Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Ga., has named an LSU administrator as its new president.Brooks A. Keel, vice chancellor for research and economic development and biological sciences professor, will take his new post Jan. 1, 2010, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents announced Monday. Keel came to LSU in 2006 after leaving Florida State University. “This has been a bittersweet day for me and my wife,” Keel said. “We’ve fallen in love with LSU, Baton Rouge, southern Louisiana and its unique culture.”Keel said he is excited to join GSU, a campus of about 18,000 students. “[GSU has] reached a point in their development where they can focus on research and grad training,” Keel said. Keel said the chancellor and provost understand his choice.”This was not about me trying to better my position here, and they know that,” he said. “There really wasn’t any discussion about a counteroffer because they understand it’s the right thing for me.”Keel said he will work hard to ensure a smooth transition.”Obviously I’m going to be thinking about Georgia Southern, but I’m still a Tiger now,” he said.- – – -Contact Ryan Buxton at [email protected]
University official named GSU pres.
October 25, 2009