Last week, Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD, embarked on his first President’s Summer Tour since 2019, visiting the Savannah and Brunswick areas.

During his weeklong visit, Keel met with local and regional leaders and alumni, as well as current and future students, to discuss ways that Augusta University and the Medical College of Georgia can better ensure a successful future for not only our students, but all Georgians.

Keel’s whirlwind week — which included numerous events involving students and alumni — began July 18 at the Savannah Rotary Club. Keel, who was joined by fourth-year medical students Krishna Shah and John Henriquez, who attend Augusta University’s Southeast Campus, addressed the physician and nursing shortage in the state, particularly in rural areas of Georgia. He also discussed solutions that Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia has created to address these issues, including the MCG 3+ program and multiple campuses in 350 urban and rural sites across the state.

Keel also discussed how the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences continues to expand to fill the growing need for cyber experts, including 22,000 cybersecurity job openings in Georgia alone.

Keel also went on the Savannah Morning News’ podcast, The Commute, to talk about the growth of Augusta University, the new regional campuses, and his love of college sports.