Fall 2018 a Publication of Mercer University •

The

FALL 2018 A PUBLICATION OF MERCER UNIVERSITY • WWW.MERCER.EDU

SPECIAL ISSUE MERCER’S VISION FOR THE DECADE AHEAD

Mercer Debate’s Rise to National Prominence Water Treatment Project Receives EPA Grant Bears Sweep SoCon Athlete of the Year Honors THE MERCERIAN, FALL 2018 Join the Office of University MACON | ATLANTA | SAVANNAH Admissions for a seminar Columbus, Douglas County, Henry County, Warner Robins designed for alumni, faculty, staff, and their college-bound CONTENTS VOLUME 28, NO. 2 students in grades 9-12. PRESIDENT William D. Underwood, J.D. Mercer Debate Team CHANCELLOR R. Kirby Godsey, Ph.D. College Bound: Dominates National Stage PROVOST An Inside Look at Admissions 10 D. Scott Davis, Ph.D. EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FOR Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 Mercer’s 10-Year Strategic Plan ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE James S. Netherton, Ph.D. 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Imperatives for the Next Decade SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR STRATEGIC Connell Student Center 12 INITIATIVES COLLEGE BOUND: Kellie Raiford Appel, J.D. Conference Room 3 SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR MARKETING AN INSIDE LOOK AT ADMISSIONS COMMUNICATIONS AND CHIEF OF STAFF Lunch will be provided. Larry D. Brumley PART OF MERCER UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING 2018 SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT The Admissions staff will provide Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D. information on SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY Planning your trip for Mercer’s Homecoming? ADVANCEMENT • Evaluating colleges and John A. Patterson Don’t miss the opportunity to get an inside SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL universities during your search William G. Solomon IV, J.D. • Preparing a competitive look at the college admissions process.

EDITOR application Rick Cameron • Mastering college entrance ART DIRECTOR Steve Mosley exams STAFF WRITER • Understanding financial aid Kyle Sears CLA ’09, CONTRIBUTORS • And more David Fox, Jill Kinsella CLA ’85, Mary Beth Kosowski, Allen London, Erin Lones CLA ’00, Will Tharp, Gerrit Van Genderen Your family will have the SPECIAL DESIGN opportunity to Ginger Harper PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATOR • Meet one-on-one with an Janet Crocker PEN ’09 PHOTOGRAPHY AND ILLUSTRATION admissions counselor John Amis, Moises Castillo, Laura Fong, • Ask your pressing questions Roger Idenden, John Knights, Bekah Clegg, Amy Maddox, Nan Melville, Steve Mosley, about college readiness Matt Odom, Dot Paul, Sarah Pounds, Rod Reilly, • Learn more about Mercer’s Saldivia-Jones Photography, Rebecca Sandifer, Christopher Ian Smith, Matthew Smith, admissions process Judy Stapleton, Jessica Whitley DIGITAL PRODUCTION • Take an optional student-led Matthew Smith, Director; Andrea Honaker, campus tour Rob Saxon, Todd Sayre VIDEO PRODUCTION 2 BEARINGS Bekah Clegg Registration is required for EDITORIAL OFFICE 38 ATHLETICS ROUNDUP The Mercerian, 1501 Mercer University Drive, this free seminar at Macon, GA 31207-0001, (478) 301-4024 40 HEALTH SCIENCES NEWS www.mercer.edu • [email protected] homecoming.mercer.edu TO UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS AND TO SUPPORT Confirmation and details will 41 ALUMNI CLASS NOTES MERCER UNIVERSITY, CALL: be sent via email closer to the 47 ADVANCEMENT UPDATE (478) 301-2715 or 1-800-MERCER-U, x2715 THE MERCERIAN is published by the Office of Marketing event date. Communications at Mercer University. ©2018 Mercer University. The views and opinions presented in this publication are not necessarily those of the editors or the official policies of the University. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE MERCERIAN, OurLens 1501 Mercer University Drive, Macon, GA 31207-0001. InFrom left, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) Dean Dr. Jean Sumner and Mercer President William D. Underwood were among those who participated in a ribbon-cutting for For more information contact Chelsea Flieger, CLA ’12, Mercer Medicine Plains, the first satellite clinic for MUSM’s faculty practice, on Aug. 22 in President Carter’s Become a fan of Mercer on Instagram, Facebook, Assistant Director of Admissions and Campus Visitation hometown. The clinic opened in July and was quickly booked near capacity through October. Watch a video recap follow us on Twitter, and watch our latest videos of the grand opening celebration at tiny.cc/MercerMedicinePlains. (Bekah Clegg photo) on YouTube. mercer.edu/socialmedia (478) 301-2076 or [email protected] BEARINGS BEARINGS

overall goal is to provide regulatory officials AWARDS GRANT FOR PROJECT with technical data that can be used to guide DR. LAURA LACKEY NAMED inclusion of on-site graywater treatment and TO TREAT RESIDENTIAL GRAY its re-use for sub-surface landscape irrigation DEAN OF SCHOOL OF into water management strategies. WATER FOR LANDSCAPE “We are very excited that the proposal ENGINEERING submitted by these students was selected IRRIGATION for funding,” said Dr. Philip McCreanor, r. Laura Lackey, professor of environmental engineering, in professor of environmental engineering, March was named dean of the Mercer School of Engineering by he U.S. Environmental major Jin Kim, marketing major Stevie Watson and economics and math double-major director of the Engineering Honors Program Provost Dr. D. Scott Davis. Protection Agency (EPA) Simran Khoja collaborated on the design of a system that uses bio-filtration technology Dr. Lackey, who served as interim dean for the 2017-2018 this spring awarded a and an in-ground detention tank to treat graywater produced in households to be used academic year, succeeded Dr. Wade Shaw, who has moved to EPA full-time faculty status. team of four Mercer for outdoor sub-surface applications such as irrigation. students a People, Graywater is wastewater generated in households or office buildings from DESIGNING A SYSTEM THAT “I am thrilled that Laura Lackey has accepted the deanship Prosperity, and Planet streams without fecal contamination. of the School of Engineering. Dr. (P3) grant for a project Mercer students and faculty have installed several field-scale systems in USES THE GRAYWATER ALREADY DLackey’s unwavering commitment to to treat residential collaboration with Macon Area Habitat for Humanity. The EPA grant will allow for ‘‘ our students is evident in her role as PRODUCED IN DAILY HOUSEHOLD graywater for sub-surface the expansion of field-scale research by upgrading one of the original detention- a pioneer in the Mercer On Mission landscape irrigation. only treatment systems to include a bio-filtration component. ACTIVITIES FOR USE IN program and as a dedicated faculty Environmental Researchers at the University, specifically in the School of Engineering, have member,” Dr. Davis said. “Her love of engineering major Victoria been conducting laboratory and field studies on the treatment of residential IRRIGATION HAS THE CAPABILITY Mercer and commitment to the student Rexhausen, global health graywater for use in sub-surface landscape irrigation for almost 10 years. The TO DECREASE THE DEMAND FOR learning experience is contagious, and I can’t think of a better person to lead TREATED WATER. our School of Engineering.” Since joining the engineering faculty in 1998, Dr. Lackey has taught T and principal investigator for the grant. more than 20 different courses ranging “Designing a system that uses the graywater from freshman-level Introduction to already produced in daily household activities Design to a variety of senior- and for use in irrigation’’ has the capability to graduate-level offerings. Dr. Lackey decrease the demand for treated water. The received the School of Engineering system’s benefits could include reducing Teacher of the Year Award in 2001, domestic water consumption, conserving 2007 and 2015. She also was named to water and energy resources, and decreasing the All-Southern Conference Faculty demand of water from natural reservoirs.” Team in 2016. She served as chair Technical data used to support the of the Environmental Engineering development of the students’ proposal was Department for five years before funded from several sources, including a 2009 transitioning to associate dean in 2013. SEED Grant from the Mercer Provost’s Office, In addition to her teaching, Dr. a 2013 service-learning grant from State Lackey has taken an active interest Farm and a 2016 grant from the University’s in the Mercer On Mission program. Research That Reaches Out Office. She and her students have taken their Nationally, more than $463,000 in funding research to communities globally for 31 Phase I teams was awarded through through efforts in Kenya, Uganda and Ecuador. the P3 grants program. These teams, made up Prior to coming to Mercer, Dr. Lackey spent six years at the Tennessee Valley of college students from across the country, Authority as an environmental/chemical engineer, where she conducted both basic are developing sustainable technologies and applied research with emphasis on the mitigation of organic wastes through to solve current environmental and public bioremediation, and two years as an adjunct professor of environmental engineering health challenges. at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Funding for the P3 competition is divided Dr. Lackey earned her Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Ph.D. in into two phases. Teams selected for Phase chemical engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is a registered I awards receive grants of up to $15,000 to professional engineer and a Board Certified Environmental Engineer. fund the proof of concept for their projects, “I am enormously grateful for the opportunities that were offered to me when I which are then showcased at the National joined the School of Engineering faculty 20 years ago as a member of the University Sustainable Design Expo. The 2018 Expo community,” Dr. Lackey said. “Mercer University and the School of Engineering are was held April 7-8 at the USA Science and extraordinary places that I cherish. My predecessor and colleague, Dr. Wade Shaw, Engineering Festival in Washington, D.C. has strategically grown the School through his eight years of outstanding leadership. Phase I teams are eligible to compete for I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to its future and am energized by Phase II awards of up to $75,000 to further the chance to work with our talented faculty, staff and students, and with alumni and

JESSICA WHITLEY PHOTO; CHRISTOPHER SMITH PHOTO WHITLEY PHOTO; JESSICA develop and implement their designs. community partners to propel the School of Engineering to the next level.”

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MERCER ON MISSION FITS MERCER SELECTED MERCER 10,000TH VIETNAMESE FOR PEACE CORPS AMPUTEE WITH PATENTED PREP PROGRAM UNIVERSITY PRESS ercer was recently selected OFFERS AN EXCITING NEW to participate in the Peace LEG PROSTHETIC Corps Prep program, SEASON OF BOOKS which enhances students’ Whether one loves reading history, memoir, he University’s signature Mercer On Mission program on June Mundergraduate experience by preparing them biography, poetry, fiction, philosophy, or religion, 26 fitted its 10,000th Vietnamese amputee with Dr. Ha Van Vo’s for international development fieldwork and Mercer University Press has something for everyone patented leg prosthetic. potential Peace Corps service. in the Fall/Winter 2018 season of books. Mercer On Mission’s prosthetics program in Vietnam began Mercer is the seventh university — and Highlighted titles from the season include: in 2009 when Dr. Vo, Distinguished University Professor of first private institution — in Georgia to be The Paintings of Jimmy Carter by Jimmy Carter, Biomedical Engineering, realized a dream. As a young boy selected as a Peace Corps Prep site. There showcasing more than 50 of Carter’s favorite growing up in South Vietnam after the Vietnam War, he hoped to paintings accompanied by his own written narrative; someday make a difference for his fellow citizens who lost limbs primarily from unexploded ordnance left after the war. Ten Men You Meet in the Huddle by Bill Curry, a 10th Today, it is estimated there are more than 100,000 amputees in an economy that THE MERCER EXPERIENCE IS Anniversary Edition of his memoir, enhanced and depends heavily on jobs that are difficult — if not impossible — to fulfill without the use DEFINED BY THE OPPORTUNITY updated to reflect the pressing issues facing football ofT both legs. ‘‘ today; No Brother, This Storm by Jack B. Bedell, a On the first trip a decade ago, a team FOR STUDENTS TO INTEGRATE new poetry collection archiving hope and resilience of Mercer faculty and students fit about LEADERSHIP, ACADEMIC RESEARCH from the poet laureate of Louisiana; From Macon 38 people in the town of Phung Hiep. to Jacksonville by Michael Buffalo Smith, in-depth “What’s been at the heart of this AND SERVICE TO OTHERS INTO interviews with stars from the hey-day of Southern program is this prosthetic leg that Dr. HIGHER EDUCATION. rock music; Another Five Big Mountains and Treks Vo designed,” said Dr. Craig McMahan, by David Schaeffer, offering an intimate account of University minister and dean of Chapel, one man’s daily challenges on some of the world’s who oversees Mercer On Mission. “It’s are currently more than 130 institutions an incredible piece of equipment. It is nationwide participating in the program. highest mountains; and A Giant from Georgia by very light and durable, and it’s a very “Mercer’s commitment to community, to Jamie H. Cockfield, a biography of U.S. Sen. Walter F. comfortable prosthesis. It weighs less research and development,’’ and to purposefully George (1878–1957). than two pounds so the amputees find it scaffolding high-impact, engaged learning Visit www.mupress.org to see a complete listing of to be very comfortable and functional.” practices aligns perfectly with the Peace Corps titles. Books are available from favorite independent At first, Dr. Vo and his students were ethos, making the Peace Corps Prep program bookstores and major online retailers. By calling making the prosthetics in his lab on a natural fit into our curriculum,” said Mercer the publisher directly and identifying yourself the Macon campus and carrying them Provost Dr. D. Scott Davis. “The Mercer as a Mercer alum, consumers can receive a 40 in their suitcases to Vietnam, but the experience is defined by the opportunity for percent discount on an order. Taxes and shipping program soon outgrew this modest students to integrate leadership, academic charges will apply. Call toll-free (866) 895-1472 or mode of production and transportation. research and service to others into higher (478) 301-2880 direct. Thanks in large part to the generosity education. Signature programs, such as Mercer of Macon businessman Chris Sheridan, On Mission and the Mercer Service Scholars, who through a family foundation allow our students opportunities to engage in contributes $250,000 per year to the service-learning courses and service-oriented program, prosthetics are now being research projects locally and globally.” Saturday, December 8 produced in Vietnam. The Peace Corps has identified six 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. TH InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta Mercer On Mission operates clinics sectors — agriculture, community economic in four locations around the country and development, education, environment, 29 trains local doctors and technicians to fit health, and youth in development — in the prosthetic year-round in the absence which preparation for service is needed. ANNUAL of Dr. Vo and his team. Peace Corps Prep sites recruit students to Altogether, Mercer On Mission has engage in identified coursework, co-curricular UTHORS fit around 10 percent of the amputees and leadership activities that satisfy preparation A in the country, allowing thousands guidelines for those six sectors. Students do not of people to contribute economically, take any additional courses; rather, they make UNCHEON socially and in other ways they couldn’t strategic elective course choices. L in the past. The program is also Program graduates receive a certificate AUTHORS APPEARING: Xhenet Aliu, David Bottoms, Rick Bragg, Vincent Coppola, Joseph Crespino, stimulating the local economy through from the Peace Corps and are inherently Bill Curry, John Ferling, Ronald J. Greer, Timothy O’Keefe, Hannah Pittard, Andy Plattner, the creation of jobs for manufacturers more competitive when applying for Peace

Ansley L. Quiros, Richard E. Rankin Jr., David Schaeffer and Virginia Willis. For additional information, FONG PHOTO LAURA and fitters. Corps service. email [email protected]. THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 5 BEARINGS BEARINGS

Civil War,” an examination of reading practices Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced and literary interpretation during this period in that Cheryl L.R. Gaddis, DrPH, MPH, CHES, American history. assistant professor of public health in Mercer’s College of Health Professions, has been selected DR. DAVID LANE for the role of Public Health Education Specialist: FACULTY HONORS Curriculum Development. RECOGNIZED WITH TOP Dr. Gaddis, who also serves as director of Mercer’s TWO AWARDS FROM Master of Public Health program, will receive an LPCA OF GEORGIA award of up to $18,000 to support her work to serve DR. W. DAVID LANE, professor of counseling in as a technical expert on health education and develop &RECOGNITIONS a common curriculum for Academic Partnerships to DR. JENNIFER LI, Out of almost 3,000 applicants, 175 candidates Penfield College, received both the Linda Painter Improve Health (APIH) trainees using instructional COLLABORATOR EARN were chosen for the John Simon Guggenheim Service Award and the Dr. John C. Burns III Lifetime MERCER Memorial Foundation’s 93rd competition. Achievement Award during the Licensed Professional design that employs adult learning principles with a $2.6M IN NIH FUNDING FOR The great variety of backgrounds, fields of study Counselors Association (LPCA) of Georgia’s 30th variety of media, such as brochures, fact sheets, self- DISEASE RESEARCH FACULTY and accomplishments of Guggenheim Fellows is Annual Convention and Regional Conference held study, computer assisted instruction and distance- May 9-12 in Atlanta. based learning. INPING (JENNIFER) LI, M.D., Ph.D., one of the unique characteristics of the Fellowship AUTHOR program. In all, 49 scholarly disciplines and artistic Dr. Lane is the first member to receive the Jeremy Kidd, associate professor assistant professor of histology at Mercer of law, co-authored Mastering organization’s top two awards in a single year. DR. CAROLINE BRACKETTE University School of Medicine, and Gang NEW fields, 69 different academic institutions, 31 states, Sales, Carolina Press. Dr. Lane, who recently completed his 23rd year PRESENTED ACA (Gary) Ren, Ph.D., structural biologist at and three Canadian provinces are represented in the BOOKS on the University’s faculty, is founder of Penfield the Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley 2018 class of Fellows. SOUTHERN REGION College’s counseling program. He has more than National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Dr. Silver passed away on Aug. 6. For more LEADERSHIP AWARD information on her life and legacy at Mercer, see pg. 41. 41 years of experience as a counselor, counselor Energy, recently were awarded more than DR. CAROLINE M. BRACKETTE, associate professor educator and supervisor. $2.6 million in funding from the National of counseling in Penfield College, received the 2018 DR. ROBERT WATSON Institutes of Health for a collaborative project DR. BRYANT SMALLEY American Counseling Association (ACA) Southern to define a novel mechanism underlying RECEIVES FULBRIGHT U.S. Region Leadership Award for her leadership NAMED NRHA OUTSTANDING blood cholesterol regulation. SCHOLAR AWARD and advocacy as branch president of the ACA A joint proposal, titled “Structure-Function RESEARCHER OF THE YEAR of Georgia. Relationship Studies of the Plasma Lipid TO HONDURAS DR. K. BRYANT SMALLEY, associate dean for Dr. Brackette also gave the welcome address to Transfer Proteins CETP and PLTP,” received DR. ROBERT WATSON, assistant professor research and accreditation and professor of more than 5,000 counselors at the 66th American funding from the National Institutes of of technical communication in the School of community medicine and psychiatry in the School Counseling Association Annual Conference and Health’s National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Engineering, recently received a Fulbright U.S. of Medicine, was recently named Outstanding Expo held April 26-29 at the World Congress Center throughJ the NIH Research Project Grant Program. Scholar award for 2018-2019 to study patient Researcher of the Year by the National Rural Health in Atlanta. The study will delineate the mechanism of blood information systems in remote clinics in Honduras. Association (NRHA). This year, Dr. Brackette will conclude her two- cholesterol transfer proteins in regulating lipoprotein For the past year, Dr. Watson and students in the Dr. Smalley was honored May 10 in New Orleans year term as president of ACA of Georgia having Dr. David Lane, professor of structural and morphology changes, which will be Dr. Michael Ellis, clinical assistant Technical Communication and Computer Engineering accomplished her goal to revitalize what is currently at the organization’s Annual Rural Health Conference, counseling, and Dr. Donna professor, authored Caring for essentially important to design the next generation departments of the School of Engineering have been Lane, adjunct professor of the newest ACA state entity. Autism: Practical Advice from which represents the largest gathering of rural health of drugs for fighting cardiovascular and familial collaborating with the Public Health Department counseling, co-authored Strength a Parent and Physician, Oxford professionals in the nation. in Adversity, CreateSpace hypercholesterolemia diseases. University Press. of the School of Medicine at the Universidad The Outstanding Researcher of the Year award Independent Publishing. THREE FACULTY As co-investigator, Dr. Li’s portion of the grant Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH) in is presented annually to a rural health researcher MEMBERS NAMED amounts to $450,000 over the next four years. Tegucigalpa, Honduras. after a national selection process focused on the GOVERNOR’S TEACHING Additionally, a proposal for fighting cancer diseases Together, they are developing a low-cost patient honoree’s dedication to solving rural health issues FELLOWS led by Dr. Li and Dr. Ren was approved by the information system for limited-resource clinics to and the quality of the individual’s work. The award Molecular Foundry’s User Program, which provides improve clinic operations and reporting in a way that THREE MERCER FACULTY MEMBERS are among recognizes the honoree’s efforts to encourage, assist, researchers free access to world-class instruments for is affordable and sustainable. this year’s Governor’s Teaching Fellows, a highly enhance, expand and improve rural health. cutting-edge nanoscience and biological materials in a selective program designed to develop important Throughout his career, Dr. Smalley has received collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. teaching skills through emerging technologies DR. SARAH GARDNER more than $6 million in federal rural health funding Dr. Li’s research over the past decade has focused and instructional tools and sponsored by the SELECTED FOR NEH from the National Institutes of Health, the Health on the pathological mechanism, diagnosis and Institute of Higher Education at the University Resources and Services Administration and the treatment of endometrial and pancreatic cancers. SUMMER STIPEND of Georgia. Federal Corporation for National and Community Preliminary results of the recent cancer-related projects DR. SARAH E. GARDNER, Distinguished University Dr. Renee Hayslett, associate professor of Service. This funding has supported widespread rural led by Dr. Li and Dr. Ren at the Molecular Foundry Professor of History in the College of Liberal Arts, pharmaceutical sciences in the College of Pharmacy, health research, training and community engagement strongly support future NIH grant application. was awarded a Summer Stipends award by the and Dr. Laura Morrow, associate professor of activities throughout rural Georgia. National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). leadership studies in Penfield College, will both Dr. Thomas B. Slater, professor of participate in the 2018-2019 academic year fellowship DR. ANYA SILVER Summer Stipends support continuous full- New Testament studies, authored Dr. Sarah E. Gardner, DR. CHERYL GADDIS The Son of Man in Second consisting of six three-day symposia. Distinguished University time work on a humanities project for a period of AWARDED GUGGENHEIM SELECTED AS CDC PUBLIC Temple Judaism: Reviewing and Professor of History, co-edited two consecutive months for individuals pursuing Dr. Jianhua Feng, professor of education in Tift Advancing the Scholarly Debate, FELLOWSHIP Reassessing the 1930s South, HEALTH EDUCATION advanced research that is of value to humanities Edwin Mellen Press. College of Education, participated in the intensive, Louisiana State University Press. PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH DR. ANYA KRUGOVOY scholars, general audiences or both. SPECIALIST two-week summer symposium, which included SILVER was awarded a prestigious 2018 Dr. Gardner was awarded support for her THE ASSOCIATION FOR PREVENTION TEACHING lectures and workshops by experts on various topics Guggenheim Fellowship. project, titled “Reading During the American and Research (APTR) and the Centers for Disease and projects and presentations by the Fellows.

