Augusta University

Augusta University
Name	Augusta University
Established	2013 (consolidation)
Type	Public research university
Parent	University System of Georgia
President	Brooks A. Keel
City	Augusta
State	Georgia
Country	United States
Campus	Urban
Students	~9,000
Athletics	NCAA Division I – ASUN Conference
Nickname	Jaguars

Augusta University. It is a public research university and academic medical center located in Augusta, Georgia. Formed from the consolidation of Augusta State University and the Georgia Health Sciences University, it is a primary institution within the University System of Georgia. The university is renowned for its health sciences programs, research initiatives, and its role as a major economic and healthcare driver for the Central Savannah River Area.

History

The institution's modern history began in 2013 with the consolidation mandated by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, merging the former Augusta State University and Georgia Health Sciences University. Augusta State University traced its origins to the 1783 founding of the Academy of Richmond County, while Georgia Health Sciences University began as the Medical Academy of Georgia in 1828. This merger created a comprehensive university with a combined legacy spanning over two centuries. Key historical figures in its development include former University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby and longtime president Brooks A. Keel. The consolidation aimed to enhance educational offerings and strengthen the Augusta region's position in biomedical research and clinical care.

Academics

The university is organized into several colleges, including the Medical College of Georgia, the College of Nursing, the College of Allied Health Sciences, the Dental College of Georgia, and the College of Science and Mathematics. The Medical College of Georgia is one of the nation's largest medical schools and a flagship program. Augusta University offers a wide range of degrees from bachelor's to doctoral levels, with particular strength in the health professions, cybersecurity, and biological sciences. It is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" and engages in significant research partnerships with institutions like the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Security Agency. The Hull College of Business and the Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences provide comprehensive programs in their respective fields.

Campus

The main campus is situated in downtown Augusta, Georgia, along the Savannah River, with the Health Sciences Campus serving as the core for its medical and health professions education. A significant expansion is the Georgia Cyber Center, a state-of-the-art facility housing the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences. Other notable facilities include the J. Harold Harrison, M.D. Education Commons, the Reese Library, and the Maxwell Theatre. The Summerville Campus, located in the historic Summerville district, houses many of the liberal arts and sciences programs. The campus landscape features the historic Oak Grove and is integrated into the fabric of the Central Savannah River Area.

Health system

Augusta University is the primary sponsor of AU Health System, a sprawling academic medical center that includes the 478-bed Augusta University Medical Center. This system serves as the primary teaching hospital for the Medical College of Georgia and is a Level I trauma center and regional referral center. It encompasses the Georgia Cancer Center, the Children's Hospital of Georgia, and the Critical Care Center. The health system partners with other major institutions such as the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center and is a key site for clinical trials through the National Institutes of Health. Its physicians and researchers are frequently recognized by organizations like the American Heart Association.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Augusta Jaguars, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the ASUN Conference. The men's golf program has a storied history, with multiple national championships and famous alumni like Vaughn Taylor and Oliver Wilson. Other sponsored sports include basketball, baseball, softball, and cross country. The Jaguars' primary venues are Christenberry Fieldhouse for basketball and Lake Olmstead Stadium for baseball. The athletic department emphasizes the development of student-athletes within the framework of the NCAA.

Notable people

Distinguished alumni and faculty span numerous fields. In medicine and science, notable figures include pioneering surgeon Joseph W. Crookshank, former American Medical Association president John J. Coury, and National Academy of Medicine member Neal L. Weintraub. In public service, alumni include former Georgia House of Representatives Speaker David Ralston and United States Ambassador Sue K. Brown. The arts and media are represented by Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Mike Luckovich and actress Lauren Lapkus. The athletic roster features professional golfers Larry Mize and Hernán Rey, as well as former National Basketball Association player Garrett Siler.

Category:Universities and colleges in Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Medical schools in Georgia (U.S. state) Category:University System of Georgia