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Augusta University
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Augusta University (AU) is a public research university and academic medical center in Augusta, Georgia, United States. It is part of the University System of Georgia and has satellite medical campuses in Savannah, Albany, Rome, and Athens, Georgia. It employs over 15,000 people, has more than 56,000 alumni,[13] and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Key Information
History
[edit]Augusta University was officially formed January 8, 2013, from the consolidation of Augusta State University and Georgia Health Sciences University in Augusta, Georgia by order of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. Georgia Health Sciences University was chartered in 1828, upon the request of Milton Antony and Joseph Adams Eve, by the state of Georgia as the Medical Academy of Georgia to offer a single course of lectures leading to a bachelor's degree.[14] Augusta State University traces its roots to 1783, when the Academy of Richmond County was founded as a high school. It opened in 1785 and offered collegiate-level classes from its earliest days, and its classes were overseen by the Georgia General Assembly.
Campus
[edit]Augusta University's main campus in Augusta, Georgia, encompasses more than 200 acres and has four local campuses. It is made up of the former campuses between Augusta State University and Georgia Health Sciences University, with additions from the University System of Georgia Board of Regents.[15]
Health Sciences
[edit]The medical college of the university, its oldest and founding college, began as the Medical Academy of Georgia in 1828, moving into the now historic Old Medical College Building in 1835. The present Health Sciences campus was formed in 1913 as the college moved to the Newton building and expanded from there, with the Dugas Building in 1937 marking the earliest building currently on the campus. The first clinical facility opened as the Eugene Talmadge Memorial Hospital in 1956.[16]

Located in Augusta's Medical District, the Health Sciences campus features all medical programs of the university, as well as the Health Sciences Building, Interdisciplinary Research Building, Wellness Center, Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, The Dental College of Georgia, and the College of Science and Mathematics.
The Health Sciences campus also contains the Augusta University Medical Center, the Children's Hospital of Georgia, and Augusta University's two residence halls, Oak Hall and Elm Hall, which opened in Fall 2016.
Summerville
[edit]
The Summerville campus was originally used as a United States Army arsenal, established in downtown Augusta in 1816 and relocated to the campus in 1827. By the turn of the twentieth century, the arsenal's prominence waned, beginning with the Spanish–American War in that the arsenal produced manufacturing equipment, seacoast targets, and was a repair station. In World War I, the station repaired rifles and small arms, but produced ordnance material and fire control operations for World War II.[17]
In 1955, the arsenal was closed, and two years later the land was given to the local Board of Education, which used it to open the Junior College of Augusta. In 1958, the name changed to Augusta College, and in 1996 to Augusta State University.

Located on Walton Way, the Summerville campus houses many of the undergraduate programs and the Jaguar Student Activities Center. The Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, the History Walk, the Mary S. Byrd Gallery of Art, The Honors Program, and the Maxwell Alumni House are all found on this campus. In addition, the James M. Hull College of Business, College of Education and Human Development, and Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences are located here.

The campus was formerly well known for the Arsenal Oak, a tree that contained wood believed to be 250–400 years old, until it was cut down in June 2004 because of disease.[18] A dedication ceremony of the replanting of the new Arsenal Oak took place on Friday, April 29, 2016, on the front lawn of the Benét House.[19] The descendant was grown from an acorn of the original Arsenal Oak.[20]
Forest Hills
[edit]
Then-Augusta State University opened a second campus in 1991 for athletics, complete with a 3,800-seat arena—Christenberry Fieldhouse, named in 2003—and softball and baseball fields.[17] The J. Fleming Norvell Golf House was added in 2007 with an adjacent driving range, putting green, and chipping area.[21]
The campus contains Forest Hills Golf Club, home of the men's and women's golf teams and a public course available for play, and the 500-bed University Village student housing.
The Nathan Deal Campus for Innovation
[edit]The former Georgia Golf Hall of Fame riverfront property in Downtown Augusta has been redeveloped to house the Augusta University Cyber Institute[22] and the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center which opened in July 2018.[23] The Riverfront Campus was named in honor of Georgia Governor Nathan Deal who was on hand for the opening ceremony of the Hull McKnight Building on the campus. The building is also the home of the university's newest School of Computer and Cyber Sciences.[24] The second building, Shaffer MacCartney Building, opened in January 2019 with potential plans to expand more on the property.
Other
[edit]Augusta University has three satellite campuses for medical student clinical study, in Albany, Rome, and Savannah.[citation needed]
Rankings
[edit]| Academic rankings | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| U.S. News & World Report[25] | 296 (tie) |
In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked Augusta University tied for No.296 out of 436 National Universities, tied for No.161 out of 225 in Top Public Schools, tied for No.114 out of 686 in Nursing, and tied for No.252 out of 433 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.[26]
Undergraduate admissions
[edit]| Race and ethnicity | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 75% | ||
| International student | 10% | ||
| Hispanic | 5% | ||
| Two or more races | 3% | ||
| Black | 3% | ||
| Asian | 2% | ||
| American Indian/Alaska Native | 1% | ||
| Economic diversity | |||
| Low-income[a] | 18% | ||
| Affluent[b] | 82% | ||
In 2024, Augusta University accepted 85.5% of undergraduate applicants. Augusta University did not report high school GPA data for its accepted students. Standardized test scores reported were an average 1120 SAT score (78% of applicants submitting), or an average 22 ACT score (25% submitting).[28]
Partnerships
[edit]UGA–MCG medical partnership
[edit]The College of Nursing has a satellite campus in Athens. AU's Medical College of Georgia (MCG) operates a partnership with the University of Georgia on the University of Georgia's new Health Sciences Campus, also in Athens.