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Mission trip to Cape Town, South Fellowship, named for Campus Africa, where she worked with Compact co-founder Frank Newman, local schools for three weeks before is a one-year experience emphasizing beginning a two-month internship personal, professional and civic growth. with Iliso Care Society working with Through the fellowship, Campus SCHOLARSHIPS disadvantaged women and youth. Compact provides a variety of learning Junior Brittany Tran, a neuroscience and networking opportunities, including AND major from Danielsville, participated in a national conference of Newman a Mercer On Mission trip to Vietnam Civic Fellows in partnership with the to fit low-cost prosthetics designed at Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the FELLOWSHIPS Mercer on Vietnamese amputees who United States Senate. The fellowship lost limbs primarily due to land mines also provides fellows with access to ALUMNAE MERCER ALUMNAE The Hollings Scholarship Program is designed left from the Vietnam War. She also apply for exclusive scholarship and Anna Cizek and Sterling to increase undergraduate training in oceanic and served as a translator. postgraduate opportunities. RECEIVE Conyers were recently atmospheric science, research and technology. Each The Gilman Scholarship has Guta, from Tampa, Florida, is a FULBRIGHT awarded prestigious year, it provides 120 undergraduate applicants with enabled more than 25,000 outstanding political science and psychology double- U.S. STUDENT Fulbright U.S. Student academic assistance up to $9,500 per year for two years Americans of diverse backgrounds to major. As part of her fellowship, she will AWARDS TO Awards, bringing the of full-time study. It also guarantees a 10-week summer engage in a meaningful educational present Operation Lighthouse (OLH), MOROCCO, University’s overall tally internship at a NOAA facility. experience abroad. The program has a teen dating violence prevention TAIWAN of Fulbrighters to 15 Between the first and second years of the award, broadened U.S. participation in study program, at after-school organizations since 2010. the scholarship provides hands-on, practical experience abroad, while emphasizing countries in Macon and collect data about the “As Fulbright scholars, in NOAA-related science, research, technology, policy, and regions where fewer Americans program’s effectiveness. After multiple these students will make management and education activities. traditionally study. implementations of OLH, she hopes to an immediate impact as Shakti Biswas, Alyssa Fornter, present the information she gathers to Alicia Williams, Brittany Tran cultural ambassadors Anna Cizek FOUR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT RHODEN SOPHOMORE RUBY the Bibb County School District and advocate for the between the United States and their host countries,” STUDENTS of State this spring Rhoden was awarded implementation of OLH in the public school system. said Dr. Edward Weintraut, Fulbright Program adviser announced that four EARNS BOREN a Boren Scholarship to SELECTED SCHOLARSHIP and professor of foreign languages and literatures at Mercer students are study Mandarin Chinese TWO RECENT GRADUATE Mercer. “This is consistent with Mercer’s mission to FOR GILMAN among 1,201 American TO STUDY and experience Chinese Mary Martinez and MERCERIANS empower students to change the world for the better.” SCHOLARSHIPS undergraduates from 363 IN CHINA culture for two months senior Hoor Qureshi Cizek, from Naperville, Illinois, graduated in TO STUDY colleges and universities last summer at Beijing AWARDED were awarded Critical 2017 with a triple-major in French, global health and ABROAD selected to receive the Language and Culture CRITICAL Language Scholarships international affairs. She will serve as a Fulbright prestigious Benjamin University in China. LANGUAGE by the U.S. Department English Teaching Assistant (ETA) in Morocco. A. Gilman International In exchange for SCHOLARSHIPS of State’s Bureau of Conyers, from Fayetteville, earned her Bachelor of Scholarship. funding, Rhoden, a Educational and Cultural Arts degree in May with majors in international affairs This brought Mercer’s biomedical engineering Affairs to study abroad and Spanish and minors in Asian studies and global Sterling Conyers total number of Gilman major from Duluth, will work for the federal Elliza Guta this summer. health. She will serve as a Fulbright ETA in Taiwan. Scholars to 10 for the government in national security for at least one year. The Critical Language The program was established in 1946 under 2017-2018 academic year. Rhoden, who also has a minor in chemistry, studied Scholarship (CLS) legislation introduced by U.S. Senator J. William “As Mercer places more emphasis on engaged Mandarin Chinese, which is the official language of Program is a fully- Fulbright of Arkansas. Since then, it has given more learning opportunities, the Gilman Scholarship is mainland China, from middle school through her junior funded summer overseas than 380,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists and important to make transformative study abroad year at the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science language and cultural scientists the opportunity to study, teach and conduct experiences available to all students,” said Dr. David and Technology. immersion program for American undergraduate and research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding A. Davis, associate professor of English and director of David L. Boren Scholarships and Fellowships are graduate students. With the goal of broadening the solutions to shared international concerns. scholarships and fellowships. “Our students’ success sponsored by the National Security Education Program base of Americans studying and mastering critical with the scholarship this year will lead to exciting (NSEP), a major federal initiative designed to build a languages and building relationships between the CHARLOTTE JUNIOR CHARLOTTE international experiences for these students, and it broader and more qualified pool of U.S. citizens with people of the United States and other countries, Dungan was selected paves the way for many more students to apply.” foreign language and international skills. the CLS provides opportunities to a diverse range Charlotte Dungan Mary Martinez DUNGAN as Mercer’s first-ever Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply of students from across the U.S. at every level of EARNS recipient of the Ernest F. towards their study abroad or internship program costs ELLIZA GUTA CAMPUS COMPACT, language learning. UNIVERSITY’S Hollings Undergraduate with additional funding available for the study of a a Boston-based non-profit Martinez, from Savannah, earned her bachelor’s CHOSEN AS FIRST-EVER Scholarship from the critical language overseas. organization working degree in May with a major in global health studies HOLLINGS National Oceanic Senior Alicia Williams, a global health studies NEWMAN to advance the public and a minor in French. She was selected to study and Atmospheric major from Riverdale, participated in a Mercer On CIVIC FELLOW purposes of higher Korean in South Korea, after having previously traveled SCHOLARSHIP Administration (NOAA). Mission trip to the Dominican Republic studying water education, selected to the country as part of a Mercer On Mission trip. Dungan, from sanitation and indoor air quality effects on health. Mercer senior Elliza Guta Qureshi, from Marietta, is a double-major in global Marietta, is an Junior Shakti Biswas, a double-major in biology and as one of 268 students health studies and global development studies with a environmental engineering Spanish from Marietta, studied abroad in Seville, Spain. who will make up the minor in environmental studies. She was selected to major with minors in Junior Alyssa Fortner, a double-major in organization’s 2018 cohort study Urdu in India, allowing her to reconnect with her

chemistry and engineering Ruby Rhoden international affairs and global development studies of Newman Civic Fellows. Hoor Qureshi roots as a South Asian-American and further explore for development. from Chickamauga, participated in a Mercer On The Newman Civic the region’s history and culture.

8 THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 9 and Hunter Pilkinton, who would earn for him his first win awards, including the aforementioned historic victory at Point as a debate coach in the first tournament of the season at the Loma and the team’s third state title in a span of four years. They University of North Georgia. also recruited another talented duo in Daniel Alvarez and Keanu For Hancock and Pilkinton were responsible for setting some early, Lowo, who added to the tally of trophies. lofty goals for the team, including earning an invitation to the By the start of the 2017-2018 season, with these four debaters prestigious Point Loma Round Robin, which no team from the beginning their senior year at Mercer, they had performed far South had ever done. Not only did the Bears earn multiple invites better than any team in the University’s history, but they had not Argument’s to the tournament, four years later they won it. been able to return to the heights reached by Buckley and Bligen How Mercer’s Debate Team By the end of Dr. Stanescu’s first year, Hancock and Pilkinton as freshmen. won the University’s first-ever Georgia Parliamentary Debate “There was so much pressure,” Dr. Stanescu said. “We kept Association (GPDA) state championship, and became the first winning state and going to nationals, where we’d do well, but we Rose to National Prominence team from Georgia to earn a coveted invitation to the National weren’t advancing far into the elimination rounds and we weren’t By Kyle Sears Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence. winning speaker award. Coming back as seniors, the team was The Bears earned another important victory outside of very hungry. They had one goal — to win it all.” Sakehen Dr. Vasile Dr. Stanescu’s own personal interest in debate dated back to intercollegiate competition when Hancock, while judging a The Bears had enough funding to set out on their first truly Stanescu joined the his days as a student at Northside High School in Warner Robins. tournament, met and began recruiting a high school senior national circuit, and they reached the semifinals in every one of faculty at Mercer He went on to attend the University of Texas at Dallas on a debate named Kyle Bligen. Bligen was headed to Wake Forest, but those tournaments. five years ago, scholarship before pursuing graduate study at Stanford. There, switched to Mercer, and he, in turn, recruited fellow senior Jaz In March, the seniors traveled to Portland, Oregon, for one the oldest student he quickly realized that the skills of research and argumentation Buckley, one of his biggest rivals in the ranks of Georgia High final NPDA nationals. Bligen and Buckley lost just one round in organization he learned in debate allowed him a much smoother transition to School Association debate. preliminaries and sailed through the early elimination rounds had fallen on the rigor of the prestigious West Coast university than many of The 2014-2015 debate season also began before matching up with a Texas Tech team that hard times. his classmates. at North Georgia with Hancock and Pilkinton had just eliminated Mercer’s yearlong nemesis, Though Mercer’s “When I came to Mercer, I had in my mind the importance of competing in the varsity division and Bligen the University of California, Berkeley, in the debate team debate, and I wanted to share that with the students,” said Dr. and Buckley competing in the novice division. “They had semifinals. had experienced Stanescu, who serves as assistant professor of communication During preparation for their final round, the As the Bears matched wits with the Red success as recently as the early 2000s, by 2013, interest in debate studies and director of debate. freshmen suggested an unorthodox strategy one goal Raiders in the finals, it seemed there was only as well as funding to support a team were waning. His first team was led by a pair of juniors in Lindsey Hancock — reciting the lines of a poem as part of their one possible outcome for the two rivals-turned- W argument — which defied the conventions of best friends who couldn’t remember a time when parliamentary debate. — to win they hadn’t debated against or with one another. “They didn’t win,” recalled Dr. Stanescu, “Using their own unique brand of debate, Jaz “but their argument was so gripping. It gave us it all.” Buckley and Kyle Bligen became the first African- the idea to begin incorporating cultural artifacts American team to win the NPDA National such as poetry and spirituals into debate.” Championship Tournament,” said Dr. Jeannie At the end of the season, both teams went to the National Hunt, president of NPDA. “Additionally, Buckley, joining only Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA) tournament, where a handful of women to reach the final round, became the first every team competed against one another and there were no African-American woman to win this national title. While both varsity and novice divisions. Dr. Stanescu knew his debaters students clearly have strong argumentation skills and implement put on a historic performance for Mercer debaters on a national successful strategies, their ability to frame the debate with a focus stage, but he had no idea just how historic until awards were on social justice allows them to use their voice for something announced. beyond winning tournaments. I look forward to seeing great Despite there being no novice division at nationals, novice things from this team as they move through life.” awards are handed out to the less experienced debaters in the The victory was a catharsis for the team. Dr. Stanescu recalls field. Buckley and Bligen were named the top-two individual a blur of jumping, screaming and crying. They returned to a novice speakers and the top novice team. hero’s welcome and a congratulatory message on the scoreboard “Mercer had never won any speaker awards at nationals, so at Five Star Stadium. Weeks later, at graduation in May, President we were very proud of the novice awards,” said Dr. Stanescu. William D. Underwood gave them a shoutout in his opening “We had no idea we were winning any varsity awards.” remarks, citing them as a shining example of what it means to But the team didn’t just win any varsity awards. Buckley was “Be the Bear.” named the top overall speaker at nationals, becoming the first “Every single person here at Mercer — from the president to female and first African-American to do so at the nation’s largest the dean to the faculty — has continually built them up, and that parliamentary debate tournament. Additionally, Bligen was was so important to these students, who despite all the focus named the fourth-best speaker, Hancock was named 10th-best and work they have put into debate, also managed to become speaker and both teams finished in the top 16 overall. extremely successful, well-rounded students,” said Dr. Stanescu. The scene afterwards was emotional, Dr. Stanescu recalled. “In Buckley went on to UCLA School of Law to study at one of the parking lot, Jaz said something to the effect of, ‘This award the top critical race studies programs in the country, and Bligen proves that I’m not too loud, I’m not too aggressive and I deserve took a one-year deferment to Harvard Business School and will to be heard.’ That was the most meaningful experience I’ve had remain in Macon, where he will work for the Clinton Foundation, as a professor, much less a debate coach.” serve as Mercer’s assistant debate coach and continue work on a

CHRISTOPHER SMITH PHOTO Over the next two seasons, Bligen and Buckley won numerous nonprofit organization he founded to combat urban poverty. Mercer’s 2017-2018 debate team included (l-r) Cassie Malcolm, Eduardo Rubio, Jaz Buckley, Keanu Lowo, Kyle Bligen, Director of Debate Vasile Stanescu, Madison Moore, Daniel Alvarez and Taylor Cole.

10 THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 11 ERCER I N S P I R E UNIVERSITY equips its students with the skills and knowledge required to live full and successful lives, empowers them to become leaders in communities throughout the world, and inspires them to deploy their talents to positively impact the human condition. By any measure, Mercer today stands among the leading private research universities in the nation. Over the last decade, Mercer has been formally reclassified as a doctoral-research university. Following this reclassification, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Mercer among the first tier of national research universities — one of only five in Georgia, including Emory, Georgia Tech, Georgia State ERCER’S ISION University and the University of Georgia. With the awarding of a Phi Beta M V Kappa chapter, Mercer became one of only three Phi Beta Kappa research universities in Georgia. This standing among our nation’s finest universities has been FOR THE M achieved without sacrificing the qualities that have made Mercer special — without losing our institutional soul. We have preserved a personal and intimate educational experience in which class sizes for undergraduate students remain among the smallest in the country. DECADE No undergraduate classes are taught by teaching assistants or graduate students and the percentage of students engaged in research with faculty is higher than at our peer institutions. We have preserved the diverse environment that helps define Mercer, AHEAD a quality that has been carefully nurtured at Mercer since the 1960s. A significantly higher percentage of our student body are minorities than at any of our peer or aspirational peer institutions. Mercer’s heritage as an institution founded by people in the free-church tradition continues to undergird our university through the work of the McAfee School of Theology, through our strong commitment to intellectual freedom, and through compelling programs that inspire students to lead lives of service to others. As we look to the future, the University’s recently adopted 10-year strategic plan envisions a highly regarded research university effectively preparing students for futures in an interconnected global community. It envisions a diverse community of scholars that attracts among the most talented students, faculty and staff who are joined together in their commitment to making a positive difference in the world and who marshal the intellectual capital of the University and the tools of our laboratories and libraries to solve pressing problems affecting humankind. It envisions a university committed to evolving as necessary to meet the needs of a global community where the pace of change continues to accelerate. It envisions a vibrant and exciting community, fearless and eager to compete against the best in every worthwhile endeavor. And it envisions a place authentically committed to interpreting and applying its founding heritage in a way that meets the needs of humankind.

