Augusta, GA

‘Education can change your life’: New AU chief shares vision

Published

2 years ago

July 2, 2024

‘Education can change your life’: New AU chief shares vision

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Monday marked the start of a new era at Augusta University: It was Dr. Russell Keen’s first day as president.

Longtime President Dr. Brooks Keel retired last week, and Keen, an internal candidate to be his successor, has taken over.

Keen is no stranger to the area. He is a graduate of Lakeside High School. He received a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Georgia Southern University and a Doctor of Higher Education from the University of Georgia.

Keen has more than 20 years in higher education.

Prior to becoming AU’s president, Keen served as executive vice president of administration and chief of staff to the president.

Out of all the job candidates that applied for the role, regents say Keen’s knowledge of Augusta University and the community really made him stand out.

We sat down with Keen to talk about his plans for the university.

“We have some of the most productive research faculty in the country for our size. The only limiting factor we have is space and infrastructure,” said Keen.

He says creating more space is a top priority.

“We need new infrastructure, new space for researchers to really go through and tackle disease and break some of the chains of cardiovascular disease, cancer, brain health,” said Keen.

The goal is to make AU the top university for research in the country.

“We want to grow our enrollment at Augusta University. We want to continue to provide programs that are competitive, and that will meet the workforce challenges that we have in the state and beyond,” he said. “Our goals are to enhance and increase our research. We want to be one of the top 60, then top 50, 40 30, 20, 10 five and one. That’s our goal.”

Above all, Keen wants everyone on campus to feel a sense of place — starting now.

In his first few hours on the job, Keen spoke with first-generation college students.

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He says he wants them to see that having an education can make positive contributions to the community.

“If you’re a first-generation college student, and you’re trying to figure it out, you might hear voices in your own head or from other people saying you can’t do it and it doesn’t matter. But I’m living proof that an education can change your life. And that education can contribute to the community and the state of humanity,” said Keen.

Keen says he wants to really emphasize community engagement while president.

He says he wants the community to connect with the university that bears the same name.

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

5 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

17 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

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Augusta, GA

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

Published

1 day ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new gourmet popcorn shop has opened on Broad Street, bringing a Chicago-style twist to downtown Augusta.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts, located at 716 Broad Street next to the Miller Theater, opened late last year. Owner Sheila Jones moved to Augusta from Chicago, where she said gourmet popcorn has a strong following.

“I’m from Chicago where gourmet popcorn is kind of a big deal,” Jones said.

Specialty flavors made in house

The shop offers specialty flavors including caramel, strawberry drizzle, peppermint, Oreo, green apple, and peanut butter — all made in house. Jones said the experience starts before customers even reach the counter.

“The smell is part of the experience. Green apple, strawberry, strawberry drizzle with chocolate. We have a new peanut butter flavor I just did,” Jones said.

A business built for family

Jones said her move to Augusta and her decision to open the business were driven by her son, who is on the autism spectrum. She said she believed he would be more comfortable in Augusta and wanted to build something that would benefit him long-term.

“I wanted him to have something when he gets older. He has a job already if he wants one. He already has a business,” Jones said.

Jones said starting the business has been harder than she expected. She handles most operations herself, with some help from family. She said the purpose behind the shop keeps her motivated.

“Coming into this every day is fulfilling because I built it. I’m building it and I just wanna see how high we’ll go,” Jones said.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop is also holding a pop-up Saturday at noon on Gordon Highway.

Here’s a link to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584084467886#

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