In 2010, MCG partnered with the University of Georgia (UGA) to create the UGA-MCG Medical Partnership. The Medical Partnership combines the experience of one of the nation's first medical schools with the resources of one of the nation's most comprehensive leading nationally ranked research universities. The result is an education that allows medical students to reach their full potential in a unique and stimulating learning environment. [29]
To accommodate its new Health Sciences Campus, in 2011 the University of Georgia acquired the 58-acre former U.S. Navy Supply Corps School which had extensive landscaped green spaces, more than 400 trees, and several historic buildings located on the hospital and medical office corridor of Prince Avenue near downtown Athens. After renovations and additions, in July 2012, the UGA-MCG Medical Partnership moved to the new University of Georgia Health Sciences Campus.
ECRH–AU medical partnership
[edit]East Central Regional Hospital, with two locations in Augusta and Gracewood, was taken over by Augusta University for administrative purposes in 2009 after it was considered for closure. The hospital specializes in behavioral health and mental disabilities. The university's College of Nursing is now actively involved in daily hospital activities including hiring nurses for the hospital, partnering with other institutions to educate students in masters in nursing programs regarding mental healthcare, and utilizing a Dedicated Education Unit to help guide undergraduate nursing students in patient care.[30]
US Army Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Eisenhower–AU Cyber Institute partnership
[edit]Fort Gordon is home to the US Army Cyber Center of Excellence and the US Army Cyber Command. The partnership will strengthen the relationship between AU and ARCYBER by assisting soldiers transferring their training to the private sector as well as by sharing resources.[31] The ribbon-cutting and opening ceremony of Augusta University's Cyber Institute took place in University Hall on the Summerville campus on Friday, September 16, 2016.[32]
East Georgia State College Augusta
[edit]In 2013, East Georgia State College (EGSC), a University System of Georgia institution based in the rural city of Swainsboro, began a collaboration with AU to serve Augusta-area students who do not meet AU's freshman admission requirements. Students enrolled in the program are enrolled as EGSC students and attend classes on the Summerville Campus. After completing 30 semester hours of college level coursework and attaining a minimum GPA of 2.3, students can then elect to transfer into a bachelor's program at AU. This collaboration is modeled after EGSC's long-standing collaboration with Georgia Southern University and replaces the former "University College" program.[33]
In April 2025, the USG Board of Regents approved the consolidation of EGSC and Georgia Southern University, effective January 1, 2026.[34]
Medical illustration program
[edit]Augusta University is one of five accredited programs[35] offering a Masters of Science in Medical Illustration in North America in the college of Allied Health Science. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).[citation needed]
Athletics
[edit]The Augusta athletic teams are called the Jaguars. The university is a member of the Division II ranks of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Peach Belt Conference (PBC) since the 1991–92 academic year; except in women's and men's golf, which those sports compete in the NCAA Division I ranks as an affiliate member of the Southland Conference.
Augusta competes in 13 intercollegiate varsity sports:[36] Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, tennis & track & field; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, golf, softball, tennis, track & field and volleyball.
Golf
[edit]The men's golf program captured the school's first NCAA Division I Men's Golf National Championship on June 6, 2010, in Ooltewah, Tennessee, when the Jaguars defeated Oklahoma State University. The Jags then became the first Division I men's golf program in 27 years to repeat as National Champions on June 5, 2011, when they defeated the University of Georgia at Karsten Creek Golf Club in Stillwater, Oklahoma.[37]
Notable alumni and faculty
[edit]This section may be too long to read and navigate comfortably. (September 2024) |
Notable alumni and faculty of Augusta University's predecessor institutions include:
- Doug Barnard, Jr., Congressman
- Chen Be-yue, Justice of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of China
- John Britton, former professor, murdered by an anti-abortion extremist in 1994
- Paul Broun, Congressman
- Joelle Carter, actress
- Edward J. Cashin, American historian; Professor emeritus of History; Director of the Center for the Study of Georgia History
- Hervey M. Cleckley, co-author of the book The Three Faces of Eve
- Judith Ortiz Cofer, author
- Leila Denmark, pediatrician and medical researcher; co-developer of the pertussis vaccine
- Michael T. Dugan, accounting academic; Professor of Accounting at Augusta University
- Phil Gingrey, Congressman
- Robert Benjamin Greenblatt, Physician and medical researcher specializing in endocrinology. He served as professor and chairman of MCG's Department of Endocrinology and was well-known for his work in women's reproductive health.
- Samuel L. Perry, Professor of Sociology at the University of Oklahoma
- Isaac S. Hopkins, first President of Georgia Institute of Technology
- Anthony Kellman, Professor of English and Creative Writing; poet, novelist and musician
- Darrell Kirch, AAMC president
- Marguerite Littleton Kearney, director, Division of Extramural Science Programs, National Institute of Nursing Research[38]
- Lee Ann Liska, hospital administrator
- Michael Patrick Mulroy,[39][40] Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Secretary James Mattis
- Simona Hunyadi Murph, Scientist, Engineer & Inventor at Savannah River National Laboratory; adjunct professor at University of Georgia[41]
- Matthew L. Nathan,[42] 37th Surgeon General of the United States Navy
- No-Hee Park, Dean, UCLA School of Dentistry and notable researcher of oral (head and neck) cancer and aging research[43]
- Patrick Reed,[44] PGA Tour golfer
- Garret Siler, former NBA basketball player, currently holds the NCAA record for field goal percentage
- Ed Tarver, United States Attorney
- Corbett H. Thigpen, co-author of the book The Three Faces of Eve
- Laken Riley, murder victim
See also
[edit]- History of Augusta University
- Old Medical College
- Medical College of Georgia
- Augusta University Medical Center
- UGA–AU medical partnership
- Medical District (Augusta, Georgia)
- Stephen Vincent Benet House
- List of medical schools in the United States
- List of nursing schools in the United States
- List of dental schools in the United States
Notes
[edit]- ^ The percentage of students who received an income-based federal Pell grant intended for low-income students.
- ^ The percentage of students who are a part of the American middle class at the bare minimum.
References
[edit]- ^ "Georgia Health Sciences University".
- ^ "About August University". Retrieved March 29, 2016.
- ^ "Fast Facts".
- ^ "Who We Are".