— William D. Underwood, President

12 Ten-Year Strategic Plan | THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 THE MISSION OF MERCER UNIVERSITY IS TO EQUIP ITS STUDENTS S WE PURSUE THIS VISION, WITH THE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED TO LIVE FULL WE WILL FOCUS ON SEVEN AND SUCCESSFUL LIVES, TO EMPOWER THEM TO BECOME LEADERS STRATEGIC IN COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, AND TO INSPIRE IMPERATIVES:

BEING AN INTIMATE AND DIVERSE COMMUNITY THEM TO DEPLOY THEIR TALENTS TO POSITIVELY IMPACT OF GIFTED SCHOLARS COMMITTED TO CHANGING THE WORLD Great universities attract diverse and talented students, faculty, THE HUMAN CONDITION. OUR VISION IS TO and staff. Our best selling points are who we are and what we do. We believe in ourselves. Mercer is committed to recruiting outstanding community members by focusing on our distinctive mission and attributes. We will continue to enhance our CHANGE THE WORLD efforts to tell the Mercer story and experience measured 1 growth in enrollment, while also increasing our student profile and our already ONE STUDENT AT A TIME. strong commitment to diversity. Attract committed community members. At Mercer everyone majors in changing the world. More than a slogan, this statement reflects our aspiration for each member of our academic community. To ensure that it reflects our reality, the University will seek to identify and attract undergraduate, graduate, and professional students as well as faculty and staff who share this vision for their lives. This will require a more robust, individualized and integrated assessment of each applicant’s potential to be successful in a challenging and rigorous academic community, while being immersed in the campus culture and committed to stewarding the mission. To this end, we will enhance marketing to prospective students, faculty, and staff to include stories and outcomes that affirm Mercer’s mission while highlighting research, service, and leadership opportunities throughout our institution. There is no more powerful statement of institutional priorities than the stories we choose to tell about the accomplishments of students, faculty, and staff members. We will also explore ways to more directly engage our staff in activities that are changing the lives of our students and faculty. Achieve measured enrollment growth for traditional undergraduates. The University’s traditional undergraduate student enrollment has seen significant growth over the last several years. From 2011 to 2017, Macon traditional undergraduate student enrollment has increased by 41 percent, from 2,306 in 2011 to 3,253 in 2017. Freshman enrollment has grown from 565 in 2011 to 891 in 2017, an increase of 58 percent. Impe Ten-Year Strategic Plan | THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 15 Mercer will continue to increase of 26 and grade point average of 3.67. The incoming class of traditional undergraduate 2017 had an ACT average of 28 and grade point average of 3.90. enrollment from 3,253 to 3,750 Over the next decade, we anticipate that the academic profile students because we believe in of Mercer’s traditional undergraduate students will increase to the educational experience here, an average ACT score of 30 and an average grade point average and we believe the world needs of 3.95. more Mercerians. While we want Serve post-traditional undergraduates. Like many leading our programs to be accessible to universities, Mercer has a proud tradition of serving the educational Imperative 1: as many students as possible, we needs of post-traditional undergraduate students, which constitute BEING AN INTIMATE must balance this objective against a growing population of degree seekers. Our undergraduate student AND DIVERSE our commitment to an intimate population currently includes 3,253 traditional undergraduate COMMUNITY OF learning environment, which students in Macon, 350 undergraduate nursing students in Atlanta, GIFTED SCHOLARS ensures that each student is valued and 1,057 post-traditional undergraduate students completing COMMITTED as an individual. degrees in Mercer’s regional academic centers. The University TO CHANGING Increase academic profile. offers a broad array of programs especially suited to meet the THE WORLD While experiencing a 41 percent needs of these post-traditional undergraduate students, including • growth in undergraduate student programs in information technology, human services, accounting, Enhance marketing to prospective population in Macon, Mercer management and marketing, and early, middle, and special students, faculty, and staff to attract has also experienced a significant education. Each of these fields is projected to offer opportunity those who share the Mercer vision. increase in academic profile over for college graduates for the foreseeable future. Over the next • Explore ways to more directly engage the past five years. The incoming decade, as we increase the traditional undergraduate population 1staff in activities that are changing class of 2012 had an ACT average in Macon to 3,750 students, we expect to increase the post- the lives of our students and faculty. traditional undergraduate • student population in our Increase traditional undergraduate regional academic centers to enrollment from 3,253 to 2,000 students. 3,750 students. • Remain affordable. A Increase the academic profile of diverse student population traditional undergraduates to an enhances the educational average ACT score of 30 and an experience of all students average grade point average of 3.95. as they engage people from • different backgrounds and As a means of preserving Mercer’s diversity, limit undergraduate tuition life experiences. Mercer increases to no more than increases exposes its students to a in the consumer price index. Similar richer diversity of colleagues constraint will be exercised in than any of its peer or tuition increases for graduate and aspirational peer institutions. professional programs. A significant element of Mercer’s success in achieving diversity has been positioning the University as the premier private lower-cost alternative. Mercer will continue to avoid real increases in the cost of attendance by disciplining ourselves to limit undergraduate tuition increases to no more than increases in the consumer price index. We will exercise similar restraint in pricing our graduate and professional programs. Optimize professional schools. Mercer has a long tradition of positively impacting society through

16 Ten-Year Strategic Plan | THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 the preparation of professionals in participate in faculty-directed research than at any of our and potential through meaningful external validation of the quality and understanding. They secured external funding in the form of law, health professions, theology, institutional comparison groups. Hundreds of undergraduate and relevance of their research and scholarship. As one example, the a $500,000 NEH grant and helped raise the required $1.5 million and education. Many of our most students annually present their research at regional and national Southern Studies program in the College of Liberal Arts exemplifies match to support their program. As a consequence of faculty efforts, accomplished graduates have meetings, engage in faculty-directed research, and make research high faculty achievement in research and scholarship. Faculty are the Spencer B. King, Jr., Center for Southern Studies is widely been educated in our professional presentations at campus celebrations of undergraduate research. publishing books with leading academic publishing houses that are recognized as the finest undergraduate program in the field. schools. We will endeavor to We have become a leading producer of Goldwater Scholars — making important and original contributions to human knowledge The Center for Drug Delivery Research is another example. This ensure that enrollment in these the most prestigious national research scholarship available to schools reflects societal needs undergraduate students in the STEM disciplines. and market conditions, requiring The value of engagement in rigorous faculty-directed Imperative 2: that some of our professional undergraduate research is evident in admissions to prestigious BEING A PLACE OF schools expand over the next graduate and professional schools, in successful competition DISCOVERY AND decade, others will remain stable, for post-graduate fellowships and scholarships such as IN NOVATION while others will find increased Fulbright Awards, and in fueling a culture of innovation and • strength in smaller numbers. Our entrepreneurship among Mercer undergraduates and recent Surpass $60 million in annual professional school graduates must graduates. That culture is supported by the Mercer Innovation National Science Foundation-defined research expenditures. be equipped with the knowledge Center, which encourages students and faculty to take ideas • and skills required to pass required developed through their research and build those ideas into Support research in areas of licensing examinations, to obtain successful enterprises. promise through internal seed grant meaningful employment in their Over the next decade, we will continue to build on funding, continued development chosen professions, and provide our existing strength in undergraduate research as we of core facilities, and development quality professional service to future aspire to a program that consistently ranks among the top of effective faculty research patients, clients, and students. The institutions in the nation in levels of participation and 2mentoring programs. • size of our professional school quality of achievement. Integrating the research and service Explore cooperative relationships with programs will be driven by an missions of the University through our Research That Reaches other research universities that will ongoing assessment of where we Out initiative will be a special area of emphasis because of enable Mercer scientists to access stand on these metrics. the powerful impact this integration has on student equipment at those institutions learning experiences. on the same terms as scientists Continue to support a wide range of at those institutions. BEING A PLACE • OF DISCOVERY faculty research, scholarship, and Determine appropriate staffing & INNOVATION creative activity, but especially focus expertise, organization, and tools of Over the next resources in areas of demonstrated the Grants and Contracts Office and decade, Mercer excellence and potential. Active the Office of Research Compliance will enhance its research agendas keep faculty to support the University’s 2 reputation among members current to the benefit of research agenda. • leading private research universities their students. Moreover, contributing Complete a new Health Sciences by focusing our resources where to the expansion of knowledge Center on the Atlanta Campus, we can have the greatest impact. and understanding is among the enabling expansion and renovation Research and creative activity obligations of great universities as of existing research space in the are central to the work of this we contribute toward College of Pharmacy. University. Over the past decade, making a better world. • Continue enhancing the quality of we have moved into the top tier of Mercer supports a existing Ph.D. programs, evaluate and national research universities. As wide range of faculty prioritize the launch of new graduate we embark on our next decade, we research, scholarship, programs based on industry and must focus our resources to obtain and creative activity institutional needs as well as market maximum benefit for students in the sciences, demand, and charge the University while enabling Mercer to make the humanities, social Graduate Council to develop a greatest contribution possible to the sciences, and music, and comprehensive vision for graduate education within the University. common good. will continue to do so. • Continue to build on Necessarily, Meet the criteria for further Carnegie its existing strength in however, we will reclassification as a Doctoral/ undergraduate research. Mercer allocate scarce resources Research University — Higher has established one of the finest (time, equipment, Research Activity (R2). undergraduate research programs library resources, in the United States. The National facilities, etc.) in areas Survey of Student Engagement where faculty have confirms that a higher percentage demonstrated high of Mercer undergraduate students levels of achievement

18 Ten-Year Strategic Plan | THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 Center currently includes 14 research scientists from the relevant high-quality research, the amount of external and internal research universities that will enable Mercer scientists to access College of Pharmacy and School of Medicine, a number of support for that research will increase as well. Over the past decade, equipment at those institutions on the same terms as scientists at post-doctoral students, and more than 40 Ph.D. students. the University’s National Science Foundation-defined research those institutions. Over the past several years, the Center has developed an expenditures have doubled from $18 million to approximately $36 The University will also improve administrative infrastructure intellectual property portfolio that includes eight patents. million. Most of that increase has come from increased extramural to support its research mission. The University will determine Scientists in the Center have secured extramural funding support. Provided that federal sources continue to increase support appropriate staffing expertise and organization of the Grants and from a wide range of sources evidencing the quality and for research activity, and with additional commitments to research Contracts Office and the Office of Research Compliance. Mercer relevance of their research. These sources include federal from internal resources, it is reasonable to aspire to surpassing $60 will also invest in appropriate technology to facilitate the grant and state agencies as well as submission process as well private industry. Two start- as invest in grant writing up companies have emerged support. The University seeking to commercialize the will continue investing intellectual property developed in research facilities. by the Center, while elements of Over the past decade, the that portfolio have been licensed University has expanded to a firm seeking to develop a the Hoskins Medical vaccine for ovarian cancer. Education and Research Other examples of Center in Savannah, demonstrated excellence and acquired and repurposed potential include (a) aviation what is now the Clinical systems research at the Mercer Research facility in the Engineering Research Center; College of Pharmacy, and (b) research focused on the recently completed the discovery of new therapeutic Godsey Science Center in and diagnostic biomarkers, Macon. The University which includes promising will complete a new work seeking to discover a Health Sciences Center biomarker for pancreatic in Atlanta, which will cancer; (c) research focused enable us to expand and on the development of renovate existing research biomedical devices, including space in the College the prosthetics that have now of Pharmacy. been provided to thousands Continue to enhance of Vietnamese amputees; (d) the quality of existing research that has developed Ph.D. programs while systems for tracking mercury prioritizing the launch contamination in South of new graduate American gold mining programs to meet communities and preventing student, institutional, that contamination from and industry demands. entering the atmosphere; (e) Over the past decade, the research focused on Christian University has dramatically ethics through the Center for expanded its footprint in Theology and Public Life, Ph.D. programs offered which provides a leading moral and students served voice in American Christianity; by these programs. In and (f) research in the Center 2007-08, the number of for Rural Health Disparities Ph.D. degrees awarded that promises to ensure the standing of the School of million in annual NSF research expenditures over the next decade. at Mercer was seven, with all graduates coming from our only Medicine as the leading center for the study of rural health This can be accomplished as researchers expand their research research doctoral program at the time, which was in pharmaceutical challenges and solutions. Researchers in each of these areas portfolios by increasing the amount and variety of funding sources. sciences. A decade later in 2016-17, the University awarded 59 Ph.D. have successfully attracted external funding from federal, The University will support research in areas of promise through degrees to students in pharmaceutical sciences, nursing, counseling, state, foundation, philanthropic, and private industry internal seed grant funding, continued development of core and education. This increase has resulted in the University’s sources to support their research. facilities, and development of effective faculty research mentoring reclassification by the Carnegie Foundation as a Doctoral/Research Increase administrative, financial, equipment, and programs. The University will inventory available research University — Moderate Research Activity (R3). facilities support for research in areas of demonstrated equipment to facilitate faculty access to that equipment. Further, Committed to our classification as a research university, excellence and promise. As faculty increasingly engage in the University will explore cooperative relationships with other Mercer will work to continue enhancing the quality of existing

Ten-Year Strategic Plan | THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 21 Ph.D. programs, will evaluate study, conduct research, and recreate enables students to develop and prioritize the launch of a deeper understanding of others. Mercer intends to prioritize new graduate programs based international student recruitment, with a goal of increasing the on industry and institutional population of international students on our Macon and Atlanta needs as well as market demand, campuses. While this runs contrary to the recent trend toward a and will charge the University decline in presence of international students on campuses in the Graduate Council to develop a United States, we think that with focused effort and appropriate comprehensive vision for graduate strategic partners, we can more than double the percentage education within the University. of international students at Mercer from the present level of Imperative 3: Within the next decade, the University will meet the criteria for BEING A GLOBAL further Carnegie reclassification UNIVERSITY as a Doctoral/Research University • — Higher Research Activity Appoint a council to consider ways that Mercer’s curriculum (R2) as we continue developing can better meet the needs of 21st Ph.D. programs appropriate for century global citizens. our mission. • Increase percentage of international BEING A GLOBAL students from 3.3 percent UNIVERSITY to 7 percent. Among our • 3Develop a wider array of relationships most pressing with institutions of higher learning obligations as an throughout the world. institution of higher • 3 learning is preparing Continue developing new and our students for success in a world additional study abroad opportunities that is not only interconnected, for students. • but has become interdependent. Engage more than 400 Succeeding in the 21st century will undergraduate, graduate, and require the ability to connect to professional students annually in a global flow of ideas, networks, Mercer On Mission. innovators, and entrepreneurs. We must equip our students with the knowledge and skills to adapt to this changing global climate. Integrate global perspectives throughout our curriculum. While we have begun developing degree programs designed to prepare students for careers in global health and international development, preparing our students for success in an interdependent world will require us to look beyond specific degree programs to integrate global perspectives throughout our undergraduate, graduate, and professional curriculum. The Provost will appoint a council to meet regularly and consider ways 3.3 percent of our student population to at least seven percent that our curriculum can better within the next decade. This is a realistic goal, given that Mercer meet the needs of 21st century offers high-quality programs that especially are attractive to global citizens. international students (business, engineering, health sciences), Further internationalize and we have a campus in Atlanta, a major hub of international our campuses. Being a place economic activity. where students from around Mercer will also develop a wider array of relationships with the world come together to live, institutions of higher learning throughout the world. These

22 Ten-Year Strategic Plan | THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 relationships will facilitate faculty exchanges, exposing our students to leading scholars from other nations, and shared classrooms through the use of technology so that students from Mercer can study with students enrolled in partner institutions. Expand international research, service learning and study abroad. There is no substitute for international travel to enable our students to experience different people and cultures. Traditional semester and summer abroad experiences Imperative 4: are an important vehicle for accomplishing this result. Over the BEING R ELEVA NT next decade, we will continue developing new and additional • study abroad opportunities for students. Develop and promote curricular innovations The most impactful engaged learning experience for that explore issues of cyber-security and Mercer students fully integrates study abroad, research, information management, artificial intelligence, and service learning. Some examples include Mercer On cloud computing, and end-user education. Mission’s clean water programs in Africa and Latin America, • its prosthetics program in Vietnam, and mercury containment Integrate understanding of systemic changes endeavors in in human behaviors and practices related to rapid innovation and the emergence of new South America. communications platforms. Mercer On • Mission 4Align curriculum and pedagogy to utilize transforms the appropriate technology for academic and lives of our professional development. students by • Adapt professional curriculum to reflect inspiring them to address the needs of humankind as global emerging changes in virtual service delivery problem solvers and innovators. More than 250 students and information processing. currently participate in these experiences. Over the next • decade, we intend to engage more than 400 undergraduate, Enhance evaluation processes across the graduate, and professional students annually in Mercer On University to ensure appropriate metrics Mission programs around the globe. are used to assess the ongoing viability and relevance of all programs. Enhance international post-graduate opportunities. • Mercer is already a leading source of graduates seeking to Increase the post-traditional undergraduate work in international development, through governmental student population in Regional Academic and non-governmental organizations. Over the past year, Centers from 1,000 to 2,000 students. eight students have received appointments to the Peace Corps, • which has now selected the University as a Peace Corps Prep Revise and integrate an individualized, center. A number of other students spend a year abroad student-centered admissions process that will enhance the post-traditional student experience following graduation in programs such as ServiceFirst, which throughout the recruitment process. places our graduates into international teaching opportunities. • Mercer students are increasingly competitive in pursuing Redesign the University’s website from Fulbright Awards for post-graduate teaching and research in the ground up to more effectively market other nations. Mercer’s diverse academic offerings, clearly demonstrate positive learning outcomes, and communicate its distinctive mission. BEING R ELEVA NT • Great books never change. Neither does Deliver individualized student support services. the need for well-educated individuals with • the capacity to think clearly and critically and Explore establishment of an expanded campus to communicate persuasively. Likewise, well- of the School of Medicine in Columbus. educated men and women must acquire some • 4 breadth of intellectual exposure to discoveries Increase M.D. enrollment from 462 to 720 students. made in an array of disciplines, as well as be enriched through • exposure to literature, art, and music. They must be grounded Seek funding to endow a Center in ethical reasoning and prepared for the responsibilities for Gerontology. of citizenship in a free society. These higher education imperatives are immutable. Other academic disciplines such as computer science are rapidly evolving. Innovations in technology are revolutionizing

24 Ten-Year Strategic Plan | THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 the structures and timescales of individual/organizational Increase interactions, communications, and transactions. These ongoing opportunities for post- innovations have expanded opportunities and present new traditional students. challenges ranging from technological development, information These same dynamics security, service delivery, and social practices. Confronting these impact individuals as issues requires professionals who are not only well suited to well as institutions. the traditional demands of their field, but who also possess the More than ever before, awareness and adaptability to deal with rapidly changing modes individuals must be of delivery and practice. life-long learners who Prepare students for a world of disruptive innovation. will sometimes need In educating the professional class of tomorrow, Mercer must be to update their formal at the forefront of training students in the development of, access education through to, and responsiveness to disruptive innovations. To this end, degree and certificate Mercer will: programs. More than • Develop and promote curricular innovations that explore half of all college issues of cyber-security and information management, students are post- traditional students — adult learners seeking to complete undergraduate degrees, seeking to retool and re-credential, or requiring graduate degrees. Their needs include high-quality micro-credentials in emerging fields, online offerings to address the need for flexibility, and prior learning assessments. As an important component of meeting the educational needs of society and of maximizing our impact and relevance, the University is committed to attracting, retaining, and graduating post- artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and end- traditional students, and user education. constantly reevaluating • Integrate understanding of systemic changes in human and updating our behaviors and practices related to rapid innovation and the curriculum and modes emergence of new communication platforms. of delivery. The post- • Align curriculum and pedagogy to utilize appropriate traditional population technology for academic and professional development. is composed of students • Adapt professional curriculum to reflect emerging changes who identify as being in virtual service delivery and information processing. part-time or full-time, Among Mercer’s greatest institutional strengths is its adult learners, returning capacity to move quickly. It is important to remind ourselves that veterans, distance learners, students who are working full-time, and the brand of Mercer University — a 185-year-old institution positive impact on the world. because the pace of evolution in science and technology will only students who have responsibilities beyond classes. These students widely recognized among the finest private research universities Meet health care needs. Mercer’s Academic Health accelerate and societal needs will continue to change, we must bring new and different expectations and desire a personalized for providing high-quality and empowering educational Sciences Center encompasses our College of Pharmacy, School of continually survey the environment and move quickly when experience from all stakeholders, including the enrollment experiences. We must redesign the University’s website from the Medicine, College of Nursing, and College of Health Professions necessary to address new opportunities and needs. Evaluation management team, professional staff, deans, and faculty. To ground up to more effectively market Mercer’s diverse academic (Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, Public Health, and Clinical processes across the University will be enhanced to ensure meet their needs, we must revise and integrate an individualized, offerings, clearly demonstrate outcomes, and communicate its Medical Psychology). This has been one of the fastest-growing appropriate metrics are used to assess the ongoing viability and student-centered admissions process that will enhance the student distinctive mission. We must deliver student support services areas within the University, with overall enrollment increasing 25 relevance of all programs. experience throughout the recruitment process. We must leverage to ensure that these students can achieve their goals and make a percent over the past five years (from 1,736 in 2012 to 2,175 in

