Augusta, GA

Russell Keen named President of Augusta University

Published

2 years ago

June 15, 2024

Russell Keen named President of Augusta University

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents announced that Dr. Russell Keen will be the next president of Augusta University, beginning July 1.

Last week, the USG Board of Regents named Keen as the sole finalist for the position. That decision was finalized today.

In a statement released by the university, Keen said his priority is to focus on Georgia’s need to provide skilled graduates to enter the workforce.

“I truly look forward to serving Augusta University as its next president,” said Keen. “I am excited to expand the focus Augusta University has had on cutting-edge research and innovation. We will prioritize elevating a culture of excellence and creating an unparalleled student experience, while promoting critical thinking and student engagement.”

Keen’s appointment comes as Dr. Brooks Keel will retire after serving as AU’s president for nine years, part of his four decades-long career in higher education.

“Russell has the experience and institutional knowledge for the job, and that will be critical as we look to increase Augusta University’s impact in Georgia and beyond,” said USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue. “I’m looking forward to watching Dr. Keen push AU toward being one of the best research universities in the nation as it continues to emphasize student success.”

Keen is a native of the Augusta area and has worked in USG over 22 years.

Augusta University’s first day of classes for the Fall 2024 semester begins Aug. 14.

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Augusta, GA

Local group holds 4th annual walk against autism

Published

8 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

Local group holds 4th annual walk against autism

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – April is Autism Awareness Month, and one local group raised awareness with a walk in Augusta on Sunday.

The fourth annual autism walk was hosted by Moving Over Mountains Against autism at Lake Olmstead Park.

All proceeds from the walk support autism awareness initiatives.

We spoke with the CEO and founder of the group, Deidre Roberson, who said this year they are dedicating the walk to their photographer, who died recently.

Roberson told us what she looks forward to the most.

“I look most forward to seeing the different people every year. We always meet different people, new people, and they come from all over the CSRA, so Washington, Wilkes, Carolina,” she said.

There were also several vendors providing resources to families.

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Augusta, GA

From Augusta roots to Nighthawks leader: Nolan Belcher comes home

Published

20 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

From Augusta roots to Nighthawks leader: Nolan Belcher comes home

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)- Augusta University baseball is in a three-game series matchup against the University of North Georgia.

AU is currently down in the series 0-2 after a close loss Friday and a loss Saturday.

But we aren’t focusing on the Jags, we’re going to take a look at North Georgia’s head coach, Nolan Belcher.

He is an Augusta native who began his career at Greenbrier and Augusta Christian.

He won three state championships, which then led him to play for the South Carolina Gamecocks.

There he won back-to-back national championships and finished runner up in 2012.

His coaching career began after that where he eventually joined the Peach belt Confrence, coaching at USCA and GCSU.

Now in his first season as head coach for the Nighthawks, he is happy to come home and coach in front of his friends and family.

“I’m very fortunate that I got family that, one is still around and they can come watch me do what I love. And, they’ve shown me, nothing but support throughout my whole coaching career and even back on my playing dates are very thankful and appreciative for everything they’ve done for me.”

AU and UNG will have their final series match on Sunday.

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