- ^ As of 2019medical+2009undergrad. "U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2011 Endowment Market Value and Percentage Change in Endowment Market Value from FY 2010 to FY 2011 (Table Revised and Updated on March 19, 2012)" (PDF). 2009 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments. National Association of College and University Business Officers. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 15, 2012. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
- ^ As of June 30, 2019. "U.S. and Canadian 2019 NTSE Participating Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2019 Endowment Market Value, and Percentage Change in Market Value from FY18 to FY19 (Revised)". National Association of College and University Business Officers and TIAA. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
- ^ "AU Facts".
- ^ "Augusta University – U.S. News".
- ^ "IPEDS-Augusta University".
- ^ "Brand Strategy".
- ^ "jaguarsroar.com". Retrieved January 24, 2013.
- ^ "Meet Our New Mascot: Augustus". December 7, 2015.
- ^ "Fast Facts". www.augusta.edu.
- ^ "History of the Medical College of Georgia". Augusta University. Archived from the original on March 31, 2022. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
- ^ "GRU Augusta site names approved". Archived from the original on March 19, 2014. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
- ^ "GHSU History". Archived from the original on March 20, 2013. Retrieved February 25, 2013.
- ^ a b "Augusta State University history". Archived from the original on March 8, 2012.
- ^ "End Near for Augusta's historic Arsenal Oak". Associated Press. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2013.
- ^ "Augusta University dedicates new Arsenal Oak Friday". JagWire.
- ^ "New Arsenal Oak takes root on Summerville Campus". JagWire.
- ^ "ASU Press Release". Archived from the original on May 28, 2010. Retrieved February 25, 2013.
- ^ "Augusta University Cyber Institute".
- ^ "Work starts on Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center prior to Monday groundbreaking".
- ^ "Governor breaks ground on cyber center addition". January 4, 2018.
- ^ "2025-2026 Best National Universities Rankings". U.S. News & World Report. September 23, 2025. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
- ^ "Augusta University". usnews.com. U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ "College Scorecard: Augustana University". College Scorecard. United States Department of Education. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
- ^ "Augusta University Admission Requirements". collegesimply.com. CollegeSimply | U.S. Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ "UGA-GHSU Partnership". UGA-GHSU Partnership. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
- ^ "East Central Regional Hospital and Georgia Health Sciences University Partnership". Archived from the original on January 29, 2013. Retrieved February 25, 2013.
- ^ "Cyber Center at Fort Gordon and Augusta University Collaborate on Cyber Security". WJBF-TV. April 15, 2016.
- ^ "New Cyber Institute opens". The Bell Ringer.
- ^ "EGSC-A Frequently Asked Questions". Augusta University. Retrieved April 9, 2017.
- ^ "Board of Regents Approves Georgia Southern University, East Georgia State College Consolidation". University System of Georgia. April 15, 2025. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
- ^ "Graduate Programs". AMI. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
- ^ "AU Athletics". Augusta Athletics. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
- ^ Balicki, Ron (June 5, 2011). "Augusta St. tops Georgia, repeats as NCAA Champ".
- ^ "Kearney Named Distinguished Alumna at Augusta University | National Institute of Nursing Research". National Institute of Nursing Research. May 11, 2017. Archived from the original on July 4, 2017. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
- ^ "Michael (Mick) P. Mulroy > U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE > Biography View". dod.defense.gov.
- ^ "Senior Executive Service Announcements". U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.
- ^ "Department of Physics and Astronomy: Simona E. Hunyadi Murph, Adjunct Professor". University of Georgia.
- ^ "Augusta University Alumni". Archived from the original on January 20, 2018. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
- ^ David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
- ^ "Patrick Reed". Augusta University.
External links
[edit]Augusta University
View on GrokipediaAugusta University is a public comprehensive research university and academic health center in Augusta, Georgia, emphasizing health sciences, medical education, research, and clinical care as Georgia's only public institution with a dental college and the state's premier public medical research entity.[1][2] The university traces its origins to the Medical College of Georgia, chartered in 1828 as one of the nation's earliest medical schools, which evolved into Georgia Health Sciences University before merging in 2013 with Augusta State University—a former teachers college elevated to university status in 1996—to form Georgia Regents University, renamed Augusta University in 2015 amid local preferences for a regionally evocative name over a statewide designation.[3][3] This consolidation integrated liberal arts, business, and education programs from the Summerville campus with extensive biomedical offerings, including the state's sole public dental school and a major medical center serving as a Level I trauma facility.[3][4] Augusta University enrolls approximately 10,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels, with over 150 degree programs spanning disciplines like cybersecurity, kinesiology, nursing, and animation alongside core health professions such as medicine, dentistry, and allied health.[2][5][6] Its research enterprise drives advancements in areas like cancer, neuroscience, and vascular biology, supported by federal funding and partnerships, while the Augusta University Medical Center provides comprehensive patient care and training for thousands of residents and fellows annually.[1][2] Notable achievements include faculty awards for research excellence and state investments in new facilities, such as a $99.8 million allocation in 2025 for expanded research infrastructure to address overcrowding in aging buildings.[7][8] The institution has faced legal challenges, including lawsuits over employment practices and disputes delaying suburban hospital expansion until appellate approval in 2020, reflecting tensions in administrative decisions and resource allocation typical of large public health systems.[9][10]
History
Pre-Merger Institutions
