Augusta, GA
Sole finalist named for Augusta University presidency
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia voted Thursday to name an internal candidate, Dr. Russell T. Keen, as the sole finalist for president of Augusta University.
Keen currently serves as executive vice president for administration and chief of staff to the president at AU, where he’s served in an executive leadership role since July 2015.
He’s set to succeed Dr. Brooks Keel, who’s retiring from the post at the end of the month.
”As a native of the Augusta area, Dr. Keen understands the challenge of maintaining AU’s momentum in the climb from good to better to best as a research university and innovator in medical higher education,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said.
A first-generation college student and a Georgia Southern graduate, Keen has worked within the university system for over 22 years.
Before joining AU, Keen spent 13 years working at Georgia Southern, where he held several administrative positions, including vice president for external affairs and vice president of governmental relations and community engagement.
He also worked as the major gifts officer at the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Georgia.
At Keel’s final State of the University address a few days ago, Keen noted how much progress the school has made in recent years.
“If you look at where we were in 2015 to where we are today,” he said. “It’s a remarkably different institution with remarkable support from the campus and the community.”
At a time when enrollment is tough for lots of universities, AU saw an increase.
In the five years before Keel arrived enrollment at AU it decreased 3% every year, Keen noted.
“And so, if you look at where we are this year, we’ve increased 27% in our enrollment over the last nine years, which is huge,” said Keen.
”Russell is an obvious choice to lead AU,” said Regent Jim Hull, chairman of the presidential search committee.
Hull said Keen has “the unique combination of experience and drive to jumpstart the university’s growth and its continued contributions to health sciences education and translational research in Georgia.”
Hull noted that AU has a unique opportunity with Wellstar Health System to improve Georgians’ clinical health care outcomes. AU Health, which previously operated the dull-service AU Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Georgia, partnered with WellStar for operation of the hospitals and associated health care network.
“Russell is the right leader to work strategically with faculty, staff, students and Wellstar to transform lives and create more opportunity to save lives and collaborate with other research universities in Georgia,” Hull said.
Keen holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an M.Ed. in higher education administration from Georgia Southern. He earned an Ed.D. in higher education management from UGA. He serves with the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Rotary Club of Augusta and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
He and his wife, Karen, have two children and live in Augusta.
Keel has helmed AU since July 2015, during which time he oversaw significant growth in enrollment and funding, and was previously president at Georgia Southern University, where he and Keen first met.
”It is an immense privilege to be considered for this position, and I’m grateful to the board and Chancellor Perdue for their confidence in me,” Keen said. “My time on campus and in Augusta has prepared me for a seamless transition into this role, and I would be honored to continue the legacy of a president I consider a mentor.”
The Board will take action on the position at a future board meeting no sooner than five days from naming a finalist.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – An Augusta arts school is offering young musicians a chance to learn instruments through a summer workshop.
The Young Winds Workshop at MelodiousOne Educational Institute entered its second day this week. Students are learning to play instruments including the French horn.
“When you learn something new, you want to keep getting to it and keep doing it and it’s so much fun,” said Isla Asmann, a workshop participant.
Workshop structure
Day one focused on music theory, including lines and spaces and whole and half notes. Day two marked the first time students handled instruments.
“Today was their first time putting instrument in hand so they have the opportunity to assemble, dissemble, learn to play their first sound and first full note,” said Shea Burns, founder of MelodiousOne Educational Institute.
Asmann chose the French horn, citing its rarity and potential benefits.
“There’s only a few people that actually do it in the world so it makes good scholarships in college,” she said.
Quintan Willis, a student at MEI who returned as a helper this summer, plays clarinet and offered advice to participants.
“Starting out you will never be good at something, but if you try constantly you will actually succeed,” Willis said.
Burns said early music education affects brain development.
“The younger they are the more they can hold and as long as they can hold an instrument their brains will be way more available to them and accessible. A lot of open thought process comes through instrument playing,” Burns said.
Asmann said she sees a decline in musicians.
“There’s not as many musicians in the world as there use to be. Back then almost everyone played an instrument and since technology has been created it’s like they are listening on their phones and not playing as much,” she said.
The workshop was made possible through a grant. MelodiousOne Educational Institute completed its first year. A recital is scheduled for Friday at 1 p.m. at MEI’s location off Aumond Road. Fall semester registration is available.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – People who live in the Haynes Station neighborhood are sharing their frustrations about a data center being built in West Augusta.
Neighbors say their concerns include a lack of transparency and communication from city leaders and the developer behind the project.
The comments come ahead of a possible pause on data center developments in Augusta. Commission leaders are expected to discuss the issue Tuesday.
One neighbor said she wants commissioners to approve a moratorium that would apply not only to future data center proposals, but also to the Eisenhower Drive data center project.
“I want to walk away with them all voting yes to a moratorium, not just for new proposed data centers, but to include the Eisenhower Data Center,” she said. “We’re saying a time frame — I don’t know, 12 to 18 months — until the policies are established on all data centers, to include the Eisenhower one.”
Neighbors say they plan to attend the commission meeting.
We will keep you updated on what comes out of the discussion.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta GreenJackets, in partnership with Destination Augusta, on Monday announced the launch of Augusta Soul, a new alternate identity celebrating the rhythm, history and cultural heartbeat of the Augusta area.
The Augusta Soul will take the field June 19 and 20 at SRP Park against the Hill City Howlers.
Augusta’s soul story can be seen and felt throughout the community, from downtown landmarks and murals to historic stages, museums, local venues and gathering places that continue to carry the city’s musical spirit forward.
The identity pays tribute to the legacy of James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, and Augusta-born powerhouse Sharon Jones, whose influence helped bring classic soul to a new generation.
“Minor League Baseball gives us a unique opportunity to tell local stories in a fun and meaningful way,” said Augusta GreenJackets General Manager Brandon Greene. “Augusta Soul honors the artists who moved the world, the places that shaped the sound and the people who continue to give this community its energy today.”
The June 19 game will include an Augusta Soul bowling shirt giveaway, presented by Destination Augusta, for the first 1,000 fans through the gates.
On June 20, fans can enjoy post-game fireworks and have the chance to bid on the game-worn and autographed Augusta Soul jerseys, with net proceeds benefiting the James Brown Academy of Musik Pupils.
Tickets for both Soul games are available now for purchase. Visit www.greenjacketsbaseball.com, call 803-349-9467 or visit the SRP Box Office at 187 Railroad Ave., North Augusta.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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