26 Ten-Year Strategic Plan | THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 Ten-Year Strategic Plan | THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 27 2017). This total does not include undergraduate pre-health sciences health sciences, Mercer is well positioned to be a national leader to increase enrollment in our M.D. program from 462 to 720 students, as well as students, biomedical engineering students, athletic training students, in exploring new and innovative models for more efficient and creating an endowed Center for Gerontology. or students in a variety of other programs related to population health effective delivery of health care, including the use of emerging care and management. The intensive focus on health care is certainly technologies to extend the reach and impact of health care providers ACHIEVING MEANINGFUL OUTCOMES appropriate, given that health care spending continues to grow at and improve patient access to health care, as well as the evolution of Students invest large amounts of time and financial resources to a pace far exceeding the rate of inflation and now constitutes 17.9 new professions to improve health care outcomes. At the same time, obtain an undergraduate and post-graduate education. Outcomes matter percent of the gross national product (GNP) in the United States. Mercer expects to continue increasing the number of physicians, in deciding where to invest. At our finest institutions of higher learning Growth is expected to continue as our population ages, with the nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, and public health — including ones like Mercer that embrace the residential college model portion of GNP consumed by health care spending projected to reach professionals educated within our Academic Health Sciences Center. of undergraduate education — many of the most important learning Imperative 5: 20 percent by 2025. We will continue exploring creation of an expanded campus of the 5 outcomes elude objective metrics. Developing critical thinking skills, the Because of the breadth and quality of our programs in the School of Medicine in Columbus, which would enable us eventually ability to engage in ethical reasoning, and the capacity to relate to people from differing ACHIEVING MEANINGFUL OUTCOMES backgrounds are surely important learning outcomes, but • despite various efforts through survey instruments, reliable Increase freshman-to-sophomore retention rate tools to measure student achievement in developing these from 87 percent to 92 percent. skills and attributes are elusive. • Other important outcomes, however, can be Increase freshman-to-graduate retention rate quantified. Retention rates, placement into prestigious from 65 percent to 75 percent. post-graduate fellowships, graduate school placement, • employment outcomes, and success rates on licensing Create an Engaged Learning Council to facilitate institution-wide communication, coordination examinations can all be measured. To meet the needs and and alignment of engaged learning and demands of our students, we must focus more on these high-impact practices. outcomes than ever before. 5• Increase retention rates. To ensure that we Place more than 20 graduating seniors each year into only admit students who have a strong likelihood of prestigious post-graduate fellowships and appointments. remaining enrolled through graduation, Mercer will • Appoint a dedicated Fellowship Coordinator. continue to develop effective, holistic, and reliable ways • to measure each prospective student’s capacity for success Appoint a Professional School Council to assist in at Mercer. Once a student has enrolled, we will continue advising students on post-graduate study opportunities. to implement programming and processes to help that • student continue on through graduation. The University’s Appoint a dedicated staff member to freshman-to-sophomore retention rate has increased from assist with graduate school advising and coordination of fellowships. 80 percent in 2013 to more than 87 percent in 2016. Over • the next ten years, freshman-to-sophomore retention rates Ensure that faculty are appropriately recognized will increase from 87 to 92 percent. Freshman-to-graduate for success in advising and placement in retention rates will also increase from 65 to 75 percent. graduate and professional programs. Student success is at least as important among • post-traditional undergraduate students as it is among Ensure that more than 90 percent of traditional undergraduate students. Given this reality, undergraduate students have an internship/field experience prior to graduation. we intend to meet or exceed our goal of a 75 percent • graduation rate for traditional undergraduate students Add a dedicated staff member for internship among our population of post-traditional students as well. development and employer relations. Foster further collaboration regarding engaged • learning/high-impact practices. Mercer excels at Add a dedicated staff member to provide providing engaged learning experiences for students career counseling to post-traditional and distance learning students. that drive desirable outcomes, including post-graduate • opportunities. We can do even better by improving Work closely with faculty to develop additional collaboration and communication regarding these internships for academic credit. experiences within the institution, through structures • such as the Research That Reaches Out initiative. To Increase career development programming for all further this effort, Mercer will create an Engaged students, including preparation for entrepreneurship and more targeted and specialized career events on campus. Learning Council under the Office of the Provost to • facilitate institution-wide communication, coordination, Continue to support entrepreneurship and innovation. and alignment of such opportunities. This council will • develop curricular pathways that incorporate engaged Mercer’s professional schools and colleges will establish learning experiences throughout students’ academic applicable targets for licensure exam passage rates. careers. Given the importance of engaged learning and high impact practices to preparing students for success

28 Ten-Year Strategic Plan | THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 Ten-Year Strategic Plan | THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 29 after graduation, Mercer will ensure that all graduating seniors career development programming for all students, including they are permitted to begin working in their chosen profession. COMPETING WITH THE BEST in our traditional undergraduate program have participated in at preparation for entrepreneurship and more targeted and specialized Law, medicine, nursing, physician assistant studies, physical As one of America’s premier private research least one engaged learning experience, such as individual faculty- career events on campus. therapy, pharmacy, and counseling are among these. Graduates of universities, Mercer will compete with the finest directed research, study abroad, service-learning, or internships. We Enhance our culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. these programs cannot become outstanding professionals in their institutions of higher learning in every worthwhile expect that the vast majority will have engaged in multiple engaged An increasing number of students and prospective students want respective fields without first passing their licensing examinations. endeavor. Our recent national championship in learning experiences. to create their own enterprises, rather than working for someone As part of their individual strategic plans, Mercer’s professional debate, as well as national and international awards Increase prestigious fellowships and appointments. else. These students want to learn how to create an enterprise, but schools and colleges will establish appropriately ambitious targets 6 won by students in our renowned Robert McDuffie An outstanding undergraduate learning environment leads to they also want to answer the question of “why” in a meaningful way. for licensure exam passage rates, recognizing that these rates Center for Strings are examples. Our commitment to competing exceptional post-graduate opportunities for the products of that They are committed to doing well by doing good — by using their will be an important metric used by the University in evaluating with the best certainly extends to intercollegiate athletics, which environment. We continue creating opportunities for prestigious entrepreneurial inclinations to develop innovations that will make a their success. provide important learning and development opportunities for and meaningful post-graduate opportunities for our students, positive difference in including Mercer’s selection to become one of only 112 institutions the lives of others. eligible to nominate students for prestigious Churchill Scholarships We are already for post-graduate study at the University of Cambridge, and seeing a growing Mercer’s selection as a Peace Corps Prep site. We have made number of recent tremendous progress over the past decade in the number of students graduates and even at Mercer who receive prestigious post-graduate appointments, current students such as Fulbright Award, Peace Corps and Teach For America striking out on appointments, and Woodrow Wilson Fellowships. We will continue their own forming to build on this momentum with a goal of placing on average more companies that than 20 graduating seniors each year into prestigious post-graduate import and sell fellowships and appointments. In support of this goal, Mercer will coffee, consult appoint a dedicated fellowship coordinator. on data analytics, Enhance graduate school placement. A growing percentage use technology of Mercer undergraduates continue their studies in graduate and for tracking, and professional schools, including many of the most outstanding make furniture programs in the country. We are currently developing means of among many other measuring the success of our students in obtaining entry into high- ventures. Other quality post-graduate study and commit to developing metrics students are working to accurately monitor the growing success of our graduates in toward patenting a obtaining these appointments. In support of this initiative, the marketable mercury Provost will appoint a Professional School Council to assist in capture system that advising students, and we will appoint a dedicated staff member can be used to protect to assist with graduate school advising in conjunction with gold miners in the coordination of fellowships. We will also ensure that faculty are developing world. appropriately recognized for success in advising and placing Mercer is committed students into graduate and professional programs, beginning to equipping these with ensuring that such activities are tracked through the Activity students with the Insight system. knowledge and Increase internship opportunities and preparation for skills required for career success. Almost all Mercer graduates secure meaningful success as innovators employment within a reasonable time following graduation. We and entrepreneurs, must continue working to ensure that our students have high- through appropriate quality and meaningful employment opportunities. interdisciplinary To this end, we will continue to enhance internship academic opportunities to provide students with more information from programming as which to make career choices, with a goal that more than 90 well as clinical percent of our undergraduate students will have an internship/ experiences available field experience prior to graduation. In order to enhance career through the Mercer opportunities for our students, we will add a dedicated staff Innovation Center. member for internship development and employer relations. The Achieve top data is clear that internships, particularly paid internships, make licensing outcomes. candidates much more attractive in an increasingly competitive Graduates in a job market. We will work more closely with faculty to develop number of our appropriate internship offerings for academic credit. We will also professional schools add a resource to support post-traditional and distance learning must pass a licensing students in their career objectives. In addition, we will also increase examination before

30 Ten-Year Strategic Plan | THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 Ten-Year Strategic Plan | THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 31 student-athletes, helps build Progress Rate (APR) among student-athletes of .985 or more, Division I institutions in Georgia to enjoy this distinction. It Trophy as the college baseball player of the year in 2016. community among University or alternatively, has a Graduation Success Rate (GSR) among is absolutely imperative that we never sacrifice the honor of Our women’s basketball program has won or shared the constituencies, and facilitates student-athletes of 90 percent or higher. During the most recent this important institution of higher learning. We will continue Southern Conference championship in each of the past three marketing of the institution. academic year, Mercer student-athletes had an overall APR of to maintain a robust culture of compliance throughout the seasons, including a consensus top 25 national ranking at the Remain consistent with .986 and a GSR of 92 percent, satisfying both of the alternative University community. conclusion of the 2017-18 regular season and an appearance academic mission. We must requirements for earning an academic distribution point. Our Compete successfully. Being committed to academic in the NCAA tournament. Our football program continues always conduct the intercollegiate expectation is that Mercer will continue to meet both of these success, ensuring that our student-athletes have the same to progress after its reinstatement in 2012, having received athletics program at Mercer in criteria for assessing academic performance on an annual basis. engaged learning experiences as all other students, and recognition in Sports Illustrated this past season after almost Imperative 6: a way that is consistent with We also expect our student-athletes to have access to competing with integrity defeating SEC power Auburn and then taking on eventual COMPETING WITH the academic mission of the meaningful co-curricular activities, including the opportunity to does not mean that national champion Alabama, and is positioned to compete for THE BEST University. Our student-athletes engage in faculty-directed undergraduate research, to participate competitive outcomes the Southern Conference championship in 2018. Our men’s • are here primarily to successfully in study abroad, and to participate in service learning. The first are irrelevant. Competing basketball program achieved the greatest victory in Mercer Mercer will continue to meet NCAA complete academic programs. We NCAA Division I football student-athlete to win the prestigious at the NCAA Division athletics history when it defeated Duke in the second round of criteria for Graduation Success Rate carefully monitor the academic Goldwater Scholarship is a Mercer student. Our effort to design I level is expensive. To the 2014 NCAA tournament, thereby demonstrating the type (90 percent or higher) and Academic performance of our student- and deploy a system to protect small-scale gold miners in South realize an appropriate of positive publicity that can flow from competitive success in Progress Rate (.985 or higher) among athletes and expect high levels of America from mercury contamination is being facilitated by a return on this investment, intercollegiate athletics. student-athletes. • achievement. During the most women’s basketball student-athlete. We expect our coaches to we must compete We intend to schedule high-quality academic institutions Ensure student-athletes have recent academic year, Mercer ensure that student-athletes have the opportunity to participate successfully against high- for non-conference contests. Our upcoming four-year series the opportunity to participate in student-athletes collectively had in these transformational experiences. quality competition. Only with Yale in football is an example. A neutral-site contest with meaningful co-curricular activities a grade point average above 3.4. Ensure value-added learning experiences. Participation through competitive Harvard in men’s basketball scheduled for December 2018 in such as undergraduate research This high level of achievement in intercollegiate athletics can provide valuable learning success against other Philips Arena in Atlanta is another. The Southern Conference is and study abroad. is consistent with institutional experiences, supplementing lessons being learned in our high-quality institutions the right home for our intercollegiate athletics program precisely 6• expectations. will intercollegiate athletics at Mercer effectively build because of the quality of academic institutions that make up this The Director of Athletics and Provost classrooms and laboratories. To be successful, student-athletes will develop tools to enable the The NCAA has announced must develop the discipline of time management, must learn community among our constituents and facilitate marketing historic and prestigious conference. University to assess our success that it will begin making financial to function effectively as a team member, must learn how to of the University and its academic programs. We value the in instilling habits of character in distributions to conferences based respond effectively to the disappointment of a loss, and how to contributions of all 18 of our intercollegiate athletics programs BEING TRUE TO OUR HERITAGE student-athletes. on the academic achievement of demonstrate grace in the face of victory. Our coaches must teach and support our student-athletes in each of these programs, Founded by Baptists, Mercer University took • student-athletes at the conference’s and model these attributes as an essential component of their but we recognize that the external market places a premium on root in a fertile religious tradition born out of Maintain robust culture of compliance member institutions. Under the responsibilities. Our Director of Athletics, working with our sports that attract the most public attention in the United States. protest and a commitment to honoring our God- with NCAA regulations. • criteria relevant to high-quality Provost, will develop tools over the next year that enable us to We expect to compete regularly for Southern Conference given dignity, protecting our inviolable freedom, Compete regularly for Southern institutions like Mercer, an annual assess accurately our success in instilling these habits of character championships and NCAA-sponsored post-season competition. and engaging in just and compassionate service. Conference championships and NCAA- point is awarded to the conference in our student-athletes. Our baseball program has won the regular season championship 7 At the confluence of dignity, freedom, and service, sponsored post-season competition. if one of its member institutions Compete with integrity. Mercer has never had a major in each of the three seasons we have competed in the Southern our particular tradition merges with many other rich traditions • has an overall Academic infraction of NCAA regulations, the only one of the six Conference. A Mercer student-athlete won the Golden Spikes within and beyond the Christian religion. Mercer will continue Schedule high-quality academic institutions for non- conference contests.

32 Ten-Year Strategic Plan | THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 Ten-Year Strategic Plan | THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 33 to be shaped by these foundational and made the sick well with mercury containment values, expressed more in deeds programs in South America and medical clinics than in rhetoric and affiliations. in Cambodia. Embrace a free and critical Here at home, Mercer students contribute search for truth as a way hundreds of thousands of hours of service each year of glorifying God. Freedom to communities across the state. Collectively, this of inquiry and expression is commitment to service has earned Mercer the highest central to a transformational national recognition through programs such as the Imperative 7: and empowering education. President’s Higher Education Community Service BEING TRUE TO OUR Our free-church heritage urges Honor Roll. And in 2018, the United Way of Central HERITAGE us in this direction because at Georgia awarded its annual “Volunteer of the Year” • the center of Baptist convictions Award collectively to the Mercer student body, in Continue to be shaped by is the demand for intellectual recognition of the impact Mercer students have on Mercer’s foundational values, expressed more in deeds than in freedom. Mercer will seek to the community. rhetoric and affiliations. enrich the mind and spirit by As we move into the future, Mercer will seek • promoting and facilitating an an endowment in excess of $15 million for Mercer Guarantee that all members of the open and rigorous search for truth On Mission to guarantee adequate funding for the University community have the and understanding. preservation in perpetuity of this important expression broadest possible latitude to think, to Because the University is of Mercer’s faith tradition. This endowment will listen, and to express themselves. • committed to intellectual freedom, enable us to increase the level of annual student Seek a $15 million endowment it guarantees all members of participation from more than 250 to more than 400. 7to support Mercer On Mission the University community the By consolidating several teams of faculty and students in perpetuity. broadest possible latitude to at a single site to form a holistic response to the needs • think, to listen, and to express of the host community, we can achieve greater impact Increase annual student participation themselves. This necessarily from our work while facilitating this higher level of in Mercer On Mission from 250 to includes the freedom to express student opportunity. 400 and faculty participation from 40 to 75. and listen to ideas that most find Mercer will cultivate Mercer On Mission faculty • disagreeable and even offensive. leaders from the various disciplines across the schools In all of its public statements Likewise, it includes the freedom and colleges of the University. At the current 5.5 ratio regarding religious heritage to respond to expressions that one of students to faculty, which has proven to be effective, and values, Mercer will express finds disagreeable and offensive, raising annual student participation to at least 400 will its commitment to openness provided that response does not require approximately 75 faculty members to participate and inclusion and to inspiring students to lives of service. obstruct or otherwise interfere annually. Increasing the number of participating faculty with the expressive freedom of will require recruiting faculty who are drawn especially to others. These principles are more the distinctive mission of this University. easily stated than honored — but We recognize that many mistakenly feel a tension honor them we must if we are to between religious heritage on the one hand and be true to our heritage. inclusivity and freedom on the other. It is essential in all Inspire members of the our public statements regarding religious heritage and Mercer community to use values that we express our commitment to freedom, their gifts and talents to serve openness and inclusion and to inspiring students to lives the needs of humankind as of service. an expression of their love These values represent the best of a heritage that for God and neighbor. Our has guided this important institution of higher learning founding tradition teaches that for nearly 200 years. Like great books, these values the ultimate test of faith is service are timeless. As they have empowered and inspired to the least of our neighbors. generations of Mercerians, they will shape the future of Through programs such as Mercer this institution. They inform the entirety of this strategic On Mission and MerServe, its plan. They inform our vision of a special place — a place domestic counterpart, members unique in the world of higher education — a vibrant of our community live out the and exciting world-class research university that is instruction to love one’s neighbor authentically committed to marshaling its resources to as ourselves. Our students and inspire a community of scholars and innovators to deploy faculty have made the lame to their gifts and talents to meet the needs of humankind. walk in Vietnam, provided clean If Jesse Mercer could somehow visit this place — this water to the thirsty in Africa institution bearing his name and representing his legacy and the Dominican Republic, — we believe he would smile.

34 Ten-Year Strategic Plan | THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 SALDIVIA-JONES PHOTOGRAPHY, AMY MADDOX, MOISES CASTILLO, ODOM, MATT SMITH, MATTHEW PHOTOGRAPHY: STEVE MOSLEY; ILLUSTRATION: ROGER IDENDEN STAPLETON, JUDY JAN MELVILLE, AMIS, JOHN SARAH POUNDS, ROD REILLY, CHRISTOPHER IAN SMITH, REBECCA SANDIFER, MAKE PLANS TO JOIN US FOR

Unite with classmates and relive memories at Homecoming 2018. Remember the past and see how bright the future looks at Mercer!

Featured events for the weekend will include the traditional Half Century Club Brunch, class reunions for ’68, ’78, ’88, ’93, ’98, ’08, alumni awards, pep rally, tailgating, Mercer Bears vs ETSU Bucs football, and so much more!

REGISTER ONLINE BY OCTOBER 24 at homecoming.mercer.edu or by phone at (478) 301-2173.