The Medical College of Georgia (MCG) was established on December 20, 1828, as the Medical Academy of Georgia by the Medical Society of Augusta, at the initiative of physician Milton Antony, to address the regional shortage of trained doctors following epidemics like yellow fever.[11] Incorporated by the Georgia General Assembly that year, it became the thirteenth-oldest medical school in the United States and the first south of Baltimore, initially offering lectures in anatomy, surgery, materia medica, and the principles and practice of medicine, with its first graduating class of four students in 1830.[12] By 1835, the state legislature renamed it the Medical College of Georgia and granted it authority to confer degrees; the institution occupied its first dedicated building that year and expanded amid Civil War disruptions, including temporary relocation and service as a hospital.[13] Over the subsequent decades, MCG affiliated with the University of Georgia as its medical department from 1873 to 1911 before regaining independence, gradually broadening its scope to include nursing, dentistry, and allied health programs while maintaining a focus on clinical training in Augusta.[11] In 2010, amid efforts to emphasize its comprehensive health sciences mission—including education, research, and clinical services—the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia approved MCG's request to rebrand as Georgia Health Sciences University (GHSU), effective in 2011, to signal expansion beyond traditional medical education into public health and biomedical research.[14] This change aligned with state priorities for integrated health workforce development, as GHSU then encompassed schools of medicine, dentistry, nursing, and graduate studies, serving over 7,000 students and operating a major teaching hospital.[11] The Augusta College lineage began with the Junior College of Augusta, founded in 1925 under the Richmond County Board of Education as a two-year extension of the Academy of Richmond County, initially enrolling 33 students in liberal arts and teacher preparation courses to meet local demand for affordable higher education amid limited state university access.[15] It operated from the academy's facilities until 1958, when it separated to become the independent four-year Augusta College, authorized by the Georgia General Assembly to offer bachelor's degrees in arts, sciences, business, and education, with initial enrollment growth to around 1,200 students by the early 1960s.[16] The college emphasized undergraduate instruction in humanities, social sciences, and professional fields, adding facilities like a library and science building while navigating funding challenges through state appropriations and tuition.[3] By 1996, following program expansions—including graduate offerings in education and a business school—and enrollment surpassing 5,000, Augusta College achieved university designation from the Board of Regents as Augusta State University (ASU), reflecting its evolution into a comprehensive institution with baccalaureate and master's programs in over 30 majors, centered on the liberal arts and regional economic needs like business and cybersecurity precursors.[3] ASU maintained a distinct focus on accessible, community-oriented education, distinct from the specialized health sciences emphasis of its eventual counterpart.[16]Formation and Merger (2016)
Augusta University emerged from the University System of Georgia's (USG) broader consolidation initiative, which directed the merger of Augusta State University—a liberal arts institution—and Georgia Health Sciences University—a health-focused entity encompassing the Medical College of Georgia and associated health system—into a single entity initially named Georgia Regents University, with consolidation approved on January 8, 2013.[17] The USG's directives, driven by legislative pressures to optimize public higher education resources amid fiscal constraints, sought to eliminate administrative redundancies, such as duplicate executive offices and support services, while leveraging complementary strengths to elevate research output and educational breadth without expanding physical infrastructure.[18] This approach reflected first-principles efficiency in resource allocation, prioritizing causal links between unified governance and enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in health sciences, over maintaining separate identities that fragmented capabilities.[19] The transition culminated in the renaming to Augusta University on September 15, 2015, by unanimous USG Board of Regents vote, effective immediately, following surveys indicating strong local preference for the name to foster community ties and resolve post-merger branding disputes.[20] By mid-2016, integration challenges persisted, including faculty relocations across campuses and harmonizing curricula from disparate academic cultures, which initially strained morale but were addressed through targeted transition committees.[21] Administrative consolidation reduced overlapping roles, yielding operational streamlining, while the retention of the Jaguars athletic branding from Augusta State University minimized identity conflicts.[22] Empirical outcomes in 2016 demonstrated merger benefits, with combined enrollment surpassing 9,000 students—drawing from Augusta State University's approximately 6,700 undergraduates and Georgia Health Sciences University's graduate-heavy cohorts—enabling economies of scale in shared services and cross-program enrollments.[18] This integration causally supported advanced health sciences synergies, such as unified clinical training pipelines, without evidence of enrollment decline predicted by some critics, as efficiencies offset transition costs.[19] USG evaluations affirmed reduced per-student administrative expenses, validating the merger's focus on substantive capacity-building over symbolic preservation of prior institutions.[22]Expansion and Recent Milestones (2017–2025)
In 2018, Augusta University opened the Nathan Deal Campus for Innovation, hosting the Georgia Cyber Center to advance cybersecurity education, training, and research in collaboration with state agencies and private partners.[23] The campus expanded with the dedication of the Shaffer MacCartney Building in January 2019, enhancing facilities for cyber innovation and contributing to Augusta's recognition as a top global cybersecurity hub.[24] The university formed a significant partnership with Wellstar Health System, formalized on August 30, 2023, to integrate clinical care, medical education, and research across Georgia.[25] This affiliation enabled expansions such as the ribbon-cutting for the Medical College of Georgia's Atlanta campus in September 2025, increasing training sites for students and residents.[26] In response to COVID-19, Augusta University adapted by developing a Pandemic Medicine Elective in 2020-2021, shifting to online platforms for clinical education while maintaining research continuity through procedural modifications in labs.[27] Research funding saw substantial growth, including $99.8 million in state allocation in March 2025 for a new translational research building to accelerate medical advancements.[28] In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the university rose to #154 among Top Public Schools and #273 in National Universities, reflecting improvements in undergraduate programs and value.[29] Fiscal year 2024 economic impact reached $1.62 billion statewide, supporting 11,543 jobs through operations, health services, and innovation initiatives.[30]Campuses and Facilities
Health Sciences Campus
The Health Sciences Campus of Augusta University is located in downtown Augusta, Georgia, serving as the primary hub for the university's medical education and patient care initiatives. It houses the Medical College of Georgia (MCG), the state's only public medical school, which anchors clinical training and education programs integrated with hospital operations.[31][32] The campus facilities support hands-on training for students in a high-volume clinical setting, emphasizing practical experience in diagnosis, treatment, and patient management.[33] Central to the campus is the Augusta University Medical Center, operated under AU Health and affiliated with Wellstar Health System since 2023, functioning as the primary teaching hospital for MCG. The system includes a 478-bed adult medical center and a 154-bed Children's Hospital of Georgia, providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services across over 80 clinic sites.[34][35] In fiscal year data, the medical center recorded 22,823 discharges and 143,499 patient days, reflecting substantial clinical activity that supports educational programs.[36] AU Health delivers specialized care in areas such as oncology through the Georgia Cancer Center and neuroscience via neurosurgery and neuro-oncology services, addressing complex conditions like brain tumors and spinal disorders.[37][38] The campus's role extends to Georgia's rural health challenges, where the state ranks poorly in health metrics, by facilitating access through programs like the Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) network, which recruits and trains providers for underserved rural and urban areas.[39][40] This integration enhances state health outcomes by bridging urban expertise with rural needs via clinical rotations and telemedicine initiatives.[41]
