions team since her second year, she has witnessed the program’s growth and expansion, which has at times exceeded the limited space in Benet House. 

“The work that we do in 1828 fills me with pride, and I feel honored each time to represent the university at this level,” said Patel. “The new resources in the welcome center will allow for an elevated tour experience, and the space now matches the life-changing opportunities Augusta University provides.” 

A moment long in the making, the vision for the center began in 2019 under the leadership of Provost Emerita Gretchen Caughman, PhD, whose efforts shaped Augusta University through a period of transformational growth by expanding opportunities, strengthening academic programs and investing in students.  

The project spanned multiple phases of planning and leadership, with former president Brooks Keel, PhD, championing the vision and President Keen bringing it to completion.  

“It is my distinct privilege not only to serve in this role as president, but also to be part of moments like this,” said Keen. “Oftentimes, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and I know this was a passion of my predecessor, Dr. Keel. For two years, we asked, ‘When is this going to happen?’ but we had people working tirelessly around the clock to make this day special. Some have retired while others have taken up the mantle, and that’s the spirit of Augusta University.”

Throughout the years, Caughman’s support and dedication have never wavered. Her innovative leadership helped guide the university through some of its most transformative milestones. Over a 35-year career at Augusta University and its predecessor institutions, she served as a steady force through periods of significant growth and change. Her roles include serving as dean of the School of Graduate Studies, interim president and executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, reflecting a career defined by leadership and service. 

At the grand opening, Caughman expressed her sincere gratitude for the behind-the-scenes work and dedication required to bring this vision to life.  

“This has truly been a pet project of mine, something I believed in, as others did, from the get-go, especially at consolidation, that this was a facility the university needed so much in order to show those who come to us what this could be and that this could be a place to spend the next few years,” said Caughman. “The saying is that you only get one chance to make that first impression, and this is going to make a wonderful one.” 

The ceremony also acknowledged the many individuals and teams who contributed to the project, from university leadership and facilities staff to external partners, reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing the campus visit experience. Ron Booth, vice president of Facilities, is one such contributor who played a role in creating a thoughtful space design.  

“I’m very proud of the project team for transforming an area of the building that has had many uses into a space that feels like it has always been used as a student welcome center,” said Booth. “It meets all the needs that new families have in one central location as well as being the perfect starting point for touring the university’s campuses.” 

He explains that a building’s physical environment plays a vital role in a prospective student’s college decision, as it should present a safe and welcoming space that reflects their future at AU. 

Overall, the Dr. Gretchen B. Caughman Student Welcome Center grand opening was a reflection of the university’s continued investment in student success and experience, inviting new Jaguars to experience a life-changing, life-saving education. 

Prospective Jaguars can learn more about Augusta University by visiting the Office of Undergraduate Admissions webpage and scheduling a visit at the new Student Welcome Center.