GA HR1129

Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D., elected as Mercer University's 19th president, taking office on January 1, 2026

First female president in Mercer's nearly 200-year history, first Mercer graduate to serve as president since 1979, and first "Double Bear" to serve since 1959

Previously served as Mercer's senior vice president for enrollment management, achieving 80% increase in freshman enrollment and 47% increase in total residential undergraduate population

Instrumental in creating the Department of Educational Leadership and the first doctoral program in the College of Education

Georgia House of Representatives formally recognizes and commends Dr. Elkins for her lifetime of dedicated service to education