James_September-October_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 23
ntil this year, Mercer University had
only had two presidents since 1980.
Then Dr. Penny Elkins assumed the
role on January 1
of this year and became only the
19th president in Mercer’s nearly
200-year history since its founding
in 1833. The new president is nearly a lifelong Bear. She holds two
degrees from Mercer, a bachelor’s
degree summa cum laude with majors in Christianity and education
and a master’s degree in education, and has been working for the
university for nearly 30 years. She is
the first “Double Bear” to serve as
president since the 1950s.
Furthermore, she holds an
education specialist degree in
education, administration and
supervision from Georgia College
and State University and a Ph.D. in
educational leadership from Georgia State University.
“The opportunity to lead Mercer is both a tremendous honor
and a sacred responsibility. What
makes that responsibility especially
meaningful is Mercer’s remarkable
continuity of leadership,” said Elkins. “That speaks to the enduring
strength of our mission and values,
and every day I am mindful that I
stand on the shoulders of visionary
leaders who positioned Mercer for
the success and momentum we
enjoy today.”
From Beginning to Boom
The school has come a long
way since it began as a boys preparatory school for 39 students in
Penfield. It was granted a university charter in 1837, before moving
to Macon after the Civil War in
1871. Fast forward to 2026, with
Elkins taking the helm during
a bit of a boom time for Mercer.
Over the past decade, Mercer has
welcomed the most academically
accomplished entering classes
in its history while significantly
growing freshman enrollment
and increasing its residential
undergraduate population. It has
expanded their reach and reputation, earning recognition as a
top-tier national university while
serving more than 9,000 students
across 12 schools and colleges.
At the same time, Mercer has
emerged as a premier research
institution, advancing discoveries
and innovations that improve lives
and strengthen communities.
“What makes me especially
proud is that our success is measured not only by rankings and
recognition, but by impact. Nearly
90 percent of our students come
from Georgia, and more than 80
percent of our graduates remain
in the state after graduation,”
said Elkins. “That means Mercer
is helping educate the teachers,
physicians, engineers, entrepreneurs, lawyers, pharmacists,
nurses, and community leaders
who are strengthening Georgia’s
future. We are also demonstrating
that excellence and access can go
hand in hand. Mercer is consistently recognized among the nation’s
best-value universities, reflecting
our commitment to providing an
exceptional educational experience that transforms lives.”
DR. PENNY ELKINS
S E PT E M B E R/O C TO BER 2026
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