President and First Lady Keen mark year of progress and community at AU

July 1 marks the one-year anniversary of Augusta University President Russell T. Keen and First Lady Karen B. Keen stepping into their new roles. It was a year marked by tremendous growth, a renewed commitment to research, student success and service, and a sense of steadfast resilience that have the Keens energized and ready for year two.

During the 2024-25 academic year, there was much to celebrate – a year of record enrollment, over 3,200 degrees conferred, the completion of a new parking deck and $99 million in state funding, as well as nearly $30 million in other funding secured for a new translational research building – but it was also not without its tests as Hurricane Helene left an impact on the university and CSRA that is still being felt nearly a year later.

But it was the high moments – interacting with students on a daily basis, experiencing white coat ceremonies and a stethoscope ceremony, attending the first-ever athletics hall of fame banquet and hosting the ribbon-cutting for the new parking deck, just to name a few – as well as a sense of a fresh start that allowed the Keens to truly get to know the people on each of AU’s campuses, that have energized them.

“When I think back over the last year, it is a bit of a whirlwind, but it’s also been a year of real progress. From historic funding for research to record enrollment, we’ve seen the impact of what can happen when people rally around a shared vision,” President Keen said. “It’s been really energizing, and it’s a great privilege and opportunity to serve this institution, this community and our state in these roles.”

One of the first and long-lasting initiatives for the Keens was touring many of the departments and units across the university and getting to know the faculty, staff and students who comprise the institution from top to bottom. From their very first week, the Keens have made a point of touring areas they were already familiar with and those they wanted to learn more about, noting that every interaction is a reflection of AU’s culture. And it’s a culture that begins at the top with them.

“We’re trying to improve every interaction — with students, faculty, staff and visitors,” said President Keen. “It starts with showing up, listening and understanding the people who make this university what it is.”

Creating that culture of respect and recognition has remained central to the Keens’ leadership style.

“It’s important that everyone here — from faculty and researchers to facilities staff and student assistants — knows they matter,” said President Keen. “We want this to be a place where people are proud to stay.”

Those interactions led the Keens to meet numerous student groups who truly embrace what AU is about – changing and saving lives in Augusta, Georgia, and beyond.

“The best parts of this year have been the interactions with our students,” said First Lady Keen. “We’ve gotten to know many of them personally, and it’s helped us better understand what makes this place special.”

Early on, the Keens were impressed by a group of occupational therapy students they met during one of their tours. The very next day, while touring the Creative Technology Lab located in the Robert B. Greenblatt, M.D. Library, that same group was present working on assistive tools for patients.

“These students weren’t just completing a project,” President Keen said of the work by the students. “They were giving someone dignity. That’s the heart of what we do here at AU.”

Throughout his first year, President Keen’s primary focus was on reestablishing AU’s commitment to three key areas: research, student success and community engagement. Alongside securing funding for the new translational research facility, the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University rose to No. 64 in the Blue Ridge rankings, reflecting significant increases in funding from the National Institutes of Health, and numerous researchers were awarded large grants to continue the important work happening across disciplines at AU.

He also emphasized the university’s efforts to enhance the student experience, providing them with all of the necessary tools for success beyond the classroom, particularly those teaching foundational courses that serve students from all disciplines.

“Our deans are doing a great job continuing to develop their faculty and to really think through what the next iteration of degree programs are going to be like for this workforce, not only for the present time, but also into the future,” he said.

Additionally, President Keen highlighted the university’s ongoing pursuit of Carnegie Classification for community engagement, which involved introducing new academic programs and forging innovative partnerships across the city.

“We’re not chasing labels; we’re chasing impact,” he said. “The work we do has to matter to the people we serve and to those we hope to reach. We really have made great strides in the face of adversity throughout the year, and this community has opened its arms to this institution, and there truly is a feeling that something really special is in the works for Augusta University in our community.”

While the Keens were noticeably present around campus, the whirlwind year also saw them advocating for AU with key stakeholders, lawmakers, corporate and community partners and alumni across the state. One of the most notable of those trips was Augusta University’s annual AU Capitol Day.

“I’ve been around at Capitol for a long time, and there was a different feel and vibe to it,” President Keen said. “The interactions that we had with our elected officials, with the chancellor, our trustees of the foundations were really meaningful and impactful. There was a genuine excitement as our students got to learn a little bit about the process, and we had the opportunity to continue to advocate for our research building and all things Augusta University. There was a genuine sense of enthusiasm and excitement about the institution.”

And while it was a busy year, the Keens noted that with every interaction, they found themselves re-energized and ready to continue on.

“It’s the kind of busy that gives you energy,” said First Lady Keen. “Every visit, every conversation just builds your passion for this place.”

“Just when you think you’re tired, you meet with a student or a researcher, and you’re reminded why this matters,” President Keen said. “We’re this close to cures. We’re this close to breakthroughs. That’s what drives us.”

And they have leaned on each other throughout the first year. On numerous occasions, President Keen has been quick to note how First Lady Keen is by his side in every decision, through the tough times that Hurricane Helene presented, as well as the fun times at sporting events and student life and engagement functions.

“One of the great joys of my life has been having Karen by my side,” said President Keen. “She brings a joyful spirit to this role and has been embraced by the AU community in such a meaningful way.”

Looking ahead to year two, the Keens are focused on building on the strong foundation they’ve helped create. With new leadership appointments and a strategic planning process underway, President Keen emphasized a continued focus on data-driven growth, leadership development and deeper community partnerships.

“We’re going to keep telling our story and finding new champions who can help us tell it in rooms we may not be in,” he said. “The partnership with Wellstar is a big part of that, and we’re looking at how that can expand across disciplines and across the state.”

Together, the Keens are united in their belief that the best is yet to come.

“We’re planning with intention,” President Keen said. “We know we can’t do it alone, but with this community behind us, the future for Augusta University is incredibly bright.”