Augusta University Opens Fall 2026 Semester With Focus on Leadership and Institutional Growth

Augusta University began its fall 2026 semester Monday. President Russell T. Keen and First Lady Karen B. Keen brought together students, faculty, staff, and neighbors at the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre on Walton Way. The 2 p.m. gathering launched the 2026-27 academic year.

Attendees enjoyed refreshments. The program centered on raising the school's profile, and Keen wanted to show what's happening at the institution to people both inside and outside its walls.

"What we've realized is it's time to amplify the profile of this institution, ignite the light — show not only folks that work here day in and day out all the wonderful things that are happening at Augusta University, but then let that reverberate throughout our community, our state, and beyond," Keen said, per WRDW.

Over 250 new faculty members and 650 new staff joined this year. Keen said the in-person event mattered because it helped build connections across the growing institution.

"It's important to have those moments of connectivity, the personal engagement," said Keen. "We talk about setting a culture of leadership excellence, a culture of collegiality, a culture of engagement, innovation, and this spirit that you could only define as AU."

Russell T. Keen grew up in Augusta. He said the community's support keeps him going. During his remarks about the academic year ahead, he brought up the school's motto.

"I'm incredibly honored to be serving as president of Augusta University, having grown up in this community," he said. "The four words in our motto — it can be done — and the next words, ' I can do it, and making sure that everyone leaves here today with that mentality is where we're going to start."