36 THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 37 mercerbears.com mercerbears.com

and NCAA Tournament berth. Bagrou earned All-SoCon First Team honors in each of BLAKE GARCIA his four seasons with the Bears and added USC All-South Region honors to his resume for the third time in his career APPOINTED DIRECTOR BAGROU & this past season. The senior forward finished third in career points at Mercer with 90 and finished tied fifth for career OF ATHLETIC BANDS assists with 16. Lawrence is the first Mercer female student-athlete to be lake Garcia was appointed director of athletic bands in Townsend named Athlete of the Year, solidifying her prestigious career. School of Music, effective July 1. LAWRENCE The Georgia native is the eighth women’s basketball player Garcia, who most recently served as a doctoral conducting since 1989-90 to claim the award and first since Taylor Hall associate at the University of Kentucky, will be responsible for (Chattanooga) did so in 2013-14. directing Mercer’s marching band and basketball pep band, as well SWEEP SOCON ATHLETE Lawrence etched her name further in the Mercer record asB serving as a guest conductor of the wind ensemble. books after becoming the second player in program history to be drafted in the WNBA Draft, taken by the Minnesota Lynx OF THE YEAR HONORS with the 24th overall pick. Lawrence was later traded to the or just the second time in league history, and company of Dick Groat (Duke), Jerry Las Vegas Aces in the third round. Lawrence is the second the first time since 1990-91, the Southern West (West Virginia) and Stephen student-athlete drafted from the SoCon to the WNBA and is the Conference Male and Female Athlete of Curry (Davidson). highest drafted player in league history. the Year honors were awarded to the same Bagrou put a stamp on his The Columbus native led Mercer to its first SoCon institution. Mercer swept the annual awards legacy during his senior campaign, Tournament title and NCAA Division I Tournament berth as as men’s soccer forward Will Bagrou and becoming Mercer’s first-ever MLS a senior while earning SoCon Player of the Year for a record- women’s basketball guard Kahlia Lawrence Draft selection, taken by Sporting breaking third consecutive season. Lawrence concluded the were named the 2018 SoCon Male and Female Kansas City with the 75th overall season averaging a SoCon-best 19.3 points per game, while Athletes of the Year. Bagrou and Lawrence pick. The Utah native tallied a SoCon- pulling down 5.1 rebounds and dishing out 2.1 assists per game. were both drafted to continue their respective best 27 points this past season, The senior guard finished her career with 2,275 points, careers in the 2018 MLS Draft and WNBA Draft. scoring 12 goals and recording three ranking third in Mercer and SoCon history, after averaging Since 2016, Garcia has worked with the Wildcat Marching Band as well as Bagrou became the program’s first-ever assists. Most notably, Bagrou aided 17.2 points per game over four seasons. Lawrence also snuck the football, basketball, volleyball and gymnastics pep bands at the University of student-athlete to garner SoCon Athlete of the Bears in claiming their second into the top-10 in career rebounds at Mercer with 696 total Kentucky, where he continues to pursue his Doctor of Musical Arts degree. He the Year in 2017, as well as becoming the first men’s soccer player to consecutive SoCon Tournament Title boards. The 2018 SoCon Tournament Most Outstanding Player also served as co-director of the concert band and guest conductor of the wind take home the distinguished honor. averaged 25 points per game during the Bears’ tournament run symphony and symphony band. Bagrou now joins higher ranks in the this season. In 2015, he earned his Master of Music in instrumental conducting from Fconference as just the ninth player Lawrence led Mercer to three straight SoCon regular the University of Florida. As a graduate teaching assistant, his assistantship in SoCon history to earn back- season titles dating back to the 2015-16 season. She is the two- duties included teaching the Gator Marching Band and pep band, mentoring to-back athlete of the year time defending Georgia Women’s College Player of the Year undergraduate conducting students, and conducting many of the university’s honors since 1947-48. and earned All-SoCon First Team honors three times in her concert bands and chamber ensembles. Garcia received his Bachelor of Arts in Bagrou joins the career as well. Music from Florida State University in 2008.

MEN’S BASKETBALL TO FACE HARVARD AT ATLANTA ARENA Coach Bob Hoffman’s men’s basketball team will travel 80 miles north up Interstate 75 to play in one of the Southeast’s most well-known sports and entertainment venues when the Bears take on the Harvard Crimson at State Farm Arena (formerly Philips Arena) in downtown Atlanta. The holiday VERSUS matchup is scheduled for either Saturday, Dec. 29, or Sunday, Dec. 30, depending upon the Hawks and State Farm Arena event schedules. @ State Farm Arena, Atlanta

SPORTS INFOFRMATION; CHRISTOPHER SMITH PHOTO SPORTS INFOFRMATION; DEC. 29 OR 30

38 THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 39 SCHOOL OF MEDICINE KEY TO MERCER SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES — BUS – Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics; CAS – College COLLEGE OF PHARMACY of Arts and Sciences; CLA – College of Liberal Arts; PEN – Penfield College of Mercer University; CHP – College of Health Professions; DIV – McAfee School of Theology; EDU – Tift College of Education; EGR – School of Engineering; LAW – Walter F. George School of Law; MED – School of Medicine; COLLEGE OF NURSING MUS – Townsend School of Music; NUR – Georgia Baptist College of Nursing; PHA – College of Pharmacy; TCS – Tift College Scholars; Tift – Tift College AlumniClassNotes COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS in the Adams Law Firm in Macon. His personal Grant on Feb. 5 in the Appeal of Campaign Army.” He sang for eight U.S. presidents, led ACHIEVEMENTS efforts since retirement to provide legal services for Accountability v Consumer Credit three presidential inaugural parades as drum Submit your personal Accomplishments, to needy and low-income residents of Macon- Research Foundation (S17G1676) and major of the band, and appeared in numerous Marriage/Births/Anniversary or In Memory 1950s Bibb County and to launch the Middle Georgia the Board of Regents v Consumer Credit television programs on six national networks. announcements for The Mercerian in the Ethelene Dyer Jones, CLA ’53, received Access to Justice legal incubator program were Research Foundation (S17G1677). Karen Kirkpatrick Karabinos, LAW ’86, was Alumni Class Notes section to Erin Lones, the “American Women in History” award cited among the many accomplishments that J. Christopher Clark, LAW ’89, was selected to join the International Association director of Advancement Communications, by the National Society, Daughters of the made him a worthy recipient of the award. recognized with the 2018 Tradition of of Defense Counsel (IADC), an invitation- at [email protected]. School of Medicine Receives American Revolution, on Aug. 17, 2017, Ann Baird Bishop, LAW ’76, was recognized Excellence at the State Bar of Georgia’s only association for lawyers and insurance through the Old Unicoi Trail Chapter, NSDAR, by the Chief Justice’s Commission on Annual Meeting in June. executives who represent corporate and the University of Memphis. at Blairsville. In 2011, she received the Professionalism with the 2018 Justice Gregory W. Edwards, LAW ’83, was insurance interests around the world. She is a David A. Phillips, LAW ’89, was appointed by Governor’s Award in the Humanities. Both Robert Benham Award for Community recognized by the Chief Justice’s Commission partner of Drew Eckl Farnham LLP in Atlanta. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper to superior court awards were given for her efforts to preserve Service in the Atlanta District. on Professionalism with the 2018 Justice Michael F. Kemp, CLA ’78, LAW ’81, was judge in judicial district 27A, Gaston County. NIH Center of Excellence history through writing and/or editing five William “Bill” E. Boyes, LAW ’70, was named Robert Benham Awards for Community recently appointed as chairman of the Armstrong Phillips has been a criminal defense attorney in books of local and area history, helping to to the 2018 Florida Super Lawyers in the areas Service in the Albany District. Foundation of Georgia Southern University Board private practice (The Phillips Law Firm, PLLC) in establish three historical societies in three of estate planning and probate. Boyes has Sgt. Maj. William J. Gabbard, CLA ’81, retired of Trustees. Kemp is senior vice president at Gaston County for more than 25 years. different counties, and a career in writing been board certified by the Florida Bar in wills, from the Army on May 4, completing a career Synovus Trust Company in Savannah. Bonnie “Boo” Ramage, BUS ’84, was Additional $700K in Federal Funding (after her retirement from 30-plus years in trusts and estates for more than 25 years, and of more than 30 years as a vocalist, soloist and John D. Mills, BUS ’86, LAW ’89, published recognized by the Greenwood, South Designation public education) as a newspaper columnist has been AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell for conductor with The Soldiers’ Chorus of The U.S. his seventh novel, “Pineland Gold.” Carolina, Chamber of Commerce Women’s wo Mercer School of Medicine faculty members recently Funded by NIH’s National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities for The News Observer, Blue Ridge for more more than 30 years. He has been named to Army Field Band, Washington, D.C. Gabbard Samuel E. Mitchell Jr., CLA ’85, second- Leadership Council as a 2017 Woman of than 27 years, with the major portion of her received funding from the National Institutes of Health that (grant P20MD006901), Centers of Excellence serve as focal points of expertise in the Florida Super Lawyers for 12 consecutive performed more than 3,500 concerts in all leading scorer in Mercer men’s basketball Excellence. These awards honor outstanding columns dealing with local and area history. years. Boyes is also a Fellow of the prestigious 50 states and in several foreign countries as a history and veteran NBA coach, has been will officially designate the School’s Center for Rural Health research, training and community engagement dedicated to the needs of a particular women in their professions who are American College of Trust and Estate Counsel member of “The Musical Ambassadors of the named assistant men’s basketball coach for and Health Disparities as an NIH Center of Excellence. community or health outcome. committed community champions by 1960s (“ACTEC”) and has been a member of the ACTEC With this designation, the Mercer-based Center is now one In the case of Mercer’s Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities, the focal area The Hon. S. Phillip Brown, LAW ’67, was Fiduciary Litigation Committee since 1997. of only two rural health-focused NIH Centers of Excellence in is eliminating health disparities faced by rural populations. awarded with Lifetime Achievement in the field Howard C. Kaufold Jr., CLA ’75, LAW ’78, was the nation. “Our work focuses on addressing some of the leading health problems in rural of Law by Continental Who’s Who in recognition appointed superior court judge in the Oconee R e m e m b e r i n g ... “Mercer School of Medicine is committed to rural health. communities, training future generations of rural health researchers and partnering of his role as a newly-appointed senior superior Judicial Circuit by Gov. Nathan Deal, CLA ’64, The designation of this center only deepens and strengthens with rural communities to develop innovative strategies for improving the entire court judge. Brown has more than 50 years of LAW ’66. Kaufold will fill the unexpired term Former Professor and Macon-based Poet our commitment,” said Jean Sumner, M.D., dean of the School. community’s health,” said Dr. Smalley. “This funding will allow us to continue and experience and has been serving in the Macon of Judge H. Frederick Mullis, LAW ’79, who “Rural and underserved health care requires study, innovation expand our work throughout the state.” Judicial Superior Court since 1996. resigned because of problems with his vision. Dr. Anya Silver August and solutions that build the strength of the communities we Dr. Smalley and Dr. Warren have received numerous accolades recognizing the The Hon. J. Virgil Costley Jr., LAW ’68, was Jeffery E. Merry Sr., CLA ’74, was among serve. We are honored to receive this designation.” work of the Center, including the National Rural Health Association Outstanding honored by the State Bar of Georgia with the 18 Georgia Association of Business Brokers r. Anya Silver, professor of English in The small pink rose Justice Robert Benham Award for Community members named to the 2017 Million Dollar Dr. Bryant Smalley, who came to Mercer late last year as Researcher of the Year award, which was presented to Dr. Warren in 2016 and Dr. the College of Liberal Arts and widely by the castle gate Service in 2017. Costley is a retired juvenile Club chosen for brokering the sale of small, associate dean for research and accreditation, and Dr. Jacob Warren, who has served Smalley in 2018. Additionally, the Center’s Disparities Elimination Summer Research published poet, died Aug. 6 at the glows in the twilight, court judge in Covington and coordinates medium-sized and large businesses with worth age of 49. Dr. Silver was born Dec. gathering strands as Rufus Harris Endowed Chair and director of the Center since 2013, have served as Experience was named the 2016 Program of the Year by the NRHA. the Paralegal Studies Program at Georgia more than $90 million in 2017. 22, 1968, in Media, Pennsylvania, of sunset in its petals. joint principal investigators on the NIH Center of Excellence grant since 2012. “We are extremely excited to receive official NIH Center of Excellence designation Piedmont Technical College. Hugh McNatt, CLA ’69, LAW ’72, of Balch and raised in nearby Swarthmore, The tower’s a ruin. After Dr. Smalley joined the faculty at Mercer, they were able to successfully for the Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities,” said Dr. Warren. “Mercer Leonard “Pete” Fletcher, CLA ’66, LAW Bingham, in Vidalia, was selected as 2018 Pennsylvania. She earned her undergraduate degree in But I keep my eye on the rose, negotiateT the transfer of the Center of Excellence designation, accompanied by nearly University School of Medicine is uniquely poised to become the national leader in rural ’69, will be inducted to the Academy of Georgia Super Lawyer in Civil Litigation: EnglishD literature and creative writing from Haverford on its many-hooded gaze $700,000 in new federal funding, to the University. This brings the total amount health research, and this funding will help us continue the remarkable growth in that Richmond County Hall of Fame in October. Defense, for the second year in a row. granted to Mercer under this award to more than $2.1 million. area already happening here at Mercer.” Fletcher has served as board counsel for the George C. Reid, LAW ’73, launched a new College in 1990, before teaching high school for a year that doesn’t turn away Richmond County Board of Education for boutique mediation firm focusing on a in Mississippi and working at the National Geographic from what approaches. more than 46 years. He has also represented unique audience, high-net-worth families and Society Library. In 1997, she earned her Ph.D. in English To bloom is so foolish the Columbia County Board of Education closely-held businesses. The firm, Bridgewater literature from Emory University, and three years later that it must be wisdom. From left, for selected legal matters since 1989 and Resolution Group, is the first of its kind. began teaching at Mercer. Dr. Jacob Warren, served as board counsel since 2007. Donna P. Price, CLA ’76, LAW ’79, JAGC, USN She authored four books of poetry. Her first three — Anya Silver Dr. Bryant Smalley, Tommy T. Holland, CLA ’60, LAW ’62, was (Retired CAPT), is an adjunct professor at the books, The Ninety-Third Name of God (2010), I School of Medicine Dean recognized by the Chief Justice’s Commission University of Richmond School of Law. Watched You Disappear (2014) and From Nothing Dr. Jean R. Sumner and on Professionalism with the 2018 Justice The Hon. W. Louis Sands, CLA ’71, LAW ’74, Mercer President (2016), were published with the Louisiana State Robert Benham Award for Community was recognized with the 2018 Tradition of William D. Underwood University Press. The fourth, Second Bloom, Service in the Jonesboro District. Excellence at the State Bar of Georgia’s Annual Dr. James “Jim” Scruggs, PHA ’67, retired Meeting in June. The “Tradition of Excellence” was published in the Poiema Poetry Series of in May 2010 after 39 years at Southwestern is awarded to four outstanding members of Cascade Press (2017). Oklahoma State University College of Pharmacy. the General Practice & Trial Law Section: one This past April, Dr. Silver was appointed The Hon. George A. Shahood Jr., LAW ’68, plaintiff lawyer, one defense lawyer, one general one of 175 Guggenheim Fellows for the current was honored by the Florida Bar Association practice lawyer and one judge. year among nearly 3,000 applicants in the John for his 50 years of membership at the Earl S. Ward Jr., PHA ’78, professor emeritus Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation’s 93rd annual luncheon in Orlando, Florida, on June with Mercer’s College of Pharmacy, received the competition. She was named Georgia Author 16. Shahood served on the appellate court Pfizer’s North American Medical Affairs Internal of the Year in Poetry in 2015, and was widely until 2009, the final 18 months serving as Medicine Excellence Award for Leadership. published in journals and anthologies, including chief judge. He currently serves as a senior Best American Poetry 2016, Poetry in Medicine, judge for the 19th Circuit, which includes 1980s Between Midnight and Dawn, Writing on Napkins the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee County, The Rev. Walter D. Blosch, CLA ’81, became presiding over civil trials. the senior pastor of Hardeetown Baptist at the Sunshine Club and The Turning Aside: The Dr. Charles D. Williams, CLA ’62, received Church, Chiefland, Florida. Kingdom Book of Contemporary Christian Poetry. the Colquitt County Career Achievement Mitchell D. Broudy, LAW ’85, was named the She also published a book of literary criticism, Award on March 8. Williams is a retired 2018 recipient of the Family Law Service Award Victorian Literature and the Anorexic Body pediatric radiologist with a lifetime of by the Virginia State Bar’s Family Law Section. (Cambridge University Press, 2006). accomplishments, achievements and awards. Jimmie H. Brown, LAW ’83, was elected to Dr. Silver’s poetry explores themes such as faith, redemption, memory and family, and seeking In 2016, he received the highest recognition the Southwestern Judicial Circuit in 2016, to find the eternal within the ordinary world. Another recurring theme in her work is living with in his field, The Gold Medal Award, given by and is serving the second year of his term. inflammatory breast cancer. She was originally diagnosed with the illness — the most rare, lethal the American College of Radiology. Brown and his wife Tina live in Leesburg, and aggressive form of breast cancer — in 2004 when she was pregnant with her son. She where he is a deacon and Sunday School served on the board of the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation and was active 1970s teacher in his church. in the cause of educating people about inflammatory breast and metastatic cancer. William P. “Bill” Adams, LAW ’77, retired Bibb The Hon. J. Kevin Chason, LAW ’87, chief County State Court judge was recognized by judge of the South Georgia Judicial Circuit, Dr. Silver is survived by her husband, Dr. Andrew Silver, who also serves as professor

ROGER IDENDEN PHOTO the Macon Bar Association as the Lawyer of the was designated to serve on the Supreme of English in the College of Liberal Arts, and their son, Noah.

ROGER IDENDEN PHOTO Year. Adams practices with his son Brian Adams Court of Georgia in place of Justice Britt C.

