Maggy Tomova, PhD, named executive vice president for academic affairs and provost of Augusta University

After an extensive national search, Augusta University President Russell T. Keen has announced that Maggy Tomova, PhD, will join AU as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, effective July 1. Tomova currently serves as dean of the College of Sciences and vice provost for Strategic Initiatives at the University of Central Florida.

“Dr. Tomova is a transformative leader who has a track record of success in many of our strategic areas of focus at Augusta University,” Keen said. “Dr. Tomova’s appointment underscores my commitment to advancing data-informed leadership strategies that will strengthen academic affairs, elevate our standards for the student, faculty, staff and stakeholder experience and secure funding for scholarships, research and facilities.”

Tomova spearheaded efforts to surpass the university’s 60% four-year graduation rate target, achieving a remarkable increase from 54% in 2023 to 62% in the 2024-25 academic year. As dean of the College of Sciences, she oversees 16,000 students across disciplines ranging from physics to film. Under her guidance, the college has seen four-year graduation rates improve from 54% to nearly 70% since 2021. At the same time, research expenditures nearly doubled, growing from $18 million to $33 million – reflecting a dynamic expansion of the college’s research enterprise.

UCF is a Carnegie Classified Research 1: Very High Spending and Doctorate Production university with over $229 million in sponsored research funding, five new Fulbright Scholars and is a top 25 university in the nation for producing patents. With nearly 70,000 students, UCF has achieved the Carnegie Community Engagement classification.

Tomova earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and biochemistry from California Lutheran University, a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a PhD in mathematics at the University of California-Santa Barbara.

“I would like to thank Dr. Susan Davies, and the entire search committee, the AU Human Resources team, Interim Chief Academic Officer for the University System of Georgia Dr. Costas Spirou, and all the faculty, staff, students and stakeholders who participated in the search process,” Keen said. “Additionally, I am grateful for Scott Watson, Michael Ballew and their team at Anthem Executive Search for their diligence, professionalism and partnership during this process. Finally, I want to thank Dr. Jennifer Sullivan, dean of The Graduate School, for her leadership, service and continued dedication to Augusta University. Dr. Sullivan will continue serving as the interim provost until July 1.”