James_September-October_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 24
Community Engagement
For visitors to Macon, the footprint of Mercer University is impossible to miss. Its presence has extended
from its main campus to downtown, even to the old
Capricorn Studios that the university helped to restore.
Mercer is one of 237 U.S. colleges and universities to
recently receive the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement (CE) Classification, an elective designation
awarded by the American Council on Education (ACE)
and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of
Teaching that highlights an institution’s commitment to
community engagement.
“One of the things that makes Mercer distinctive is
that we have never viewed ourselves as an institution
that exists apart from the communities we serve. We
believe a great university should be deeply engaged in
helping solve real-world challenges and creating opportunities for the people and places around it,” Elkins
emphasized in our interview.
“For us, however, community engagement is not a
program. It is part of our DNA. Macon is a wonderful
example of what can happen when a university and a
city work together with a shared vision. As Mercer has
grown and invested in its future, we have partnered
with local leaders on initiatives that have helped revitalize neighborhoods, strengthen economic activity, and
Georgia member dentists
volunteering time and
skill at the 2026 G
event in Atlanta GA
,
24
JAMES SEPTE M B E R/O C TO BE R 2 0 2 6
.
create new opportunities for residents. We view our
relationship with Macon not simply as a town-andgown partnership, but as a long-term investment in
the success of our community.”
One project that especially reflects that mission
is the Roberts Academy at Mercer. As Georgia’s only
transitional elementary school for dyslexic learners
outside of Metro Atlanta, Roberts Academy is providing life-changing educational opportunities for
children and families while also serving as a model for
innovation in education.
Further down I-75, through the Mercer Engineering Research Center in Warner Robins, Mercer
researchers and students are helping address challenges in logistics, cybersecurity and engineering for
the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex at Robins
Air Force Base. That work supports one of the nation’s most important military installations while also
strengthening the economic vitality of Middle Georgia
and contributing to national security.
Rooted in Service
As Elkins finds her footing as president, her priorities are rooted in a simple belief: Mercer should be a
force for opportunity and prosperity in Georgia and
beyond. “Everything we do, whether in the classroom,
the research laboratory, the clinic, community, court,
or field, should help strengthen our state and improve
lives,” said President Elkins.
One of her foremost priorities is ensuring that a
Mercer education remains both accessible and transformative. “We are committed to delivering exceptional value to our students and families, which is why
Mercer is consistently recognized among the nation’s
best-value universities. Just as importantly, our graduates leave prepared to lead and succeed,” said Elkins.
“Nearly 100 percent are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation, demonstrating the life-changing impact and long-term value
of a Mercer degree.”