40 THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 41 CLASSNOTES CLASSNOTES

recognizing their unique leadership influence. Dianne Goetz Yamin, LAW ’86, and husband dedicated to selecting and honoring those Court of Georgia on Jan. 22, to hear the Georgia Board of Regents and assumed the Kate Sievert Cook, LAW ’02, and Matt Cook, as a partner at Jones Walker LLP. Lowndes Ramage works as special assistant to the Robert Yamin were recognized with an healthcare providers who have demonstrated oral arguments in a case that involved position on June 1. Nooks previously served as LAW ’99, partners of Gainesville’s Cook Law practices Construction Law and represents director at the Greenwood Genetic Center Official Citation by the General Assembly of clinical experience while delivering the the Georgia Power Company. Brown was president at Metropolitan Community College Group, successfully tried a plaintiff’s case clients in the United States and abroad. and was lauded for her ongoing dedication the State of Connecticut during the Danbury highest standards of patient care. appointed to the Ocmulgee Circuit Superior (MCC)-Longview in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. wherein a Cobb County jury returned a $2.7 Michael E. Mayo, CLA ’06, LAW ’09, and R e m e m b e r i n g ... to the Girl Scouts of America. Day at the Capitol for their considerable civic Lloyd Bell, LAW ’92, was featured in an Court in 2012. Brown was also appointed Leslie Fisher Painter, NUR ’98, graduated million verdict. Michael B. Hill, LAW ’13, recently formed Former Dean, Professor and Chair of Surgery Kathryn McCart Schrader, LAW ’87, was and philanthropic efforts. Executive Profile in the Atlanta Business to serve as judge in the Georgia State from Troy University on May 11 with her DNP Lurline Craig-Burke, BUS ’00, was named the law firm of Mayo|Hill based in Macon. recognized by the Chief Justice’s Commission Chronicle in June which focused on his Court of Appeals. Previously serving in the (Doctorate of Nursing Practice). She currently managing director for Aon Risk Solutions, a The firm serves clients throughout the state, Dr. Martin Dalton on Professionalism with the 2018 Justice 1990s specialized practice at the Bell Law Firm. Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Superior Court, teaches nursing in Alabama. global risk management business. In her new specializing in cases involving catastrophic Robert Benham Award for Community Sally Brown Akins, LAW ’90, was recognized He founded his own firm in 1999 and has Brown replaced Judge Tilman “Tripp” Self III, Kathleen Powers, EDU ’95, published a role, Craig-Burke will serve as a member of the injury and/or medical malpractice. artin L. Dalton Jr., Service in the Lawrenceville District. with the 2018 Tradition of Excellence at the since recovered more than $100 million appointed to the U.S. District Court for the book, “How to Write a Fifth Grade (or any firm’s leadership team responsible for engaging Samuel J. Miller, MUS ’09, graduated from M.D., former dean W. Scott Sorrels, BUS ’81, was awarded State Bar of Georgia’s Annual Meeting in June. for patients and families of people killed or Middle District of Georgia. other grade) Essay,” in February. The book clients’ executive leadership and Boards of the University of Kentucky with a Doctor of of Mercer School of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award by Akins was also elected to serve on the Executive injured because of medical malpractice. Matt Cook, LAW ’99, and Kate Sievert Cook, is directed at third through middle graders Directors in delivering risk, retirement and health Musical Arts degree in choral conducting. the Northeast Georgia Council and the Committee of the State Bar of Georgia, where Dr. T. Wayne Bloodworth, BUS ’97, is the LAW ’02, partners of Gainesville’s Cook Law to help them write better essays. Powers solutions. She brings more than 25 years of Miller has served for seven years as choral Medicine, died June Boy Scouts of America. This recognition she also serves its Board of Governors for the founder and president of the nation’s first Group, successfully tried a plaintiff’s case formerly taught ELI in the 1990s before expertise and leadership experience in driving director and fine arts department chair at 22 at the age of 86. is the National Eagle Scout Association’s Eastern Judicial Circuit. Akins is a partner at Ellis non-profit surgery center solely for treatment wherein a Cobb County jury returned a $2.7 earning her master’s degree. She is a top-line revenue growth and building strong Woodland High School in Henry County. Dr. Dalton was born highest honor given to Eagle Scouts who Painter Ratterree & Adams in Savannah. of female genital mutilation. The center is million verdict. certified teacher, private tutor of writing and relationships with large corporate and middle Patrick M. Mincey, LAW ’08, was recognized May 15, 1932, in Columbus, and grew up in have demonstrated an unsurpassed Kimberly Greene Angle, CLA ’90, received located in Johns Creek. Denise Dell-Powell, LAW ’91, was inducted former newspaper reporter. market leaders. Prior to joining Aon, Craig-Burke as a 2018 Legal Elite in Criminal Law by MEufaula, Alabama. He earned his undergraduate level of service within their professions the 2017-2018 David L. Parks Distinguished Kenneth M. Brock, LAW ’92, was elected as a Fellow into the American College of The Rev. Emory Luther “Chip” Reeves, DIV ’99, served as president of Jackson Executives and Business North Carolina. He was also degree from Auburn University in 1953 and his and communities. Sorrels is a partner at Professor Award. Chosen by her faculty as partner at Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers Bankruptcy on March 16 in Washington, was installed as the new pastor at Community chief of the State of Georgia Health Benefit Plan. recognized by North Carolina Super Lawyers medical degree from the University of Alabama Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP. colleagues, the distinguished professor LLP. Brock focuses his practice in the area D.C., in recognition for professional Baptist Church in Milledgeville on May 6. Andy Davis, BUS ’03, chief financial and magazine as Rising Star in Criminal Defense, School of Medicine in Birmingham in 1957. James G. Tunison Jr., LAW ’88, superior award recognizes excellence in creative and of workers’ compensation defense, where he excellence and exceptional contributions Mark Rosen, CLA ’90, was appointed news information systems officer for the Tennessee White Collar. Mincey is the chair of the White Dr. Dalton’s surgical residency was court judge in the Southern Judicial Circuit, effective teaching, scholarship, personal and represents employers, insurers, self-insurers, to the fields of bankruptcy and insolvency. and content director for Raycom Media- Education Lottery Corporation, received Collar & Criminal Defense Group at Cranfill completed at the University of Mississippi was designated to serve on the Supreme professional integrity, and commitment to the and third-party administrators in numerous Dell-Powell is a partner at the Orlando Office owned ABC affiliate WTVM in Columbus. the Maj. Peter J. O’Connell Lottery Industry Sumner & Hartzog, LLP. Medical Center, as was his residency in thoracic Court of Georgia in place of Justice Britt mission of Montreat College. workers’ compensation claims. of Burr Forman, LLP. D. Jay Stewart, LAW ’91, Atlantic Judicial Lifetime Achievement Award from the Public Kristen Burwell Naney, CHP ’08, earned a C. Grant on Jan. 23, in the appeal of New Michael Scott Bartruff, CLA ’94, a E. Trenton Brown III, LAW ’99, was D. Bradley “Brad” Folsom, CLA ’93, was Circuit Superior Court Judge, was appointed Gaming Research Institute at the PGRI Doctor of Philosophy degree in toxicology and cardiovascular surgery. Upon completion Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC et al. v. Georgia periodontist, was recognized as a 2018 Top appointed the designee to replace Justice appointed to the Lowndes County Board of as a designee to serve on the Supreme Conference in Miami, Florida, on March 28. from the University of Maryland College Park of his residency training, he entered the United Department of Revenue et al. (S17G1256). Doctor in Atlanta. Top Doctor Awards are Michael P. Boggs LAW ’90, on the Supreme Commissioners for the Valdosta-Lowndes Court of Georgia in place of Justice Nels S. D. Sarah Smith Dumbacher, LAW ’10, joined School of Public Health in December 2017. States Army, and for two years he was chief County Development Authority in December Peterson on January 23, in the appeal of New FisherBroyles, LLP as a partner in its Atlanta Naney studied toxicology and environmental of the Thoracic Section of the Department to 2017. Folsom is a partner with Moore, Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC et al. v. Georgia office, defending individuals, health plans health as part of the Maryland Institute Surgery at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Clarke, DuVall & Rodgers, P.C. and has been Department of Revenue et al. (S17G1256). and plan administrators in hospital billing for Applied Environmental Health program, Research in Washington, D.C. Following military service, he began the private practice of thoracic practicing law for 20 years. Clayton W. Thompson II, LAW ’97, joined dispute litigation. Dumbacher was formerly where her dissertation research focused R e m e m b e r i n g ... and cardiovascular surgery in Lubbock, Texas. From 1973-1983, he was clinical professor and chief Richard C. Foster, LAW ’95, joined Swift, DLA Piper’s Intellectual Property and with Drew Eckl Farnham, LLP. on cumulative risk assessment, community of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at Texas Tech University. Former Governor, U.S. Senator, Mercer Trustee Technology practice as a partner in its Currie, McGhee & Hiers LLP as a partner. He V. Sharon “Sharri” Edenfield, LAW ’03, resiliency and environmental justice. In 1983, Dr. Dalton returned to the University of Mississippi as professor of surgery and served focuses his practice on motor carrier liability, Silicon Valley office. is recognized as a name partner in the Jeffrey H. Perry, LAW ’05, recently joined in that capacity until 1990, when he became professor and chair of the Department of Surgery at Zell Miller commercial insurance coverage and general Dr. Linda I. Walden, MED ’92, received Statesboro law firm renamed Edenfield, Cox, Nelson Mullins as a member of the firm’s commercial insurance defense. the Georgia State Medical Association’s Bruce & Edenfield. premier emerging growth and venture capital Mercer School of Medicine and chief of surgery and program director of the surgery residency at the ell Bryan Miller, former two- Susan Dunn Garcia, BUS ’91, joined the Distinguished Service Medallion Award from Bradley M. Harmon, LAW, ’02, of Hunter practice in Atlanta. Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon. term governor of Georgia, U.S. firm of Butler, Williams & Wyche, LLP as a the Georgia State Medical Association during Maclean in Savannah, was selected as 2018 Joy Heniing Peterson, PHA ’09, received the In September 2005, Dr. Dalton was appointed dean of the School of Medicine and continued to serve senator and Mercer trustee, partner Jan. 1. the 125th anniversary Annual Convention Georgia Super Lawyer in Business Litigation. 2017 Working Mother of the Year award from as chair of surgery until June 30, 2007. He retired as dean one year later and completed a six-month died March 23 at the age of Todd W. Hedgpeth, LAW ’98, joined the and Scientific Assembly at Hilton Head, Canon B. Hill, LAW ’05, joined the Education WellStar Kennestone Hospital where she is a sabbatical during which he authored the History of the Mercer University School of Medicine. In 2009, 86. Miller was born on Feb. public accounting firm MBAF as a director South Carolina. Law team at Bowles Rice in Virginia after clinical pharmacist. he returned to Mercer’s Department of Surgery as associate program director of the surgery residency. in the Tax & Accounting Department and is Jon Christopher Wolfe, LAW ’93, a partner successfully passing the West Virginia Bar. Dr. Steven Powell, MED ’05, joined 24, 1932, in Young Harris. Dr. Dalton is survived by his wife of 62 years, Alice Ligon Dalton of Macon; his daughters, Lucy based in the firm’s Boca Raton office. at Chambless Higdon Richardson Katz Hill most recently practiced in Georgia and MedOptions as chief medical officer. Dalton Uceda and Jenny Dalton Rankin, both of Atlanta; and a grandson, William Dalton Rankin. Miller’s father died when he was 17 days old, Dr. Matthew L. Mancini, MED ’94, former & Griggs LLP of Macon, was awarded District of Columbia. MedOptions is the nation’s leading provider andZ he and his older sister, Jane, were raised faculty, has been named president of the Macon Bar’s William A. Bootle Andre Jones, BUS ’02, has been selected as of behavioral health services to skilled by their mother in a house she built with rocks the Tennessee Medical Association, the Professionalism Award for his representation the vice president of business development nursing and assisted living facilities. she hauled from a nearby stream. state’s largest professional organization for of the best of a lawyer’s ideals over the for the Antenna Systems Division of The Hon. Kathryn L. Powers, LAW ’09, was Franklin, Virginia, in 2017. His newest book at Chattahoochee Technical College, Anderson School BLSA Alumni Council as its secretary. Miller graduated from Young Harris College doctors. As president, Dr. Mancini will serve course of his 25 years of practice. Communications & Power Industries. appointed as superior court judge of Clayton release is “Sessions with Judges” from Smyth brings more than 16 years of educational Kyle E. Cogburn, BUS ’15, was named in 1951 before enlisting in the U.S. Marine as the public spokesperson and official Walter E. Jones, LAW ’05, of Balch Bingham Judicial Circuit by Gov. Deal. Powers is most and Helwys Publishers in Macon. He is also leadership experience to her position at GNTC. as the Data & Analytics Practice lead for Corps, which he served from 1953-1956, representative for TMA’s more than 9,000 2000s in Atlanta, was selected as 2018 Georgia recently a state court judge for Clayton County. now serving on the Day1 Advisory Board. Belle-Anne Bowen, LAW ’14, joined Drew Commercial Banking at SunTrust. obtaining the rank of sergeant. members. He will also hold a seat on the Saudah Blackman-Stokes, EDU ’01, was Rising Star in Business Litigation. Jennifer Wright Purcell, CLA ’06, was Cedric Dewayne Scott, BUS ’00, was Eckl & Farnham as an associate. Bowen’s J. Daniel Cole, BUS ’07, LAW ’12, joined Miller married Shirley Carver on Jan. 14, TMA Board of Trustees. named a 2018 Principal of the Year by the St. Louise M. Jones-James, BUS ’05, was promoted to the rank of associate professor appointed fire chief for the city of Albany. practice focuses on civil litigation including Parks Chesin & Walbert PC as an associate. Kathy Harrington Sullivan, LAW ’05, general casualty, premise liability and Cole was previously with Duane Morris. 1954. They were married for 64 years and had Michelle Wilson McCarthy, PHA ’94, Tammany Parish School System in Covington, recognized by Continental Who’s Who as of leadership studies with tenure and director of the University of Virginia Health Louisiana. Blackman-Stokes has served as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member in the field of appointed as the inaugural graduate was promoted to partner in the Atlanta insurance coverage. Bradford M. Coleman, PEN ’13, opened two sons. He graduated from the University of System’s Postgraduate Year One Pharmacy principal of Salmen High School since 2016, Finance and Operations in recognition of her faculty fellow for Kennesaw State University. employment law firm Barrett & Farahany. Janene Browder, BUS ’09, LAW ’12, received Lithos Counseling & Consulting in Valdosta. Georgia with a master’s degree in history in Residency program, was honored to have previously serving as assistant principal. role as a community volunteer at Finance & Additionally, Purcell will serve as the Harrington Sullivan was lead case evaluation a 2018 Award of Achievement for Service to Lithos is a Christian faith, biblical counseling, 1958 and returned to Young Harris, where he began a long career as an educator. her program selected as the recipient of Joel Bulger, BUS ’06, joined Zaxby’s Operations Leadership Consulting. president of the KSU Faculty Senate for the attorney for the firm. the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) during the and psycho-therapeutic training service for Miller served as mayor of Young Harris from 1959-1960 and as a state senator from 1961- the 2017 ASHP Foundation Residency Franchising LLC as the company’s first chief M. Anne Kaufold-Wiggins, LAW ’05, of 2018-2019 academic year. Michael Van Cise, CLA ’01, was elected Georgia Annual Meeting in Amelia Island, men and male teens. 1964. He went on to become the longest-serving lieutenant governor in Georgia’s history, Excellence Program Award. marketing officer. Balch Bingham in Atlanta, was selected as Delton S. “Del” Schwalls, EGR ’00, was a Fellow to the American College of Trust Florida. The State Bar president appointed Emilie Taylor Cook, LAW ’12, opened Cook Law serving 16 years from 1975-1991. He was elected the 79th governor of Georgia in 1991 and went Lt. Col. David P. McCoy, CLA ’96, marked 22 Ivy N. Cadle, LAW ’07, completed his year 2018 Georgia Super Lawyer in Personal elected as chair of the Florida Floodplain and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). Van Cise is Browder to the standing committee Firm, LLC in Milledgeville to serve the Ocmulgee on to create the HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) Scholarship and Georgia’s years of service as a commissioned officer of service as president of the Macon Bar Injury General: Defense. Kaufold-Wiggins Managers Association, and re-elected to a partner in the Private Wealth Practice of Communications/Cornerstones of Freedom. Circuit in the areas of probate, wills and estate, Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program. Upon completing his second term in 1999, he proceeded in the United States Army on June 9. He was Association in May and was recognized for received the Rising Star distinction for this the national board of directors for the Arnall Golden Gregory. Lauren McDonald Childs, LAW ’14, graduated and child dependency law. Cook was formerly a to serve in the U.S. Senate from 2000-2005. During his political career, he served as keynote recently awarded the Defense Meritorious his efforts to increase attendance at monthly practice area in 2017. Association of State Floodplain Managers, Carl Varnedoe, LAW ’03 obtained a $2.2 from the State Bar of Georgia’s 2018 Young partner at Cansino, Petty & Stribling LLP. speaker at both the Democratic National Convention and Republican National Convention. Service Medal for exemplary service while Bar meetings, accruing a financial surplus in Kerri A. Kroeker, DIV ’04, accepted a position serving a second two-year term as regional million verdict for a client who sustained Lawyers Division (YLD) Leadership Academy. John Herbert Cranford Jr., LAW ’12, was major injuries as a result of a fall through Childs practices personal injury at Adams appointed district attorney for the Coweta More than 1.8 million students have gone to college in Georgia on HOPE Scholarships, assigned in a joint service billet as the director the association’s accounts and expanding as a spiritual care specialist at Rockyview director for the southeast U.S. of the Integrated Air and Missile Defense the Bar’s outreach in the community. He General Hospital in Calgary, Alberta. Gregory K. Smith, LAW ’01, joined Smith an open hatch on a casino ship. The verdict Jordan & Herrington in Macon. Judicial Circuit by Gov. Deal in February. and more than 1.6 million four-year-olds have begun their education through Georgia’s Pre-K Center in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. practices in Baker Donelson’s Macon office. Elizabeth F. Latta, LAW ’08, joined Huff Gambrell & Russell LLP as counsel in its was featured in the Jan. 11 edition of Fulton Caitlyn D. Clark, LAW ’17, joined James Nathan H. Edmondson, CLA ’10, is founder Program. These were Miller’s proudest achievements during his 46-year career in public service. McCoy was commissioned through Mercer’s Christy Crow Childers, LAW ’05, of Childers & Powell Bailey LLP, as her firm Forrester & Construction Law practice in Atlanta. Smith County Daily Report. Bates Brannan Groover LLP as civil and president of Eco Defense Group (EDGE). Miller was a lifetime member of the Board of Trustees at Young Harris College and a member Army ROTC program in 1996. He and wife McCain LLC in Macon, began a one-year term Brim announced merger with Huff Powell was previously with King & Spaulding. Arthur R. York, LAW ’09, joined Rafi Law litigation associate. Founded in 2017, EDGE is a non-profit that of the Mercer Board of Trustees. Araceli L. McCoy reside in, El Paso, Texas. as president of the Macon Bar Association at Bailey in April. Latta will continue her civil Molly A. Stevens, CLA ’05, was a contestant Firm in Atlanta in March. He will continue to C. Troy Clark, LAW ’10, joined Crowder focuses on innovative conservation in Africa “Growing up in the hills of North Georgia gave Zell a straight-talking approach to politics that Brad J. McFall, LAW ’92, was re-elected to the annual Law Day luncheon in May. trial practice, including the defense of health on NBC’s “The Voice Season 14” in March. Her represent individuals and families impacted Stewart LLP as partner. He focuses his with projects in four countries, including left no one in doubt of his views on any subject, and his U.S. Marine background also gave him serve on the Board of Governors for the State Kathleen “Katie” Burt Connell, LAW care professionals. blind audition of the Patty Griffin song “Heavenly by death or catastrophic injuries in cases practice in the areas of federal criminal tactical training of counter poaching rangers, a patriotic love of both his state and his nation. His love for his family and appreciation for the Bar of Georgia, where he has been serving ’05, was named a Fellow of the American Nicholas J. Laybourn, LAW ’05, of Hunter Day” turned two chairs, and she chose Kelly involving negligent security, car and trucking law and complex civil litigation, including genetic mapping of elephant populations and principles that shaped our nation are a model for anyone interested in service to others,” said former continuously since 2001. McFall is a partner Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). Maclean in Savannah, was selected as 2018 Clarkson as her coach. Stevens was eliminated crashes, and other types of negligence. appeals. Clark previously served the building sustainable community programs U.S. President and fellow Mercer Trustee Jimmy Carter in a statement following the death of Miller. at Gammon Anderson & McFall in Cedartown. Connell becomes the youngest attorney in Georgia Rising Star in Business Litigation. in the Battle Rounds. She signed a record label Southern District of Georgia as Assistant in at risk townships. Edmondson has sold Miller is survived by his wife, Shirley Carver Miller; sons, Murphy Carver Miller and Ann-Marie McGaughey, LAW ’93, was Georgia to receive the distinction of Fellow. John R.B. “Jack” Long, LAW ’06, was with Marrow MP Records in July. The label, 2010s United States Attorney. movies based on published books to 20th Elizabeth F. Anderson, EDU ’16, was named Anelise R. Codrington, LAW ’17, joined the Century Fox and Paramount Pictures, and Matthew Stephen Miller; granddaughter, Asia Miller Bowles; grandsons, Justin Grady Miller, appointed the new managing partner of the She is one of only 32 Fellows in Georgia and elected to serve on the Board of Governors located in New Market, Alabama, focuses on Atlanta office of Squire Patton Boggs. 1,650 across the United States. Connell is a for the State Bar of Georgia representing the Americana-folk and singer-songwriters. vice president of academic affairs at Georgia State Court of Clayton County in February as a original screenplays and novels. He has also Andrew Stephen Miller, and Bryan William Miller; and eight great-grandchildren. Kirk A. Nooks, EGR ’96, BUS ’98, was named founding partner of the Atlanta-based family Augusta Circuit. The Rev. Charles L. Qualls, DIV ’08, became Northwestern Technical College (GNTC). judicial clerk for Judge Shalonda Jones-Parker. written for Marvel and DC Comics on popular

president of Gordon State College by the law firm of Connell Cummings. JOHN KNIGHT PHOTO Jennifer S. Lowndes, LAW ’09, was elected senior pastor at Franklin Baptist Church in Previously serving as dean of arts and sciences Codrington currently serves the Mercer Law titles like Black Widow and Punisher.

