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.

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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WASHINGTON – In an effort to reduce juvenile crime, the nation’s capital is enforcing a youth summer curfew for July and August. 

The city has identified seven focus areas where young people are frequently involved in crimes such as carjackings and robberies. The goal of the curfew is to keep kids out of trouble.

Kids under the age of 17 are not allowed to be out between 12:01 a.m. and 6 a.m., seven days a week.

“I think it’ll make a change,” said Jawanna Hardy, founder of Guns Down Friday, a non-profit in the District providing mentorship and resources for young men who have witnessed or experienced violence. “Every child’s story is different, every situation is different. Not all kids are out there causing trouble.”

The Juvenile Curfew Enforcement Pilot began in September 2023. 

Since then, officers have taken 69 minors to the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services for curfew violations. Of those, 45 were released to a parent or guardian.

“Instead of sending them home, a lot of them … There’s a reason they don’t want to be in their home,” Hardy said. “I’ve been in a lot of homes where kids do not want to be there… so sending them home… Find out what’s going on in their home, why does that kid not want to be home?”

Penalties for curfew violations include up to 25 hours of community service for the child. 

Parents or guardians could face a fine of up to $500 or be required to perform community service.

Hardy believes more needs to be done to support youth. 

“What activities, what services are we providing for these kids as an alternative to being on the streets?” she asked.

Families looking to keep their children engaged while they’re out of school can visit summer.dc.gov for activities to keep them positively involved.

AUSTIN, Texas – The Austin Police Department is investigating after a person was found dead in South Austin.

Austin police said on Monday, July 1, around 5:30 p.m., officers were called to investigate a homicide at an apartment complex in the 6700 block of Windrift Way.

When officers arrived, they found a victim who had penetrating injuries. The victim was pronounced dead on scene.

A person of interest and witnesses are being interviewed by detectives.

Police said this is believed to be an isolated incident.

This is a developing story, refresh for the latest updates