Summerville Campus
The Summerville Campus of Augusta University occupies a historic site originally established as the Augusta Arsenal, which operated from 1826 until 1955, featuring preserved federal-style buildings from the 19th century.[3] This campus primarily supports the university's undergraduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, providing a traditional academic environment that complements Augusta University's overarching emphasis on health sciences education at its other facilities.[42] It houses key academic units including the Katherine Reese Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, the James M. Hull College of Business, and elements of the College of Education and Human Development.[43][44][45] Facilities on the campus include the Reese Library, which serves as a central resource for research and study in humanities and social sciences; the Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, a venue for music, theater, and cultural events; and the Fine Arts Center, dedicated to music education and performance.[46][47][48] Expansive green spaces shaded by ancient oaks enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and outdoor learning activities, fostering an atmosphere conducive to undergraduate exploration beyond the health-focused domains dominant elsewhere in the university.[42] Preservation initiatives maintain the campus's historic integrity, exemplified by the Guard House Museum, which documents the site's military past, even as adjacent urban development in the Summerville neighborhood exerts pressure on its boundaries.[49] The 2016 Campus Master Plan addressed sustainability and growth while prioritizing retention of architectural heritage amid these encroachments.[50] Student housing facilities on the Summerville Campus consist of Oak Hall, offering 412 beds primarily for first-year undergraduates in suite-style accommodations, and Elm Hall, providing 312 beds in studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments suited for upper-level and graduate students.[51] This setup yields a total on-campus housing capacity of approximately 724 beds, supporting residential life integrated with the liberal arts focus, though recent enrollment growth has strained availability.[51][52]Forest Hills Campus
The Forest Hills Campus, located in Augusta's suburban Forest Hills neighborhood, spans approximately 58 acres, including landscaped areas, athletic fields, and adjacent properties.[53] Acquired in part through federal land transfers in 1977, it opened for student housing in 1989 and expanded with the Christenberry Fieldhouse in 1991, serving as the primary hub for Augusta University's athletic facilities.[3] This campus houses the Department of Kinesiology, part of the College of Education and Human Development, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs in exercise science, physical education, and sport management, emphasizing practical training for educators and health professionals.[45] Facilities include the Christenberry Fieldhouse arena with a 3,026-seat capacity for basketball and volleyball, outdoor fields for baseball, softball, and soccer, and the Forest Hills Golf Club, which supports kinesiology coursework and community recreation.[54][42] University Village, an on-campus apartment complex with one-, two-, and four-bedroom units equipped with kitchens and furnished common areas, accommodates approximately 200 undergraduates, promoting accessibility for commuters and non-traditional students in the suburban setting.[55] Recent upgrades, including enhanced fieldhouse panels and digital signage as of September 2025, improve functionality for athletic and educational activities.[56] While Augusta University's Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) initiatives operate primarily online and across campuses, the Forest Hills location's proximity to regional highways supports hybrid formats for kinesiology-related professional development, catering to working adults in education and health fields amid expanded remote learning post-2020.[57] No dedicated simulation labs for broad education training are documented here, with kinesiology facilities focusing instead on performance and rehabilitation equipment.[58]Nathan Deal Campus for Innovation
The Nathan Deal Campus for Innovation, located on Augusta University's Riverfront Campus in downtown Augusta, Georgia, was established to advance cybersecurity research, training, and industry collaboration. Announced by Governor Nathan Deal in January 2017 with an initial $50 million state investment, the campus centers around the Georgia Cyber Center, a 332,000-square-foot facility comprising two buildings dedicated to cyber innovation.[3][59] The site, encompassing addresses at 100 and 200 Grace Hopper Lane, supports public-private partnerships among Augusta University, state and federal agencies, law enforcement, military entities, and private sector firms to foster applied cybersecurity solutions.[60][61] Named in honor of former Governor Nathan Deal for his role in prioritizing Georgia's cybersecurity infrastructure, the campus emphasizes bridging academic research with commercial applications through training programs, simulation environments, and technology transfer initiatives. The Georgia Cyber Center, its flagship component, opened its Hull McKnight Building in July 2018 and the adjacent Shaffer MacCartney Building in January 2019, enabling hands-on cyber defense exercises and workforce development.[23][62] Facilities include advanced cyber ranges for testing emerging threats and incubating cybersecurity startups, positioning Augusta as a national hub for the field.[63][64] The campus has contributed to economic growth by supporting high-demand cybersecurity jobs, with Georgia's state cybersecurity programs achieving a 99.2% job placement rate for graduates as of 2018. Augusta University, a key academic partner, secured a $1 million National Science Foundation grant in 2023 for a regional cybersecurity innovation project tied to the campus ecosystem.[65][66] These efforts have facilitated federal and state grants exceeding the initial investment, while enabling industry-led ventures in cyber innovation without reliance on unverified projections of job creation numbers.[64]Regional and Satellite Campuses
Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia operates regional clinical campuses and satellite sites in Albany, Rome, Savannah, and a partnership campus in Athens to extend medical education statewide, focusing on clinical training for third- and fourth-year students more than 50 miles from the main Augusta campus.[67][68][69] These sites provide comprehensive clerkship and enrichment experiences, including all required rotations, leveraging local volunteer faculty and health systems to immerse students in diverse patient care environments.[70] The Southwest Campus in Albany, MCG's inaugural clinical campus, specializes in rotations across southwest Georgia, targeting underserved rural populations through pathways that include mentorship and commitments to practice in high-need areas.[70][71] In Rome, the Northwest Campus employs a longitudinal integrated curriculum emphasizing patient-centered care models.[72] Savannah hosts both satellite operations, initially announced in 2007 at St. Joseph's/Candler Health System and Southeast Georgia Health System, and a four-year campus in partnership with Georgia Southern University since 2023.[67][73] Athens features a collaborative four-year program with the University of Georgia.[67] These distributed sites address Georgia's acute physician shortages, particularly in rural regions where primary care gaps persist due to retiring providers and demographic pressures like aging populations.[74][75] Expansion aligns with state initiatives to bolster the healthcare workforce, incorporating telemedicine for remote training and care delivery to mitigate access barriers in underserved counties.[39] By fostering familiarity with rural practice, the programs aim to retain graduates in high-need areas, contributing to broader efforts projecting national shortages of 46,900 to 121,900 physicians by 2032.[76]Governance and Administration
