President's Cabinet Search

As we look toward another new and exciting year of growth and achievements at Augusta University, I wanted to take an opportunity to provide our campus community with an update on the ongoing searches for some of our most crucial executive positions.

Please know that I am committed to a transparent and fair hiring process and have challenged each of the Search Committees to present me with a slate of candidates who they believe are the best fit for our values, mission and culture. With their thoughtful recommendations, I will choose the people I am confident will continue propelling Augusta University forward.

In an effort to keep you all informed, please find below a list of the members of each Search Committee and the proposed timelines for filling these important positions.

Contact Us

Office of the President

Health Sciences Campus

G. Lombard Kelly Building

(706)721-2301

president@augusta.edu

Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation

Augusta University (AU) seeks to hire an Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation (EVPRI). Critical to achieving the ambitions of AU, a national search is underway to recruit an individual to serve as their next Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation. Reporting directly to the President of Augusta University, the EVPRI serves as Augusta University's Chief Research Officer. This key executive leader responsible is responsible for shaping and driving the university's overarching research strategy and fostering a culture of innovation. The role involves overseeing the development and implementation of research initiatives, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, securing funding, and enhancing the university's research profile nationally and internationally.

View Position

Search Committee Members:

  • Chair: Dr. David Hess, Dean, Medical College of Georgia
  • Dr. Jorge Cortes, Director, Georgia Cancer Center
  • Dr. David Fulton, Director, Vascular Biology Center
  • Dr. Chris McKinney, Associate Vice President, Innovation Commercialization
  • Dr. Hank Capps, Executive Vice President, Chief Information and Digital Officer, President, Catalyst by Wellstar, Wellstar Health System
  • Dr. Alexander Schwarzmann, Dean, School of Computer and Cyber Sciences
  • Dr. Teresa Waters, Dean, School of Public Health
  • Dr. Elizabeth Nesmith, Dean, College of Nursing
  • Dr. Guido Verbeck, Chair, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Science and Mathematics
  • Dr. Babak Baban, Associate Dean for Research, Dental College of Georgia
  • Dr. Justin Burns, Vice President, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Georgia Research Alliance
  • Dr. David Mattson, Chair, Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia
  • Laurie Ott, Executive Director, Georgia Higher Education Healthcare Initiative
  • Scott Thorp, Associate Vice President for Research; Chair, Department of Art and Design, Katherine Reese Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
  • Maggy Tomova, EVP Academic Affairs and Provost 
  • Dr. Catherine (Lynn) Hedrick, Co-Director, Immunology Center of Georgia; Head of Cancer Immunology, Inflammation, & Tolerance, Georgia Cancer Center

Timeline:

  • December 2025: Candidate interviews
  • Spring 2026: Hiring date

Director of Athletics

Augusta University is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as the Director of Athletics. This position is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic vision, and administrative oversight of the university’s intercollegiate athletics program. The Director oversees all athletic department operations and collaborates closely with university leadership and community partners to enhance and support the overall mission of Augusta University.

Search Committee Members

  • Chair: Susan Davies, Interim EVP, Strategic Effectiveness and Chief of Staff to the President
  • Noah Shepherd, Student, College of Education and Human Development
  • David Hunt, Associate Professor, Department of Social Sciences
  • Mike Kessler, Assistant Vice President, Campaign Planning and Central Teams
  • Hannah Bennett, Associate Professor, Department of Kinesiology
  • Celeste Stewart, Head Coach of Women's Basketball, Department of Athletics
  • Garrett Green, Associate Vice President, Access, Success & Belonging
  • Angelica Walden, Assistant Vice President, Ethics & Compliance
  • Nick Evans, Chairman of ECP Benefits and ECP/Trinity and Member of AU Athletics 2025 Hall of Fame
  • Emmett Turner, Vice President, Wynn Capital and President, AU Birdie Club
  • Brad Usry, President, Fat Man's Hospitality
  • Mason McKnight, President, ACC Construction Company, Inc.
  • Henry Ingram, Member, AU Foundation Board
  • Al Harris, Member, AU Foundation Board
  • Susan Nicholson, Chair, AU Foundation Board

Timeline

  • February 11: Charge Meeting

Upcoming Searches

Dean, College of Allied Health Science

Co-Chairs: Teresa Waters and Jeff Snow

Search Committee Request Letters have been sent and search committee is being formed

Dean, College of Nursing

Co-Chairs: Susan Davies and Michael Brands

Search Committee Request Letters have been sent and search committee is being formed

Dean, Hull College of Business

Co-Chairs: Judi Wilson and Yvonne Turner

Search Committee Request Letters have been sent and search committee is being formed