Early admits at local high schools surprised with AU acceptance letters

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year for many high school seniors who got a head start on applying and being accepted into Augusta University for the fall 2026 semester. 

Out of almost 2,200 students who were accepted through early action admission, 217 were from schools in the CSRA. Columbia County had the most admits with 122, and Richmond County was next with 50. 

To celebrate their hard work and invite them to be future Jaguars, Augusta University President Russell T. Keen and First Lady Karen B. Keen, accompanied by staff from the Office of Admissions, recently surprised early admits at three Columbia and Richmond County schools with their acceptance letters and welcome packets. Augustus even made an appearance – driving up excitement and making the day even more memorable. 

The day started at Greenbrier High School with a ceremony honoring 35 admits, then the team went on to Lakeside High School to surprise its 46 admits. 

“We have students from around the country and some from around the world, and they come here to AU to make us better. We also know there are acres and acres of diamonds right here in our own community, and that’s why we’re here today telling each of you that you have been accepted early into Augusta University,” President Keen said to the Lakeside students. “You are the diamonds that can come to our campus and make it better. You are some of the very few that were chosen for early admission, and I extend my congratulations to each of you.” 

As a Lakeside alumnus, President Keen bonded with the admits and shared his experience attending their school, while providing a sense of familiarity as he welcomed them to AU’s class of 2030. 

“As a first-generation college student, there were a lot of folks who poured into me from this school,” he said. “It’s amazing to see the circle of education, and just as educators pour into you all at Lakeside High School, the same will happen at Augusta University.” 

When considering applying early to AU, a few factors went into Dejon Odom’s decision-making process: peace of mind, a renowned degree program and his mother being an alumna. 

“I audibly gasped and was very excited when I realized this was why we were being pulled out of class today,” said the Lakeside senior. “My mom went to AU, and she had only good experiences there, so it’s definitely a school I want to go to to pursue a career in information technology.” 

The final stop on the ceremony tour was John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, where the team honored 17 students, including four from A.R. Johnson Magnet School and four from the Academy of Richmond County. 

Proud parents and family members were there supporting their students and celebrating their accomplishment. 

“Jayla has been a straight-A student since kindergarten, so she has definitely been excelling in academics all her life, and I just know that she’s going to continue to strive and do the best that she can,” said Sheila Canady, the grandmother of admit Jayla Allen. 

Augusta University is one of Allen’s top-choice schools, and she already has a few ideas in mind about what she wants to major in. 

“I’m thinking about psychology or something to do with cosmology or physics,” she explained. “I was shocked when they brought us down here today. I was hoping I would get in, and it was really exciting.” 

After the ceremonies, President Keen left the elated and bright-eyed admits with a promising message: “I hope to have the opportunity to shake your hands again and congratulate you, personally, in three years, four years or six years, depending on whatever road you take to change the world. I hope to do the same thing at commencement that I’m doing here with you all today – the sky is the limit for what you can achieve.”