President Keel invests in student success initiatives and challenges the status quo

Expectations for change were outlined at the spring 2022 academic leadership meeting Feb. 23. Provost Neil MacKinnon hosted leaders from across the university to discuss the full picture of enrollment at Augusta University.

“Enrollment is what drives this university in so many ways. But enrollment is not just about getting them here,” said Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD. “It is about keeping them here, and retention is everyone’s job.”

While Augusta University’s enrollment has increased each year since 2015 and is only one of five universities in the University System of Georgia to see an increase, retention rates are less than ideal. The university’s current retention rate is around 70% with a target to increase the rate to 80% or more in five years. Leaders were charged to reignite their commitment to student retention and success.

“We are truly talking about a culture change,” said MacKinnon. “We must support and resource our faculty to be better teachers of better learners.”

Attendees were asked to identify and design strategies aimed at increasing student success. The executive leadership is committed to hearing solutions and resourcing appropriately to create sustainable success and inform the ongoing strategic enrollment management planning effort.

The president has taken the first critical step to challenge the status quo. Using the presidential allocation fund, the university is investing in a student success infrastructure composed of full-time student success counselors, advisors, data analytics professionals and tools.

“By investing in the people, data and tools, we will be better equipped to address the challenges we face,” said MacKinnon.

Guest speaker Dr. Timothy M. Renick, executive director at the National Institute for Student Success at Georgia State University, echoed the need for change.

“The answer is not a single program. It is transformative thinking that changes the way you serve all of your students,” said Renick.

Different ideas and approaches discussed include live job lists, connecting classroom to career, finding the right fit sooner and making a commitment to closing equity gaps.

“The president’s investment is an exciting first step, but we have much work to do. I look forward to working with academic leaders across the institution to find solutions and ensure Augusta University is a place where students can and will succeed,” said MacKinnon.