President Keen outlines vision, leadership changes, and strategic goals for new academic year

By Leanne Dudash| News Editor

As the new 2025 academic year begins, Augusta University is embracing the theme “We Are AU,” a message aimed at creating a stronger, more collaborative campus culture. In a recent message to faculty and staff, President Russell Keen shared updates on leadership, long-term goals, and structural changes that will impact both students and the AU community.

President Keen reaffirmed that AU is committed to innovation, student success, enrollment, and community engagement. He also highlighted an important initiative, which is the launch of a strategic planning process that will begin at the bicentennial in 2028. This process will shape the future of the University, focusing on leadership development and increasing AUs’ recognition at both the state and national levels.

Several leadership changes were also announced by President Keen.

Dr. Susan Davies, previously Executive Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs, will now serve as Interim Executive Vice President for Strategic Effectiveness and Chief of Staff. Davies has played an instrumental role in increasing our enrollment rate, exceeding student success goals.

Dr. Amy Smith, currently Associate VP for Enrollment Management, will step into Dr. Davies’s previous role as Acting Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs. She will also join the President’s Executive Cabinet.

Jack Evans, former Chief of Staff, will take on a new role as Assistant Chief Information Officer for AI Strategy and IT Governance within the Division of Information Technology.

AU is also seeking a new Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation to guide AU’s growing research initiatives. This includes the upcoming Translational Research Building. The search committee, chaired by Dr. David Hess, is actively evaluating candidates who will continue fueling AU’s growing reputation.

To improve planning and communication across departments, the university is changing how leadership meetings are held. The President’s Executive Cabinet will now dedicate more time to strategic planning while having quarterly meetings with academic and administrative leaders. This will lead to more transparency across departments.

While these changes may seem to only affect higher-level staff, they also impact students. Students can expect to see improved support services, a stronger academic reputation, and increased research opportunities.

Photo by Lydia Williams/the Bell Ringer

Contact Leanne Dudash @ldudash.augusta.edu