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Angela M. Fields, DIV ’12, was named on June 8 during the organization’s annual Ethics this fall. from the State Bar of Georgia’s Young Susan Bailey Franklin, PHA ’13, and John Margie Addy Banks, TIFT ’54, Robert L. Coleman, CLA ’50, of Cleveland, June 6. James M. Kirby, LAW ’51, of Stone Mountain, March 17. Jasper V. Smith, CLA ’54, of Ronald Ralph Ross, CLA ’68, the executive director of Family Promise of meeting. He was sworn in by Justice Keith The Rev. Taylor Whitten Mason, DIV ’17, Lawyers Division (YLD) Leadership Academy. M. Franklin, LAW ’10, announce the birth of Gainesville, Florida, June 11. of Tifton, March 6. Archie Lee Hinton, PHA ’57, of West Columbia, South Carolina, Juhan Doyle Pinholster, CLA Macon, Dec. 1, 2016. of Montverde, Florida, Oct. Hunterdon County Inc., a non-profit agency Blackwell of the Supreme Court of Georgia. accepted a call to be the new associate Reynolds is an associate in the Atlanta office of their second child, Susan “Constance” Franklin J. Bell, CLA ’54, of Frances Joan Cofer Fulghum, Suwanee, June 7. April 23. ’59, of Bluffton, South Carolina, Nancy Kemp Turner, NUR ’51, 15, 2017. established in Flemington, New Jersey, in Samuel Johnson, CLA ’13, founder of pastor for students and community of Lewis Brisbois Brisgaard & Smith, LLP Franklin, on Feb. 4. Kathleen, Feb. 26. TIFT ’57, of St Augustine, William C. Holt, CLA ’59, of Joy Shelton Matthews, TIFT March 15. of Wilmington, North Carolina, Sharon Summers, NUR ’68, of 1990 with a mission to end homelessness. My Vision For Refugees, received the engagement at Kirkwood Baptist Church in practicing general liability. Norbert D. Hummel IV, LAW ’12, and his Wayne E. Blue, CLA ’58, of Florida, April 2. Augusta, May 22. ’55, of Atlanta, April 13. Columbus H. Posey III, May 10. Morrow, May 19. Fields previously worked as the community Holy Innocent’s Episcopal School (HIES) Kirkwood, Missouri. Miles Schmidt, BUS ’15, was named client wife Christina announce the birth of their Sycamore, April 21. Jere Patrick Greer, CLA ’57, of Janelle Costley Housworth, Anita S. Momand, CLA ’57, CLA ’54, of Loxley, Alabama, Frances JoAnn Reuel Don Tribble, CLA ’61, of outreach coordinator for Eva’s Village, an 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award in April. Shannon L. Mills, BUS ’13, LAW ’17, was advisor for Sterling Seacrest Partners, a top daughter, Mary Olivia “Mo” Hummel, on Lewis L. Brown Jr., PHA ’51, of Thomaston, April 11. TIFT ’58, of Tifton, March 28. of Columbia, South Carolina, March 21. Underwood, NUR ’55, of Orangeburg, South Carolina, organization based in Paterson, New Jersey, Additionally, Home of Hope, the orphanage one of 11 selected to be an Equal Justice insurance brokerage and consulting firm. His June 22. Moultrie, June 5. Merle Willis Griffin, NUR ’57, Albert Sidney Johnson, CLA April 4. Dorothy Roberts, CLA ’59, of Atlanta, May 25. June 10. that provides care and support for people he founded in Guinea, was recognized by the Works Fellow, serving at Georgia Legal primary focus is on providing insurance and Brittany Flowe Reese, LAW ’10, and her Patricia Dudley Cannon, PHA of Clarkston, Feb. 16. ’56, LAW ’59, of Vidalia, Gerald S. Mullis, LAW ’51, of Buford, Feb. 2. Joseph L. Waters Jr., CLA ’55, William C. Tribble, CLA ’62, of who are struggling with poverty, hunger, Foundation of the First Lady of Guinea as the Services Program in Macon, a nonprofit legal risk management solutions to construction, husband Matt announce the birth of their ’51, of Lula, May 11. Joyce P. Haddock, CLA ’55, of May 27. Macon, July 4. Warren O. Shields, CLA ’51, of of Banner Elk, North Carolina, Social Circle, March 5. homelessness and addiction. number one orphanage in the southern part organization. Mills will provide support and manufacturing, entertainment and non- second daughter, Lander Elizabeth, on Nov. James A. Carter, PHA ’58, of Macon, Feb. 17. James O. Jones Jr., CLA ’59, of Lillian Jane Roquemore Eagle Springs, North Carolina, May 2. Ted Roosevelt Walker Jr., PHA The Rev. Libby Grammer, DIV ’10, has of Guinea and the second-best in the entire defense to tenants living in project-based profit entities. 22, 2017. Reese is associate counsel for Willacoochee, Feb. 18. Larri June Wood Harris, CLA Sharpsburg, May 31. Newton, TIFT ’53, of Forsyth, June 21. Joan S. Weir, NUR ’57, of ’67, of Alpharetta, Feb. 11. been called as senior pastor of First Baptist Guinea, in terms of caring for children in need. section 8 and public housing who are facing Jasmin N. Severino, LAW ’17, became an Hubbell Lighting, Inc. in Greenville, South Helen Ryals Cash, NUR ’50, of ’52, of Decatur, March 9. Grady Edwin Kell, CLA ’53, of June 24. Peggy H. Simmons, CLA ’57, of Hilton Head Island, South Andrew J. Welch Jr., LAW ’69, Church Martinsville, Virginia. Kelsey Jones, CLA ’14, was named executive eviction or living in substandard conditions. associate with Davis, Matthews & Quigley, Carolina. Lawrenceville, Jan. 22. Barbara Jones Hiers, CLA ’53, Macon, June 11. Irwin J. Parkerson, LAW ’52, of Macon, May 20. Carolina, March 29. of McDonough, March 23. David Greenberg, LAW ’16, won the director for Institutional Advancement at Rizza Palmares O’Connor, BUS ’07, LAW ’13, P.C. in Atlanta. Severino will practice in the Nyonnohweah S. Seekie, LAW ’16, married William M. Wheeler, CLA ABA Section of Taxation’s 17th Annual West Georgia Technical College. Jones was was named one of the 2018 Georgia Asian firm’s Estate Planning & Probate, Corporate Cecil Richard Jr. on May 26 in Woodstock. 1960s ’60, LAW ’62, of Thompson, Law Student Tax Challenge along previously employed by Technical College Times 25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Law, and Taxation sections. Seekie works at the Macon Circuit Public Jolissa Adamson, NUR ’60, of June 28. with fellow student Dan Masciello. System of Georgia. Georgia, chosen for their impact in areas that Robin Vance Sewell, MUS ’12, joined the Defenders Office. R e m e m b e r i n g ... St. Louis, Misouri, Jan. 20. Greenberg is currently an LLM student at Eleanor L. DeGolian Kasper, LAW ’13, influence every aspect of Georgian’s daily life. instructional staff of Musicology in Newnan Lindsey Hancock Warden, CLA ’15, and Alumni and Generous Supporters Jimmy R. Asbell, CLA ’61, of 1970s Villanova University. graduated from the State Bar of Georgia’s O’Connor was also installed as president of as a voice and performance coach. her husband Don announce the birth of Macon, June 18. Lorraine Lynn Andrews, LAW Joshua T. Hale, LAW ’13, was appointed to 2018 Young Lawyers Division (YLD) the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of R. Matthew “Matt” Shoemaker, LAW their first child, Everett Giles, on Feb. 13. The Howell P. Bell III, CLA ’62, of ’76, of Ormond Beach, Florida, serve on the Foundation Board of River Edge Leadership Academy. Kasper is an associate Georgia, for 2018-19, during the organization’s ’12, formerly with Swift, Currie, McGhee & family resides in Memphis. Robert & Faye Brewer Athens, May 8. May 3. Behavioral Health. Hale operates Lighthouse at Alston & Bird’s Atlanta office practicing annual meeting on June 8. O’Connor is chief Hiers, LLP, joined Jones Cork, LLP in Macon. Rhonda Broadnax, NUR ’61, Lew Spruill Barrow, LAW ’78, of Law Firm in Macon. labor and employment law. magistrate for Toombs County. Shoemaker has a general civil litigation John Robert Brewer, CLA ’56, died April 7 at the age of of Danielsville, March 17. Fortson, June 10. The Rev. Dr. Jake Ellis Hall, DIV ’12, was Warner L. Kennon Jr., LAW ’14, graduated Madeline Olson Tapper, CLA ’12, was practice, including insurance defense, IN 84. Born June 11, 1934, in Lumber City, he graduated from Robert Douglas Brooks, CLA Stephen W. Batson, CLA ’70, of recognized by Baptist News Global for his work from the State Bar of Georgia’s 2018 Young recognized with a “30 under 30” award premises liability defense, products liability Glynn Academy in Brunswick and then from Brewton- ’65, LAW ‘68, of Columbus, Albany, April 7. with the radio show Gospel Gothic on The Lawyers Division (YLD) Leadership Academy. from the Georgia Center for Nonprofits and defense, insurance coverage, business MEMORY Parker Junior College in 1952 where he was ordained in Ohio, May 26. Barbara Dillard Sheppard Bell, Creek 100.9 FM in Macon. Hall is the pastor of Kennon is with Georgia-Alabama Land Trust the Young Nonprofit Professional Network litigation and medical malpractice defense. the ministry. He completed his Bachelor of Liberal Arts Nancy Gray Clamp, TIFT ’63, EDU ’76, EDU ’77, of Dalton, Highland Hills Baptist Church in Macon. Inc. in Columbus. in December. Tapper is the manager of Daniel Thompson, EDU ’14, co-authored 1930s degree from Mercer in 1954. He also received a master’s of Columbia, South Carolina, May 28. Lt. Katelynn N. Henderson, LAW ’17, graduated Bill Kirkendall, PEN ’11, was named interim Knowledge Development for the United Way a higher education book geared toward Helen Irene Glenn, CLA ’38, of Monroe, degree in theology at Southern Baptist Theological Feb. 22. Debbie S. Patton Brice, TIFT from the State Bar of Georgia’s 2018 Young chief of the Hinesville Police Department of Greater Atlanta. student success titled Recruiting Retaining Edward Eugene Crews, PHA ’77, of Commerce, April 28. May 21. Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as a master’s Lawyers Division (YLD) Leadership Academy. (HPD) on March 1. Kirkendall has served Kyle C. Owenby, LAW ’17, joined the Macon and Engaging African-American Males at ’66, of Winchester, Kentucky, George A. Collins, CLA ’72, degree in liberal arts from Georgia Southern University. Henderson serves in the U.S. Air Force JAG. with the HPD for more than 27 years, Judicial Circuit as an assistant district Selective Public Research Universities: Dec. 28, 2017. LAW ’75, of Byron, Feb. 17. 1940s Brewer pastored several churches in southern Georgia Michael B. Hill, LAW ’13, and Michael E. beginning in 1990. During his service, he attorney in Macon. Challenges and Opportunities in Academics Barbara Banks, NUR ’46, TIFT ’49, of Oxford, Doris Willis Croyle, NUR ’67, Myrna D. Cooper, CAS ’75, of Mayo, CLA ’06, LAW ’09, formed the law has worked as a field training officer, DARE Tiffany Pickett, DIV ’15, accepted a position and Sports Section III. April 27. and eastern Kentucky before permanently moving to Ailey. of Albany, May 29. Trussville, Alabama, June 21. firm of Mayo|Hill based in Macon. The officer, drug team investigator, assistant at Ouachita Baptist University as recruitment D. Jake Wallace, LAW ’16, joined Morris, Ruby Nell Bannister, TIFT ’42, of Hartwell, He was named pastor of Ailey Baptist Church in 1963 as well William Gene Deakins, CLA Toni Senatro Davis, EDU ’76, firm serves clients throughout the state, commander, administrative support corporal, communications coordinator. Manning, and Martin, LLP on Jan. 22. May 23. as a full-time professor at Brewton-Parker College where he taught English and literature for 39 years. There, he held the ’62, of Cordele, May 15. EDU ‘79, of Eatonton, June 28. specializing in cases involving catastrophic traffic accident investigation commander, Marshall Lee Portivent Jr., LAW ’12, Wallace practices residential real estate, Mary Frances Bridges, NUR ’43, of first named chair in the history of the college. In 2000, he received the governor’s award in the Humanities, a recognition Shirley J. Dunn, CLA ’60, of Rita Edenfield, NUR ’71, of injury and/or medical malpractice. internal affairs investigator and uniform joined Hasty Pope LLP, practicing workers’ business law and probate & estate planning. Columbia, South Carolina, May 27. from Gov. Roy Barnes. At Brewton-Parker, he was chosen as the teacher of the year several times in addition to receiving Brunswick, Feb. 11. Tifton, Dec. 31, 2017. Norbert D. Hummel IV, LAW ’12, of Lewis patrol division commander. compensation law in Canton. He was Henry Alfred Buchanan, CLA ’45, of the outstanding citizen award for his dedication, support and involvement in his community. Darrell F. Funderburk Jr., CLA Carl Hunt Hays III, CLA ’73, of Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP in Atlanta was Jordan Yeager Mason, DIV ’16, accepted formerly with Moore Ingram Johnson & Groman, Texas, March 25. Faye DeLoach Brewer, TIFT ’59, died April 19 at the age of 81. Born March 29, 1937, in Rochelle, Brewer ’66, of Moultrie, Feb. 12. Milledgeville, Feb. 22. installed as treasurer of the Young Lawyers an offer of admission at St. Louis University Steele LLP. Martha Baggarly Daniel, TIFT ’40, of Evans, graduated from Boston High School in 1955. She received a B.A. in history and religion from Tift College in 1959; Grace P. Gillespie, CLA ’63, of Ellen Jackson Hearn, TIFT ’71, Division (YLD) of the State Bar of Georgia to begin a Ph.D. in Theology and Healthcare Hannah B. Reynolds, LAW ’17, graduated MARRIAGES, Gainesville, Florida, April 26. March 12. attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary from 1959 to 1960; and completed a summer fellowship program of Macon, Feb. 15. Velva Dungan Darden, TIFT ’43, of Forsyth, Suzanne Mobley Gissendaner, Suzanne L. Hosea, CAS ’79, of BIRTHS & in economics at the University of North Carolina in 1970. She received her Master of Education degree in 1982 and March 18. TIFT ’64, of Jasper, Alabama, Woodstock, April 6. Education Specialist degree in 1984 from Georgia Southern University. ANNIVERSARIES Nannie King DeLoach Denton, TIFT ’47, of May 30. Janet B. James, EDU ’74, of Brewer began her career in education as a substitute teacher in Boyle County, Kentucky, in 1960. She began R e m e m b e r i n g ... Hagan, June 4. Betty Lou O’Keefe Groover, Alpharetta, June 4. teaching full-time at Jeff Davis County Middle School in 1963 and later was an adjunct professor at Brewton-Parker Former Trustee and Generous Supporter 1980s Jane Lou McLeod Faircloth, CLA ’46, of EDU ’64, of Macon, March 25. Martha W. Kimbro, EDU ’78, of Christina L. Hunt, LAW ’85, married Steven Brunswick, June 9. College from 1989 to 1999. She held the longest tenure (1964 to 2007) in the history of the Montgomery County Angelynn Dunagan Hinson, Lizella, Feb. 10. Davis of Atlanta on April 22, 2017. Marguerite Keene Goglio, CLA ’42, of San School System as a high school teacher. TIFT ’65, of Macclenny, Florida, Kathryn Renee Lewis McBride, Wilton Looney The Hon. C. Michael Johnson, LAW ’86, Jose, California. In 2013, the Brewers named The Celia Joann Brewer Memorial Lobby at Tattnall Square Center for the Arts in Feb. 5. CLA ’76, of Columbus, May 26. Judge of the Oconee Circuit Superior Court, Carolyn Shackelford Hammond, TIFT ’46, of memory of their daughter. They were named Life Members of The President’s Club in 2014. Lucile Greene Holloway, CLA Cynthia D. Price, CLA ’77, of Wilton Denny Looney, retired chairman married Jennifer McDaniel on May 1. Abbeville, June 12. ’67, of Park City, Utah, May 14. Louiseville, Tennessee, Jan. 1. and CEO of NAPA/Genuine Parts Co., died Edna Lewis Kramer, NUR ’46, of Tucson, Devoted Alumnus and Generous Supporters James M. Huff, PHA ’63, of Randy Lacy Reynolds, CLA ’75, June 1. Born April 18, 1919, in Vanna, Looney 2000s Arizona, March 6. Ellijay, June 1. of Suwanee, March 1. graduated from high school in 1936 and Courtenay Miller DuFour, LAW ’08, married India Lumsden, NUR ’47, of Sautee Evelyn Raines Hunsucker, Wynnette W. Samper, CLA ’71, traveled to Elberton to work for Western Auto Brian Christopher Dufour in Savannah Nacoochee, March 1. Juan Cruz-Rosario & Petrita Torres CLA ’60, of St. Simons Island, of Milledgeville, Feb. 17. in December 2017. The Dufours live in Thomas Baldwin Martin Jr., CLA ’48, LAW May 24. Thomas M. Sebastian, HON Supply Company. While in Elberton, he met his Juan L. Cruz-Rosario, CLA ’50, LAW ’51, prominent Puerto Rico New Orleans. ’48, of Macon, April 24. David Eugene James, CLA ’63, ’70, of Warner Robins, July 5. wife Martha West and was recruited to work businessman, died March 15 at the age of 96. Born May 25, 1922, Cruz- for NAPA/Genuine Parts Co. and moved to Jeffrey H. Perry, LAW ’05, and his wife Susie Evelynne Cutts Mashburn, TIFT ’44, of of Etowah, Tennessee, April 11. Charles A. Simpson, CAS ’76, Rosario worked as a teacher and served in the military during World War Barbara Emma Knight, NUR Charlotte, North Carolina. Elizabeth welcomed their second son, Jack, Cleveland, Tennessee, April 4. of Conyers, May 24. in April. Carolyn Morrison Miller, CLA ’46, of II. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Mercer and graduating from ’67, of Rogersville, Tennessee, Lillian R. Solomon, CLA ’74, of After serving in the U.S. Army during World Fernandina, Florida, March 10. Mercer Law School, he established a successful law practice. May 3. Snellville. War II, he resumed his career with Genuine Parts 2010s George Neil Skene, CLA ’44, of Macon, An entrepreneur by nature, Cruz-Rosario developed numerous Anne Kimbrough Small Ava L. Spinks, CAS ’72, of Co., ultimately becoming chairman and CEO. Rebecca Barber, EDU ’17, married Dalton E. April 16. projects in Puerto Rico such as the first neighborhood in Morovis, the Lasch, CLA ’68, of Woodbridge, Decatur, Feb. 17. He served in these positions for nearly 30 years, Turner, CLA ’14, in Newton Chapel on May 27. Juliette Batts Turk, CLA ’49, of Dothan, first gated community in Guaynabo, Hospital San Pablo, the first luxury Virginia, June 7. Jean Hinson Stephens, TIFT leading the company’s growth from $34 million to Lanta Cooper Carroll, CLA ’09, DIV ’13, Alabama, April 19. Condominium Caparra Classic in Guaynabo, and many medical office Thomas Joseph Lee, CLA ’70, of Covington, Oct. 10, more than $3.4 billion in sales. He was honored PCM ’13, and Matthew C. Cooper, DIV ’12, Grace Wright Withers, TIFT ’48, of Roswell, buildings and parking garages in Bayamon, San Juan and Fajardo. ’62, LAW ’64, of New Orleans, 2017. Louisiana, May 25. Marianna L. Swift, CLA ’73, for his achievements with the company by the announce the birth of their daughter, Riley, May 4. His wife Petrita Torres, a devoted Christian, mother and wife, died Nancy Pearl Stewart Miller, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Automotive Hall of Fame with a Distinguished on Feb. 17. March 25. Torres was a generous woman who was full of energy and Kathryn S. Dunnam, CLA ’13, LAW ’15, TIFT ’65, of Dublin, Jan. 5. March 28. Service award in 1983 and an induction to the 1950s possessed a great sense of humor. Hall of Fame in 1992. and Bryant E. Harden, CLA ’10, were Virginia Garland Andrews, CLA ’51, of Barbara Wehunt Moore, CLA Francine E. Tucker, EDU ’77, of Cruz-Rosario and Torres are the parents of Milton Cruz, Mercer trustee ’68, of Longmont, Colorado, Looney was active in the Atlanta Rotary married in Thomasville on May 26. Dunnam Bloomington, Indiana, April 26. Lawrenceville, July 4. and alumnus, and Zoraida Cruz Torres, Mercer undergraduate and Law April 23. Janet Charlene Turner, CAS Club, the Capital City Club and also headed the United Way. He was a trustee of the Woodruff is an attorney with Hall, Booth, Smith, P.C. Virginia B. Appleton, CLA ’58, of Commerce, in Albany. Harden previously worked at April 26. School alumna. Cruz Plaza, the magnificent green space in the center of H. Norwood Pearce, LAW ’68, ’77, of Flowery Branch, Feb. 17. Foundation and served on the boards of several schools. In 1999, Looney established the Mercer as the Coordinator of Study Abroad Frances Peacock Fountain Avant, NUR ’51, the Macon campus, is named for the Cruz family in recognition of their of Columbus, May 13. Dorothy D. Walker, EDU ’72, of James C. and Mary West Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund in Mercer’s McAfee School of Programs and as a part-time lecturer. He is of Milledgeville, April 27. lead gift to fund its construction. The family also established an endowed James Earl Pettigrew, CLA ’62, Columbus, June 10. Theology to honor his wife and her parents. pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Florida Arthur C. Bailey Jr., CLA ’59, of Powell, scholarship fund to support Hispanic students at Mercer. EDU ’68, of Macon, May 28. Pamela Page Wilkerson, CLA in International Relations. Tennessee, April 30. Betty Marie Phillips, NUR ’62, ’75, EDU ’76, of Tampa, Florida, of Jasper, February 10. March 29.