Leadership Structure
Augusta University's executive leadership is headed by President Russell T. Keen, Ed.D., who assumed office on July 1, 2024, succeeding Brooks A. Keel, Ph.D., who retired after serving since the university's formation in 2015.[77][78] Keen's appointment by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents followed a national search, with his investiture occurring during inauguration week from April 21-26, 2025.[79] The president oversees the university's strategic direction, including alignment with state priorities in health sciences education and research, while the President's Cabinet comprises executive vice presidents and key administrators responsible for core functions such as academic affairs, health systems operations via the Medical College of Georgia, research initiatives, and administrative services.[80] Key cabinet members include Interim Executive Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and Economic Development Kristina Baggott, who manages external collaborations; Executive Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs Susan Davies, Ph.D., leading enrollment strategies; and other roles like Chief Financial Officer Ron Booth, supporting fiscal oversight across the health sciences and summerville campuses.[80][81] Decision-making emphasizes fiscal conservatism through rigorous budget monitoring and resource allocation tied to University System of Georgia mandates, as evidenced by the university's 2022-2027 strategic plan, which prioritizes financial stability and accountability amid fluctuating state funding.[82] This approach has maintained enrollment stability via targeted management plans, with the institution reporting a stable overall financial position in its FY2024 audited statements, including economic contributions exceeding $1.62 billion to Georgia's economy.[83][84] Recent leadership transitions under Keen have influenced strategic planning, including announcements of cabinet updates in July 2024 to streamline operations.[85] A notable outcome is the advancement of the 2023 Wellstar Health System partnership, rebranded as Wellstar MCG Health, which has stabilized the university's health system operations, expanded telehealth access, and enhanced medical education pipelines, with one-year progress reports in December 2024 highlighting improved regional healthcare delivery.[86][87] These changes underscore a focus on measurable efficiencies, such as job support for over 11,500 positions tied to university activities, without compromising core academic and research missions.[83]Oversight by University System of Georgia
Augusta University is one of 26 public institutions governed by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG), a constitutional body comprising 19 members appointed by the Governor for seven-year terms, with five selected at-large and one from each congressional district. The Board establishes system-wide policies on curriculum, budgeting, personnel, and facilities, enforcing accountability through centralized oversight to align institutional operations with state priorities for educational efficiency and fiscal responsibility.[88][89] The university president reports to the USG Chancellor, who directs executive operations across the system, requires periodic institutional reports, and evaluates leadership performance to ensure adherence to Board directives. This structure includes annual financial reporting and internal audits mandated by the Board to verify compliance, risk management, and operational integrity at institutions like Augusta University, thereby prioritizing measurable outcomes over administrative expansion.[90][91] Funding for Augusta University derives primarily from state appropriations, which are partially contingent on USG performance metrics such as retention rates, six-year graduation rates, student progress after 30 credit hours, and research productivity per full-time equivalent faculty. These metrics, formalized in the USG's performance funding model, incentivize merit-based student success and resource allocation efficiency, with appropriations adjusted annually based on institutional attainment; for example, the system's FY 2025 budget proposal included an $18 million increase for the Board, emphasizing outcome-driven investments amid scrutiny of higher education expenditures. Tuition policies, set uniformly by the Board, further enforce affordability controls, as seen in the 2.5% in-state undergraduate rate hike approved for 2024-2025, balancing revenue needs with access for Georgia residents.[92][93][94] USG reforms have reinforced this oversight by shifting focus toward core academic missions, including the November 2024 adoption of institutional neutrality policies that limit non-essential ideological programming in favor of evidence-based priorities like degree completion and workforce alignment, countering national trends of unchecked administrative growth in higher education.[95]Policies on Academic Freedom and Expression
In May 2023, the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents adopted Policy 6.5.1 on Academic Freedom, affirming faculty rights to freedom in teaching, research, and publication without institutional interference, provided content relates to scholarly expertise.[96] This policy explicitly protects against viewpoint discrimination, stating that "no faculty member shall be evaluated, promoted, or granted or denied tenure on the basis of political, ideological, or religious beliefs."[96] Complementing this, Policy 6.5.2 requires each USG institution, including Augusta University (AU), to maintain a freedom of expression policy designating all campus areas as open to expressive activities, subject only to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions.[97] Augusta University implements these through its Freedom of Expression policy, which upholds First Amendment protections for speech, assembly, and petition, prohibiting content-based restrictions except for unprotected categories like true threats or incitement.[98] AU's Academic Rights and Responsibilities policy further safeguards faculty classroom autonomy, allowing discussion of subjects within disciplinary bounds while cautioning against unrelated controversial intrusions.[99] For invited speakers, AU's policy reinforces constitutional freedoms, ensuring no prior restraint based on viewpoint.[100] These align with the 2023 USG principles approved in April, emphasizing intellectual diversity and rejecting compelled orthodoxy.[101] Tensions with prior institutional mandates, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements, have been addressed via USG's November 2024 policy revisions, which mandate institutional neutrality and prohibit ideological tests—including diversity statements—in admissions, hiring, and evaluations.[102] These changes, responding to national scrutiny post-2024 federal inquiries into viewpoint bias, eliminate DEI offices and affirmative ideological oaths, prioritizing merit-based decisions to mitigate risks of suppressing dissenting inquiry.[103] At AU, no verified incidents of policy violations or speech suppression have been documented in public records, supporting an environment where free inquiry correlates with sustained research output, as evidenced by USG's emphasis on academic freedom as foundational to innovation.[104][101]Academic Programs
