GA HR1153

Recognizes and commends Brooks A. Keel, PhD, an Augusta native, on the occasion of his retirement for his dedicated service to higher education and health care in Georgia, including leadership roles at Georgia Southern University and Augusta University

Under his leadership at Augusta University, enrollment increased by more than 27 percent, National Institutes of Health funding grew by 37 percent, and the university's economic impact on the state rose by 48 percent

Oversaw the expansion of Augusta University's academic and research infrastructure, including the founding of the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, the School of Public Health, a four-year Medical College of Georgia Partnership Campus in Savannah, and expanded research laboratory space

Served as an internationally recognized expert in reproductive medicine, authoring 65 peer-reviewed publications and serving as principal investigator on externally funded grants and contracts totaling more than $26 million

Named to Georgia Trend's list of 100 Most Influential Georgians for 10 consecutive years and recognized for expanding health care education outreach to rural and underserved areas across the state