Biography

Russell T. Keen began serving as the president of Augusta University on July 1, 2024. A first-generation college student raised in Augusta, Georgia, Keen earned a Doctor of Education in higher education management from the University of Georgia. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s in higher education administration from Georgia Southern University.

Russell T. Keen, EdD
President, Augusta University

Keen’s career in higher education has spanned over 23 years within the University System of Georgia, including Georgia Southern University, the University of Georgia, and Augusta University. He began work at Georgia Southern University in 2001 as director of annual giving. While continuing to pursue higher levels of education, Keen progressively advanced in his professional roles and responsibilities in advancement and external relations. Throughout his career and across Georgia, Keen has developed a strong record of building meaningful relationships with stakeholders and securing resources for scholarships, programs, and capital projects for the benefit of the students, faculty, and staff at the institutions where he has served.

In 2015, Keen returned to his hometown to serve Augusta University as executive vice president and chief of staff to President Brooks A. Keel. His unwavering commitment to academic distinction, student success, and community engagement contributed to Augusta University’s remarkable success and laid a solid foundation for future sustained growth and impact. He also contributed significantly to the successful partnership with Wellstar Health System to form Wellstar MCG Health.

While Keen has been with the University System of Georgia for his entire student and professional career in higher education, he has deep roots in Augusta and the Central Savannah River Area. He attended Columbia County schools from kindergarten through high school, and his family has been a part of the Augusta community for generations. He brings a unique vision and appreciation for the tremendous opportunities ahead for continued partnership and engagement in the local community, our state, and beyond.

Outside of his university work, Keen serves the community as a member of several boards, including the Georgia Research Alliance Board of Trustees, Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Augusta Tomorrow, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and the Peach Belt Conference Board of Directors. Keen and his wife, Karen, have been married for 23 years and have two children, Kaleigh and Brinson, who are proudly enrolled at universities within the University System of Georgia.

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