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n April 9, the University dedicated 1980s Caryl Lorraine Coleman Murphy Alan Cooper, CLA ’78, Karen Kelly Daniels, LAW ’88, of Lyons, April 13. Malvern, Pennsylvania, May 15. Dr. Ann N. Hughes, CLA ’50, the Spearman C. James Earl Bennett Jr., BUS Branan, TIFT ’68, CLA ’81, of LAW ’82, of Savannah, April 23. of Macon, March 18. Stephen S. Putnal, PHA ’81, of professor emerita of foreign Godsey Science ’83, of Enid, Oklahoma, April 3. Macon, March 29. Alan Curran, BUS ’83, of Safety Douglas James Martinek, CLA Dry Branch, May 22. 1990s languages and contemporary Center. At a cost of Susan H. Brame, CAS ’83, Nancy Fontaine Stafford Harbor, Florida, May 17. ’89, of Hollywood, Florida, Nov. E. Martin Putney III, LAW ’84, Nicole Glisson Anderson, BUS literature, died Aug. 2 at the $44 million, the four- of Charlotte, North Carolina, Breon, CLA ’88, of Wilmington, Michael Christopher Daniel, 25, 2017. of Atlanta, May 21. ’93, of Valencia, California, age of 88. Dr. Hughes taught story, 143,410-square- Delaware, May 16. CLA ’81, of Athens, July 7. Betty Anderson Mayo, TIFT ’85, Jack W. Rowan, BUS ’81, of April 15. at Mercer for more than 30 March 19. foot structure Robert Jerald Angerer Jr., LAW years and served on multiple includes teaching and research labs in addition ’93, of Tallahassee, Florida, occasions as chair of her Aug. 7, 2017. department. Oto classrooms, lecture halls and offices to Jana M. Bruner, LAW ’99, of Dr. Robert Lee Richardson, accommodate growing enrollment and research R e m e m b e r i n g ... Kathleen, April 11. professor emeritus of activity in chemistry, biology and neurosciences. Alumnus and Former Trustee funding for the renovation of the Tattnall Square Center Plez Higdon Hardin, LAW ’99, developmental psychology and The building is named in honor of Mercer for the Arts, including naming the auditorium the N. of Americus, April 8. educational research, died Chancellor R. Kirby Godsey’s father and in Bob Dollar Logan Lewis Theatre. The foundation also helped Mercer Christopher Alex Hendry, MED Aug. 6 at the age of 81. Dr. recognition of Dr. Godsey’s multi-million dollar purchase and install a marquee at the Grand Opera House ’96, of Macon, June 22. Richardson played an integral naming commitment. Bobby “Bob” Gerald Dollar, and provides ongoing support of the newly-constructed Eric A. Irmscher, BUS ’92, role in the incorporation of Tift CLA ’53, minister, businessman, Spearman C. Godsey Science Center. of Olive Branch, Mississippi, College into Mercer University. motivational speaker and June 8. He retired from Mercer missionary, died March 1 at the Former Trustee and Generous Supporter Roy Clark Joiner Jr., ENG ’91, in 2002. age of 86. Born July 8, 1931, in of Perry, May 21. John L. Anderson Jr., friend, of Bainbridge, Dollar graduated from Bruce Fielding Morriss, LAW Macon, Dec. 17, 2016. Allan McCorkle ’90, of Atlanta, June 29. John F. Andrews, friend, of Bainbridge High School, attended Samuel A. Murray, LAW ’98, of Bonaire, Feb. 6. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural Allan James McCorkle, Griffin, June 12. Reginald K. Bailey, friend, friend and generous University College and graduated from Celia Anne Randolph, PCM of San Antonio, Texas, July Mercer and Southern Baptist supporter, died July 17. Born ’95, of Jupiter, Florida, April 16. 3, 2016. Theological Seminary. He served August 28, 1931, in Shreveport, Timothy Brent Starks, BUS Robert T. Brousseau, friend, of in the United States Air Force Louisiana, McCorkle was a ’91, of Powder Springs, Feb. 5. Dallas, Texas, March 30. Strategic Air Command for three years. Korean War veteran, 1956 Timothy Harold Swaim, BUS Talley Calclasure Jr., friend, of While a student at Mercer, Dollar met and married graduate of Florida State ’90, MUS ’90, of Danielsville, Macon, March 30. Cherie JoAnn Franklin, CLA ’54. He and JoAnn served University and a member of the Jan. 23. Roy Lee Collins Jr., former as missionaries in Venezuela where he pastored three Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Hatem Sobhy Tieby, BUS ’90, Tift College faculty, of Forsyth, churches and founded the first medical dispensary in McCorkle founded many of Amman, Jordan, June 5. March 23. Martin L. Dalton, friend, of the region with medically credentialed professionals. businesses during his 2000s Macon, June 22. Upon returning to the United States, the family moved to professional career, including Kirby and Joan Godsey Curtis Vandyke Goings, EDU Blanche E. Goetzman, friend, Atlanta where he joined the Day Realty team and became Mobile America Corp., which he took public on the New at the dedication posing ’05, of Atlanta, March 20. of Louisville, Kentucky, Feb. beside a portrait of vice president of franchise operations for Days Inns of York Stock Exchange. He served as president and CEO of Kimberly D. Hightower, ENG 27, 2015. Dr. Godsey’s father, America, yet stayed involved as a minister serving as Mobile America for more than 31 years. ’06, of Fairburn, May 21. Jacquelyn S. Gow, friend, of Spearman C. Godsey, interim pastor of several churches. An active philanthropist, McCorkle supported music Barbara Elizabeth Sellers Atlanta, May 5. for whom the building Dollar was awarded the Meritorious Service Award from education, medical and forestry research, various Bryan, PEN ’10, of Cochran, Joseph Henry “Walker” Harris, is named. Mercer, was president of the National Alumni Association educational institutions and other charitable institutions. March 11. friend, of Columbus, May 30. Board of Directors and served on the Board of Trustees. He was also active in many civic, political, professional Rufus Carrollton Harris Jr., and social organizations, serving on the Mercer Board of 2010s friend, of Metairie, Louisiana, Friend and Generous Supporter Trustees from 1994 to 1999 and 2000 to 2005. James Edward Barton, EDU Jan. 29. In 1999, McCorkle and his wife Rosemary made a ’13, of Memphis, Tennessee, Joe F. Hildreth, friend, of Ringold, Nov. 29, 2017. significant gift to name the McCorkle Music Building, June 20. Dave Jeffords Andrew Thad Bell, LAW ’16, of Bruce M. Johnson, friend, of the University’s state-of-the-art facility that houses the Columbus, March 4. Macon, May 1. David George “Dave” Jeffords Townsend School of Music. The McCorkles were named Ryan Lee Bouc, BUS ’16, of Jack W. Jones, friend, of III, retired attorney and financial MERCER Life Members of The President’s Club in 2000. Atlanta, Feb. 6. Franklin, North Carolina, adviser, died May 21 at the age Alessi Anderson Thomas, EDU June 1. of 68. He attended the University Board Member and Generous Supporter ’13, of Fayetteville, Feb. 23. Albert L. Luce Jr., friend, of CELEBRATES of Georgia, receiving his BBA in Macon, Jan. 11, 2017. 1971 and his J.D. in 1974. Nick Nicholson FRIENDS, Phillip J. Mauro, friend, of Jeffords began his legal Macon, March 15. career in Camilla with the firm Hammond Burke “Nick” FORMER Bonnie C. Meyers, friend, of NEW Vann, Tyson & Jeffords. After Nicholson III, retired Coca-Cola FACULTY & Seaside, Oregon, Feb. 13. practicing there for eight years, executive, died March 6. Nicholson FORMER Robert Franklin Ray, friend, of Fort Valley, May 29. he moved to Macon, where he was born on October 8, 1941, PRESIDENT’S STAFF Nancy Rosenbloom, friend, of had a successful 23-year career in Greenfield, Massachusetts. Dr. Thomas “Tom” James Jacksonville, Florida, May 3. Nicholson grew up in seven as a trust officer and investment advisor at Georgia Bank Glennon, professor emeritus William Ches Smith, friend, of CLUB LIFE & Trust Company, Bank South, NationsBank and Bank of countries as his father, a Coca- of social entrepreneurship in Martinez, June 11. America. In 2005, he joined Sterne Agee & Leach, and he Cola executive and pioneer in the College of Liberal Arts, died Ansel Richard Taylor, friend, of continued there as senior vice president of investments the European business, moved May 3 at the age of 77. Dr. Atlanta, Feb. 19. MEMBERS after its acquisition by Stifel, Nicolaus & Company. throughout the continent expanding Glennon joined the faculty at Janet C. Timms, friend, of A trusted and valued advisor to his clients, Jeffords the brand. He had a 46-year career with the company, the Mercer in 1971 and spent 45 Anderson, South Carolina, (L-R): President William D. Underwood; uring the University’s 52nd annual of alumni and friends has supplied nearly three-quarters of the spent 16 years serving as president of the Dorothy V. last 30 years serving as the face of the company to more years teaching at the University March 27. Wm. Andrew Haggard, LAW ’67; celebration of The President’s Club gifts from individuals for annual support. Friends and alumni of Nancy Haggard; Y. Lynn Holmes, CLA ’62; and N. Logan Lewis Foundation and also served as a than 2,000 visitors a year from all over the world, providing before retiring as professor Terence “Terry” Todd, former on April 20, Mercer recognized Mercer who contribute $1,000 or more during the calendar year emeritus in 2016. He was an faculty, of Austin, Texas, July 7. Elizabeth Holmes; Stacy Quirós; director of the Phil J. and Alice S. Sheridan Foundation. hospitality and personal interaction for guests, while Paul Quirós, LAW ’82; Walter B. Shurden; its most generous supporters and are eligible for membership in The President’s Club. innovator who was responsible Tom O. Wagoner, friend, of Under his direction and leadership, the Lewis Foundation educating them on the history of The Coca-Cola Co. Kay W. Shurden; Deanne Smisson; honored its newest Life Members. The University’s highest level of leadership giving, President’s for developing a number of Macon, April 25. significantly improved the lives of Mercer students Nicholson was active in civic and community Hugh F. “Trip” Smisson III, Maureen Vandiver; The celebration began with dinner Club Life Member, is conferred on those individuals and churches groundbreaking initiatives organizations, serving on the Board of Directors of the and Roy Vandiver, CLA ’12 through scholarship assistance and building renovation that helped reshape both and was followed by a dessert who have contributed at least $100,000 to Mercer. At this year’s and construction. In 2007, the foundation created Mercer University Press and the Atlanta Branch of the Mercer and downtown Macon, reception at the St. Regis Atlanta. event, the following were recognized for achieving Life Member a scholarship to assist graduates of Mount de Sales English-Speaking Union. He was also involved with the including the Mercer Service DThe Mercer President’s Club was established in 1964 status: Wm. Andrew and Nancy Haggard, Y. Lynn and Elizabeth Academy in Macon who enroll at Mercer. In addition High Museum of Art, the Atlanta History Center, ACIR Scholars program and the to recognize alumni and friends who provide a nucleus of Holmes, Paul and Stacy Quirós, Kay W. and Walter B. Shurden,

to the scholarship, the foundation provided significant and Kiwanis. Mercer Commons grant. PHOTO DOT PAUL CHRISTOPHER SMITH PHOTO, support for the University. Over the years, this select group Hugh F. “Trip” Smisson III, Roy and Maureen Vandiver.

46 THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 47 ADVANCEMENTUPDATE

A.V. Elliott, his wife Glennda and son Stanley with President Underwood following the dedication ceremony

UNIVERSITY DEDICATES The Gift NEW CAMPUS STRUCTURES he University dedicated the A.V. Elliott Quadrangle on March 27. The o f quadrangle bounded by the new Spearman C. Godsey Science Marshall and Jane Education Butler in front of Center, School of Medicine, School of 32 years, both as a teacher and supervisor. Sandra was chair of the English TEngineering, Science and Engineering the bear statue Jim & Sandra Cox given to Mercer’s moved to Macon in 1965 and have been actively teaching, Department at Central High School for nine years and English curriculum Building and Mercer Innovation Center is Atlanta campus by named in honor of alumnus and trustee their family. shaping and helping students ever since. After earning multiple director for the Bibb County Board of Education for 16 years. A.V. Elliott, who made a major gift for graduate degrees, including a Th.M. from Southeastern Baptist In September 2000, the Coxes established an endowed scholarship to the design of the quad, which includes Seminary, a J.D. from Emory and Ph.D. from Vanderbilt, Dr. assist students enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts who are political new landscaping, sitting areas and an Cox accepted a position to teach at Mercer and became the first science majors. Since the scholarship became fully endowed, 38 unique informal amphitheater. chair of the Political Science Department, teaching political students have benefited from it, with more than $43,000 awarded in philosophy, constitutional law and Christian ethics in the tuition assistance. new bronze bear College of Liberal Arts for 38 years. He served as the advisor Because Jim and Sandra dedicated their entire careers to educating statue on the Cecil to the Honor Council for 30 years and also served as pre-law students, the classroom is their second home. That is why it is B. Day Graduate and Professional advisor, assisting many students with admission to law school. particularly fitting that a Mercer alumnus and former student made a Campus in Atlanta Sandra also earned multiple graduate degrees, including financial commitment to name Knight Hall 203 in Dr. Cox’s honor. The was dedicated M.Div., M.Ed. and Ed.S. She worked in public education for classroom will be dedicated during Homecoming events in November. on April 20. The statue, which stands outside the DuVall ABuilding, is a sibling of the 2,200-pound To read more about the Coxes, visit tiny.cc/JimandSandraCox. For more information on endowed bear installed outside the University scholarship funds and naming opportunities, or to contribute to the Jim and Sandra Cox Center on the Macon campus in 2010. Scholarship, please call or email Shawna Dooley, Associate Vice President for University The Atlanta statue was a gift of the Advancement at (478) 301-2720 or [email protected]. Marshall and Jane Butler Family. CHRISTOPHER IAN SMITH PHOTOS, DOT PAUL PHOTO DOT PAUL CHRISTOPHER IAN SMITH PHOTOS, 48 THE MERCERIAN | FALL 2018 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage 1501 Mercer University Drive, Macon, GA 31207 PAID (478) 301-2700 • www.mercer.edu Atlanta, GA Permit No. 2281

MERCER BEARS BASKETBALL

2018-19yMen’s Schedule yWomen’s Schedule OCT. 28 ORANGE/WHITE MACON NOV. 9 WAKE FOREST WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. NOV. 6 UAB BIRMINGHAM, ALA. NOV. 12 GEORGIA SOUTHERN STATESBORO NOV. 9 PIEDMONT COLLEGE MACON NOV. 15 FLORIDA MACON NOV. 13 GEORGIA STATE ATLANTA NOV. 18 CENTRAL FLORIDA MACON NOV. 16 UT-MARTIN MACON NOV. 23 MEMPHIS CONWAY, S.C. NOV. 20 UMES MACON NOV. 25 BOWLING GREEN CONWAY, S.C. NOV. 24 NC STATE RALEIGH, N.C. NOV. 28 GEORGIA ATHENS NOV. 27 BREWTON-PARKER MACON DEC. 1 KENNESAW STATE MACON DEC. 1 CITADEL* CHARLESTON, S.C. DEC. 5 FLORIDA STATE MACON DEC. 5 FAU BOCA RATON, FLA. DEC. 9 CHARLOTTE MACON DEC. 8 GEORGIA SOUTHERN MACON DEC. 18 HOWARD WASHINGTON, D.C. DEC. 18 FLORIDA GAINESVILLE, FLA. DEC. 21 GEORGE WASHINGTON WASHINGTON, D.C. DEC. 21 UNCW MACON DEC. 30 UNC ASHEVILLE MACON DEC. 29 HARVARD STATE FARM ARENA, ATLANTA JAN. 2 JACKSONVILLE JACKSONVILLE, FLA. JAN. 3 FURMAN* GREENVILLE, S.C. JAN. 6 COLUMBIA MACON JAN. 5 WOFFORD* SPARTANBURG, S.C. JAN. 12 SAMFORD* MACON JAN. 10 WESTERN CAROLINA* MACON JAN. 17 WESTERN CAROLINA* CULLOWHEE, N.C. JAN. 12 ETSU (DH)* MACON JAN. 19 UNCG* GREENSBORO, N.C. JAN. 17 UTC (DH)* CHATTANOOGA, TENN. JAN. 24 CHATTANOOGA* MACON JAN. 19 SAMFORD* BIRMINGHAM, ALA. JAN. 26 ETSU* MACON JAN. 24 VMI (DH)* MACON JAN. 31 WOFFORD* SPARTANBURG, S.C. JAN. 26 UNCG* GREENSBORO, N.C. FEB. 2 FURMAN* GREENVILLE, S.C. JAN. 31 WOFFORD* MACON FEB. 9 SAMFORD* BIRMINGHAM, ALA. FEB. 2 FURMAN* MACON FEB. 14 UNCG* MACON FEB. 9 CITADEL* MACON FEB. 16 WESTERN CAROLINA* MACON FEB. 14 WESTERN CAROLINA* CULLOWHEE, N.C. FEB. 21 ETSU* JOHNSON CITY, TENN. FEB. 16 ETSU* JOHNSON CITY, TENN. FEB. 23 CHATTANOOGA* CHATTANOOGA, TENN. FEB. 21 SAMFORD* MACON FEB. 28 FURMAN* MACON FEB. 23 UTC* MACON MARCH 2 WOFFORD* MACON FEB. 28 VMI* LEXINGTON, VA. MARCH 7-10 SOCON CHAMPIONSHIP ASHEVILLE, N.C. MARCH 2 UNCG (DH)* MACON * SOCON GAME MARCH 7-11 SOCON CHAMPIONSHIP ASHEVILLE, N.C. BOLD – HOME GAME (HAWKINS ARENA)

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