Undergraduate Offerings
Augusta University provides bachelor's degrees focused on foundational disciplines in liberal arts, sciences, and business, offered through the Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; the Hull College of Business; and the College of Science and Mathematics.[105][4] These programs emphasize core skills in critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and professional preparation, with curricula integrating STEM coursework alongside humanities and social sciences requirements for a balanced education.[106][6] In fall 2024, the university enrolled 6,078 undergraduate students pursuing these degrees, reflecting sustained growth in foundational programs distinct from its health sciences tracks.[107] The six-year graduation rate for bachelor's degree seekers stands at 50%, based on recent cohort data, indicating moderate completion outcomes amid a focus on retention through advising and core curriculum supports.[29][108] Key offerings include:- Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (Pamplin College): Bachelor of Arts degrees in anthropology, communication, English, history, modern languages, music, political science, psychology, and sociology, designed to foster analytical and cultural competencies.[109][6]
- Sciences (College of Science and Mathematics): Bachelor of Science degrees in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and computer science, with laboratory and research components emphasizing empirical methods and problem-solving.[6][106]
- Business (Hull College of Business): Bachelor of Business Administration with concentrations in accounting, finance, management, and marketing, accredited by AACSB and incorporating experiential learning in ethics, economics, and operations.[110][106]
Graduate and Professional Degrees
Augusta University offers a range of master's, doctoral, and specialist degrees outside its health sciences focus, administered primarily through the Graduate School and colleges such as Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences. These programs emphasize fields like public administration, cybersecurity, intelligence studies, and education, targeting professionals seeking advanced skills in policy, technology, and leadership.[111][112] The Master of Public Administration (MPA) prepares graduates for roles in government and nonprofit sectors, with a curriculum blending policy analysis, ethics, and management; it accommodates working professionals through flexible scheduling. Completion data for recent cohorts show 68% finishing within two years and 86% within three years, based on an entering class of 22 students.[113][114] In cybersecurity, the MS in Information Security Management equips students with risk management and cyber defense expertise, while the PhD in Computer and Cyber Sciences supports research in computing and cybersecurity applications.[115][116] Related offerings include the online MA in Intelligence and Security Studies and PhD in Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy, which integrate strategic analysis and practical fieldwork.[117][118] In education, the EdD in Educational Innovation focuses on leadership and pedagogical advancement for educators. Many programs feature hybrid or fully online formats to support employed students, with integrated studies options combining public administration and cybersecurity for tailored career paths.[6][119] University-wide graduate employment outcomes indicate 95% of alumni employed one year post-graduation, with median earnings around $49,000, though program-specific data vary by field demand in public and tech sectors.[120] Seamless progression pathways exist from select undergraduate programs, allowing accelerated entry into graduate study for high-achieving students in aligned disciplines.[121]Health Sciences Emphasis
The Medical College of Georgia (MCG), the foundational component of Augusta University's health sciences emphasis, offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program that emphasizes clinical training across Georgia's diverse healthcare settings, including rotations in rural and underserved communities to address physician shortages.[31] This statewide model integrates experiences from urban tertiary centers to small-town practices, with students participating in programs like the Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Scholars initiative, which prepares participants for practice in rural and urban underserved areas through interprofessional education and community immersion.[122] MCG's curriculum includes mandatory rural rotations, contributing to the production of primary care physicians who remain in Georgia post-residency; for instance, 24% of 2023 graduates matched into Georgia residencies, with 14% at AU Health System or MCG-affiliated programs, bolstering workforce in high-need regions.[123] [124] MCG students demonstrate strong performance on licensure exams, with first-time pass rates and mean scores on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 exceeding national benchmarks, supporting the program's efficacy in preparing competent physicians for Georgia's health disparities.[125] Complementing this, the Dental College of Georgia maintains consistently high national board pass rates, including 96% on integrated exams and 100% first-time passage for recent classes on the National Board Dental Examination Part I, ensuring graduates meet rigorous standards for oral health service in the state.[126] [127] The College of Nursing reports first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates of 97% for its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in 2024 and 96.45% in 2023, reflecting targeted training that enhances nursing capacity in underserved Georgia communities.[128] [129] These programs collectively address Georgia's rural health challenges through initiatives like the Primary Care Rural Health Fellowship, which provides fellows with continuity experiences in rural hospitals and free clinics serving underserved populations, thereby fostering a pipeline of providers committed to long-term retention in high-need areas.[130] The School of Public Health further supports this emphasis by training professionals in population health strategies tailored to state-specific disparities, integrating with clinical programs to promote equitable access via evidence-based workforce development.[131] This integrated approach has positioned Augusta University as a key contributor to Georgia's primary care infrastructure, with ongoing commitments to rural engagement evidenced by partnerships and fellowships that prioritize service in medically underserved regions.[39] [132]Specialized Programs Including Medical Illustration
