This September will see Emory University welcome a new semester, and a new leader.
The Emory Board of Trustees announced Thursday that the university’s current executive vice president and chief operating officer, Christopher L. Augostini, has been unanimously voted to serve as Emory’s 22nd president.
The educator’s appointment by the Board of Trustees puts an end to a national search conducted by the Presidential Selection Committee, during which the committee says that they sponsored more than 40 listening sessions and reviewed feedback from students, faculty, staff, alumni and other stakeholders.
“Our search generated a significant number of highly qualified candidates, but Chris’s exceptional leadership skills, distinguished record of achievement as executive vice president and COO, along with his deep understanding of Emory’s culture and community, made it clear he is the right leader for Emory,” said Robert C. Goddard III, chair of the Emory University Board of Trustees, in a Thursday press release.
For nearly a decade, Augostini has worked closely with the Board of Trustees, the Emory Healthcare Board of Directors and the university’s executive, academic, administrative and healthcare leaders during his tenure with the Atlanta institution.
In his current position, the educator oversees all enterprise functions for Emory, according to the university.
Prior to his arrival at Emory, Augostini served for 17 years as senior vice president and chief operating officer at Georgetown University. In addition, he held senior government positions with the city and state of New York.
“I’m extraordinarily honored and thrilled to be named Emory’s next president,” Augostini said.
“As I look across the higher education landscape, I believe Emory is positioned better than any other university to meet our current challenges and opportunities. I look forward to beginning this new chapter in partnership with faculty, the board, students, staff, and the entire Emory community.”
The university’s former president, Gregory L. Fenves, stepped down from his role in September and took over as the school’s chancellor.
Leah Ward Sears, current Emory Board of Trustees member and former chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, has served as the university’s interim president since then.
Over the past year, as Chris and I have worked closely together, I’ve watched as he’s navigated any number of difficult issues with sound judgment and a genuine spirit of collaboration,” said Sears in the release. “I have absolute confidence he will be an exceptional president.”
Augostini will officially begin his duties as president on Sept. 1, 2026.
