President Keel announces major milestones during final university address

In his final State of the University Address, Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD, continued to highlight the growth of the university as student enrollment has eclipsed the 10,000-student mark, the continued work toward a top 60 National Institutes of Health ranking and major infrastructure additions across the university.

One of the major accomplishments during the past year was the consummated partnership between Augusta University Health System and Wellstar. Keel reminded the audience talks actually started between the two partners prior to COVID.

“This is a true partnership, and it’s going to be absolutely phenomenal for the Medical College of Georgia,” said Keel. “It’s not just MCG; the entire university is going to be impacted in a positive way.”

Keel also discussed how the university is advancing toward a top 60 NIH ranking for MCG. He touted that the college is now ranked 68^th and credits all the researchers and others in supporting roles for leading the university in the right direction.  

“I think the future looks really, really good for our funding at MCG and the other great research that we do,” said Keel. 

Part of the overall Augusta University strategic plan has been reaching 16,000 students by 2030. Keel mentioned that colleagues around the University System of Georgia scoffed at the notion initially but said “they’re not laughing anymore,” with the incredible increase in the student enrollment to over 10,000 students.

AU has shown a nearly 27% increase in enrollment since 2015. Keel said only two schools in USG have seen more growth than Augusta University during his tenure as president. He added that the number of students from outside the Augusta area also has continued to increase.

“Our enrollment for next fall looks to be higher than we had in the fall, and there doesn’t appear to be an end in sight. That, to me, is exciting,” said Keel.

Along with the stellar enrollment growth, the number of academic programs has been on the rise and is now at 168, which includes the just approved Bachelor of Science in Data Sciences in the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences. Overall, there has been a 35% increase in academic programs since 2015.

From the official launch of Augusta University Online, the unveiling of the School of Public Health and the completion of research labs on the fourth floor of the Science and Mathematics Building, to the dual enrollment program with the Columbia County School District and the start of construction of the new parking deck on the Health Sciences Campus, the university achieved several major expansions in the past year.  

As he has throughout his tenure as president, Keel recognized and gave credit to the university’s faculty and staff, no matter their roles or areas of expertise, for the success Augusta University has experienced over the last nine years. He’s looking forward to the new president continuing that success.

“There’s so much momentum that has already been built,” Keel said. “I can’t wait to see the next president come in and be able to take advantage of that momentum and then carry it to the next level.”