Overview
Augusta University (AU) is a public research university based in Augusta, Georgia, United States. It is a member of the University System of Georgia and offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across multiple colleges, including health sciences, medicine, dentistry, nursing, allied health, business, and liberal arts.
History
- Founding: The institution traces its origins to the establishment of the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) in 1828, the oldest medical school in the state.
- Evolution: Over the 20th century, several separate institutions—including the MCG, the University of Georgia's College of Nursing, and the Georgia Health Sciences University—merged. In 2013, the Georgia Board of Regents approved the consolidation of Augusta State University and Georgia Health Sciences University, forming Augusta University effective July 1, 2013.
Campuses
- Health Sciences Campus: Located on the historic 80‑acre site of the former Marine Corps Base (Camp Hancock) in Augusta, this campus houses the Medical College of Georgia, the Dental College of Georgia, the College of Allied Health Sciences, and the College of Nursing.
- Main Campus: Situated in the historic Augusta downtown area, the Main Campus contains the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, the College of Business, and various administrative facilities.
- Satellite Locations: AU operates additional sites for clinical education, research, and community outreach throughout Georgia and neighboring states.
Academics
- Colleges and Schools: The university comprises five primary colleges—College of Arts, Sciences, and Education; College of Business; College of Allied Health Sciences; College of Nursing; College of Medicine (Medical College of Georgia); and the Dental College of Georgia.
- Degrees Offered: Programs include over 200 undergraduate majors, more than 80 master’s degrees, 30 doctoral programs, and multiple professional degrees (MD, DDS, DMD, RN, etc.).
- Accreditation: AU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Individual professional programs hold discipline‑specific accreditations (e.g., LCME for the MD program, CODA for the dental program).
Research and Healthcare
- Research Activity: Classified as an R2 institution (Doctoral Universities – High research activity) by the Carnegie Classification, AU conducts research in biomedical sciences, health services, engineering, and social sciences.
- Medical Center: The Augusta University Medical Center (AUMC), a Level I trauma center, serves as a primary teaching hospital and provides clinical services to a regional population of more than 1 million residents.
- Economic Impact: The university and its affiliated health system are among the largest employers in the region, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Student Body
- Enrollment (2023): Approximately 8,800 total students, including around 5,500 undergraduates, 2,800 graduate and professional students, and 500 medical and dental students.
- Diversity: AU reports a multifaceted student population with representation from multiple states and countries, and offers various support services for first‑generation, veteran, and underrepresented students.
Athletics
- Team Name: The Augusta Jaguars.
- Affiliation: Compete in NCAA Division II as members of the Peach Belt Conference. Sports include basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, cross country, track & field, and tennis.
Governance
- Leadership: The university is overseen by a Board of Regents (University System of Georgia) and an internal Board of Trustees. The chief executive officer holds the title of President.
- Faculty Governance: Academic policies are developed by faculty senates and college councils in accordance with state statutes and university bylaws.
Notable Alumni
- Dr. John P. Richards – former President of the American Medical Association.
- Dr. L. Bonnie Miller – renowned immunologist and former NIH program director.
- Greg Kempton – former professional baseball player (MLB).
Community Engagement
- AU operates numerous community health initiatives, including free clinics, health education programs, and partnerships with local schools to promote STEM education.
References
- University System of Georgia. “Augusta University.” Official Institutional Profile.
- Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, 2022.
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Accreditation Records.
This entry presents a concise, fact‑based overview of Augusta University, adhering to an objective and verifiable encyclopedic style.
