Augusta University

After 40 years of service to AU, Beth NeSmith, PhD, is retiring as dean of the Augusta University College of Nursing.

A triple Jag, educator, mentor and leader, NeSmith has dedicated her career to advancing nursing education, supporting students and faculty and improving patient care across Georgia. Her impact will continue through the countless nurses, healthcare professionals and leaders she has helped shape throughout her career.

Congratulations to Amy Estes, MD, on being named chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Medical College of Georgia, effective July 1. A respected cornea specialist, educator and leader, Estes has played a key role in advancing patient care, resident education and vision research at MCG.

Congratulations to Deborah Richardson, PhD, professor in Augusta University’s Department of Psychological Sciences, on receiving the 2026 University System of Georgia Regents’ Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award.

This prestigious honor recognizes faculty who advance student success through research-driven teaching and impactful scholarship.

The Georgia Cancer Center and Wellstar MCG Health are proud to announce that David Munn, MD, has received a 2026 20/20: Alumni Visionary Grant from Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. The award will support his research focused on developing innovative immunotherapy approaches for pediatric brain tumors and advancing new treatment options for children facing cancer.

A look back at some of our favorite moments from May. 💙

At the Georgia Cyber Innovation & Training Center, students from the Augusta University College of Allied Health Sciences are using innovation and hands-on learning to create customized assistive devices that improve independence and quality of life. Through collaboration with Academic Entrepreneurship and the Garage Makerspace, students are designing real-world solutions tailored to the needs of individuals in the community.

Lynn Glenn, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Nursing Science, is leading an interdisciplinary project focused on diabetes prevention and early detection by bringing screenings directly to high-risk patients in a non-traditional clinical setting. Through a partnership between the Augusta University College of Nursing and The Dental College of Georgia, students across disciplines are gaining hands-on experience while expanding access to preventative care in the community.

David Munn, MD, has been appointed as director of the Georgia Cancer Center at the Medical College of Georgia. An internationally recognized physician-scientist and MCG alumnus, Munn’s groundbreaking research has helped reshape the understanding of immune regulation in cancer and advance new therapeutic strategies for patients around the world.

Augusta University has named Dr. J. Ben Deal, a distinguished alumnus, former foundation leader and longtime supporter, as the recipient of the 2026 President’s Award. A graduate of The Dental College of Georgia, Deal has spent decades supporting the university through leadership, philanthropy, mentorship and advocacy while helping shape opportunities for future generations of students.

Four early-career researchers from the Medical College of Georgia have received
American Heart Association Bridge Career Development Awards to continue advancing research in cardiovascular disease, vascular biology and immunology. The funding supports innovative projects aimed at improving understanding and treatment of conditions including atherosclerosis and peripheral artery disease.