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One Mercer

Join the Mercer University community on Oct. 29 at 10:30 a.m. for the Investiture Ceremony of President Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D. Watch the ceremony live as we celebrate this historic occasion and the beginning of a new chapter in Mercer’s story.

Members of the Mercer community are invited to gather at campus watch parties in Macon, Savannah and Columbus to experience the ceremony together. Those unable to attend in person can watch the livestream from their own devices. The livestream will begin shortly before the ceremony and will be available on this page.

Campus Watch Party Locations:

  • Macon: Medical School Auditorium
  • Atlanta: Day Hall
  • Savannah: Distance Learning Room
  • Columbus: Distance Learning Room
  • Henry County: Regional Academic Center

Cookies and lemonade will be served at each watch party.

One Mercer: United in Mission. Amplified for Impact.

Dear Dr. Penny Elkins,

Congratulations on your appointment as the new president of Mercer University. I was privileged to have been an Upward Bound student as well as a Mercer student on the Macon campus when President Rufus Harris ushered in a new era through integration of Mercer. I’m even more grateful to witness the elevation of Mercer University among the prestigious American universities who have opened the door to a woman holding the university’s highest office! I know that you and I share enormous respect for and honor the life of another pioneer educator at Mercer, Dr. Bobby Jones.

In the late 1960’s, Dr. Jones was the Director of Upward Bound and pivotal in supporting the educational development of the first African American students on Mercer’s campus. I’m grateful to have known both of these illustrious mentors.

I’m sure both President Harris and Dr. Jones are among the great cloud of witnesses cheering you on!

Gratulor tibi!

Gwendolyn Middleton Payton

President Elkins, there could be no better leader for Mercer than you. I have had the privilege of working alongside you for 14 years and have seen firsthand your deep love for Mercer, your dedication to its mission and your unwavering commitment to this community. Mercer’s success has always been deeply personal to you; it is more than your work; it is truly a calling. You lead with vision and purpose but also with a genuine heart for the people who make Mercer so special. You are both a remarkable leader and a passionate caregiver for the entire Mercer community.

Congratulations on becoming President of Mercer University. I wish you every success as you lead this extraordinary institution into its next chapter and toward its third century of changing lives and serving others.

Maria Hammett

Mercer University School of Law extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Penny Elkins on her appointment as Mercer University's new president.

As a law school grounded in service, leadership and a commitment to the communities we serve, we look forward to the leadership, vision and opportunities that lie ahead.

The future of Mercer is bright, and the Law School is proud to be part of it. As One Mercer, united in mission, we look forward to working together to build on Mercer's strong foundation, advance its enduring mission and create new opportunities for our students, faculty, staff and the communities we serve.

Congratulations, President Elkins. We are delighted to be working with you and look forward to all that we will accomplish together.

School of Law