The Master of Science in Medical Illustration at Augusta University is one of only four accredited graduate programs in North America, emphasizing training in anatomical accuracy, surgical procedures, and digital visualization techniques for applications in print, electronic media, and multimedia projections.[133][134] The 21-month curriculum, spanning five semesters and admitting up to nine students annually, integrates advanced coursework in biomedical art with hands-on dissection and clinical observation to produce illustrators capable of communicating complex scientific concepts.[135] Accredited continuously since 1967 by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), it was the first such program to achieve official recognition from the Association of Medical Illustrators, establishing a benchmark for professional standards in the field.[136][137] Graduates demonstrate strong niche employability, with over 95% securing positive placements in roles such as medical publishing, pharmaceutical advertising, biomedical animation, forensic illustration, and patient education materials, often advancing to private practice or leadership in health sciences visualization.[138][139] This outcomes reflect the program's focus on industry-relevant skills amid limited supply of qualified professionals, as medical illustration remains a specialized domain with demand in academic, clinical, and commercial sectors requiring precise visual representation of anatomy and procedures. Augusta University also offers distinctive undergraduate programs in biomedical systems engineering and cyber operations, addressing intersections of health technology and security. The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Systems Engineering equips students with systems-level integration of biomedicine, cybersecurity, and digital health tools, preparing them for roles in managing secure healthcare infrastructures.[140][141] Similarly, the Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations specializes in offensive and defensive techniques, including malware analysis, reverse engineering, penetration testing, and hardware security, tailored for secure computing environments with applications in national defense and critical infrastructure.[142][143] These programs leverage the university's health sciences emphasis to fill gaps in interdisciplinary expertise, though specific alumni employment data beyond program descriptions remains institutionally reported rather than independently verified in public metrics.Admissions, Enrollment, and Demographics
Undergraduate Admissions Process
Augusta University's undergraduate admissions process for incoming freshmen primarily evaluates applicants based on academic performance, utilizing a formulaic approach aligned with University System of Georgia standards, including calculation of a Freshman Index score derived from high school GPA and standardized test results.[144] Applicants must submit an online application, official high school transcripts reflecting a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (though admitted students typically exceed this with averages around 3.5), SAT or ACT scores (required for full consideration, with minimums of approximately 480 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing/440 Math on SAT or 17 composite on ACT, but averages for admitted students at 1120 SAT or 23 ACT), and a non-refundable fee of $60.[144][145] The process prioritizes verifiable academic merit over non-academic factors, with no explicit emphasis on extracurricular diversity or ideological alignment in official criteria.[144] The institution maintains a high acceptance rate of approximately 89% for the 2023-2024 cycle, reflecting limited selectivity and broad access for qualified Georgia residents, who receive priority through subsidized in-state tuition rates and eligibility for state merit scholarships like HOPE or Zell Miller, awarded based on GPA and test performance thresholds (e.g., 3.7 unweighted GPA and minimum SAT/ACT for Zell).[146][147] Yield rates hover around 23%, indicating that while many are admitted, fewer matriculate, often due to competition from other institutions.[146] For fall 2024, the incoming freshman class numbered 1,244 students, marking a 7% increase from the prior year and underscoring enrollment growth driven by regional demand rather than restrictive barriers.[148] Institutional scholarships, such as merit awards tied to Freshman Index scores or GPA, further incentivize high-achieving applicants without need-based or demographic adjustments diluting academic standards; for instance, competitive awards require demonstration of superior performance metrics post-admission.[149] While a holistic element may consider overall readiness in borderline cases, primary weight falls on quantitative academics to ensure merit-based entry, consistent with public university mandates for accessible higher education in Georgia.[144] Deadlines include early action by October 15 and regular decision rolling through July 1, facilitating timely review without prolonged uncertainty.[150]Graduate and Professional Admissions
Admission to graduate and professional programs at Augusta University requires submission of official transcripts from all prior institutions, letters of recommendation, and program-specific standardized test scores, with decisions emphasizing academic performance and relevant experience to prepare students for licensure in fields like medicine and dentistry.[151] Minimum GPA thresholds vary by program, typically 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for competitive biomedical and health sciences tracks, alongside evaluations of research involvement and clinical shadowing where applicable.[152] For professional degrees such as the Doctor of Medicine (MD) through the Medical College of Georgia, applicants must complete at least 90 semester hours of prerequisite coursework, submit Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores no older than three years, and undergo interviews for shortlisted candidates, with median matriculant scores reaching 513 on the MCAT and 3.88 GPA as of recent cycles.[153] [154] [155] Acceptance rates for the MD program hover around 12%, reflecting selectivity amid a preference for in-state applicants to align with Georgia's healthcare workforce needs.[156] Similarly, the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) at the Dental College of Georgia mandates a baccalaureate degree, Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores within three years, and interviews, prioritizing candidates with strong science GPAs averaging 3.60-3.66 and DAT academic averages of 20.1 for recent classes.[157] [158] [159] Graduate programs outside professional schools, such as those in biomedical sciences or allied health, often require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores less than five years old using institution code 5406, though some waive this in favor of holistic reviews focusing on undergraduate research and professional potential.[112] These criteria ensure alignment with accreditation standards from bodies like the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, fostering graduates eligible for national licensure exams.[154] Post-2020 applicant pools for health professions programs have shown resilience amid pandemic disruptions, with sustained emphasis on merit-based selection for international candidates in graduate tracks requiring TOEFL scores of at least 79 internet-based, though professional schools like medicine and dentistry limit non-U.S. citizen admissions to prioritize domestic training pipelines.[112] [160] This approach maintains program competitiveness while addressing evidentiary gaps in global applicant data from that period.[161]Enrollment Trends and Student Demographics
As of Fall 2024, Augusta University's total enrollment exceeded 11,500 students, reflecting nine consecutive years of growth within the University System of Georgia. Undergraduate students comprised approximately 52% of the total, numbering around 6,078, while graduate and professional programs accounted for the remainder. This upward trajectory follows a period of relative stability and minor dips in the early 2020s, potentially influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, with undergraduate headcounts declining from 5,429 in Fall 2020 to 5,158 in Fall 2022 before rebounding to 5,903 by Fall 2024.[5][162][107]| Fall Semester | Undergraduate | Total Enrollment (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 5,304 | ~9,000 |
| 2020 | 5,429 | ~9,200 |
| 2021 | 5,262 | ~9,000 |
| 2022 | 5,158 | ~8,800 |
| 2023 | 5,710 | 10,546 |
| 2024 | 5,903 | >11,500 |

