Mercer University facts for kids
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| Latin: Merceriensis Universitas | |
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Former name
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Mercer Institute (1833–1837) Southern School of Pharmacy (1903–1959) Atlanta Baptist College (1964–1972) |
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| Motto | Scientiis, Artibus, Religioni (Latin) |
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Motto in English
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"Sciences, Arts, and Religion" |
| Type | Private research university |
| Established | January 14, 1833 |
| Accreditation | SACS |
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Religious affiliation
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Historically Georgia Baptist Convention; no specific affiliation, but maintains Baptist traditions |
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Academic affiliations
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| Endowment | $502 million (2022) |
| President | William D. Underwood |
| Students | 9,024 |
| Location |
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United States
32°49′45″N 83°38′55″W / 32.82917°N 83.64861°W |
| Campus | Midsize city, 150 acres (0.61 km2) |
| Other campuses | |
| Newspaper | The Mercer Cluster |
| Colors | Black and orange |
| Nickname | Bears |
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Sporting affiliations
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| Mascot |
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Mercer University is a private university with its main campus in Macon, Georgia. It started in 1833 as Mercer Institute and became a university in 1837. It is the oldest private university in Georgia. Over 9,000 students attend Mercer in 12 different schools and colleges. Mercer is also known for its research activities.
Mercer has four main campuses. The original campus is in Macon. There is a campus in Atlanta for graduate and professional studies. The School of Medicine has campuses in Savannah and Columbus. Mercer also has smaller learning centers in other parts of Georgia.
Many famous people have graduated from Mercer University. This includes governors, senators, and even a U.S. Attorney General. Mercer has a NCAA Division I sports program. Their teams are called the Bears. They play in the Southern Conference, except for women's sand volleyball, which plays in the ASUN Conference.
Contents
- Mercer University: A Look at Its History
- Mercer University Campuses
- What Students Learn at Mercer
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Stetson-Hatcher School of Business
- School of Engineering
- Tift College of Education
- Townsend School of Music
- College of Professional Advancement
- School of Law
- James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology
- School of Medicine
- College of Pharmacy
- Georgia Baptist College of Nursing
- College of Health Professions
- Research at Mercer
- Student Life at Mercer
- Mercer Sports (Athletics)
- Mercer University Rankings
- Famous People from Mercer University
- See also
Mercer University: A Look at Its History
How Mercer University Began (1833–1959)
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Mercer University first opened in Penfield, Georgia, on January 14, 1833. It was a school for boys. The school was named after Jesse Mercer, a well-known Baptist leader. He gave money to help start the school and was its first chairman.
In 1837, the state of Georgia officially made it a university. Mercer got its current name in 1838. The first three students graduated from the university in 1841. In 1871, Mercer moved to Macon, which was a busy city for travel and business.
The School of Law started in 1873. It was later named after Walter F. George in 1947. He was a Mercer graduate who became a U.S. Senator. During World War II, Mercer was one of many colleges that trained students for the U.S. Navy.
Growing and Changing (1959–2013)
Mercer grew in 1959 when it added the Southern School of Pharmacy in Atlanta. In 1972, Mercer joined with Atlanta Baptist College. This college became Mercer's Atlanta campus.
The Atlanta campus changed its focus over time. It started offering more programs for graduate and professional students. The Southern School of Pharmacy moved to the Atlanta campus in 1992.
Between 1982 and 2013, Mercer added many new schools. These included schools for medicine, business, engineering, theology, education, nursing, and music. In 2008, Mercer opened its second medical school campus in Savannah.
Mercer also worked to improve the area around its Macon campus. In 2009, it received a $5 million grant for this. The "Mercer On Mission" program, which started in 2007, helps students combine learning with helping communities around the world.
In 2011, Mercer opened a new retail and student housing center in Macon. It included the university bookstore and student apartments. Another building opened in 2012 for the Center for Collaborative Journalism. This center brings together the university's journalism department with local news groups.
Becoming Open to Everyone
Mercer University was the first college in Georgia to welcome students of all races. On April 18, 1963, the university's leaders voted to accept all students based on their skills, no matter their race or background.
This decision allowed Sam Oni, a student from Ghana, to become the first Black student at Mercer. Sam Oni wanted to help end racial segregation in the U.S. He believed that by attending Mercer, he could challenge people to think about fairness. Even with some people protesting, the university moved forward with its plan to be open to everyone.
Mercer's Religious Connections
In 2006, the Georgia Baptist Convention ended its official connection with Mercer. For 173 years, the convention had supported Mercer financially. However, Mercer had its own leaders and made its own decisions. This led to some disagreements, as Mercer wanted to be more independent.
Recent Developments (2014–Present)
In 2014, Mercer announced a plan to raise $400 million for new projects. This included money for new medical and science buildings. It also aimed to fund faculty, programs, and student scholarships.
Mercer added new sports teams like men's lacrosse, sand volleyball, and football. They built a new football and lacrosse stadium, called Five Star Stadium. The university also joined the Southern Conference for most of its sports.
In 2014, Mercer had a record number of students, with 8,557 enrolled. This growth was due to new academic programs, including several new doctoral degrees.
Mercer continued to build new student housing and renovate historic buildings. In 2014, the historic Amanda Bell House was renovated. It now houses the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings, a music program.
In 2018, Mercer approved a new plan for the future. It focuses on being a diverse community, encouraging discovery, being a global university, and helping students achieve their goals.
Mercer has also increased its research efforts. The number of students studying for doctoral degrees has grown a lot. The university receives millions of dollars for research from groups like the National Institutes of Health.
Mercer students have won many national awards and scholarships. They have also been recognized for their community service. In April 2018, Mercer opened the new $44 million Godsey Science Center. It has many labs, classrooms, and offices for science programs.
Mercer University Presidents
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Mercer University has had many presidents since it was founded. Here are some of them:
- Billington McCarter Sanders (1833–1840)
- Otis Smith (1840–1844)
- John Leadley Dagg (1844–1854)
- Nathaniel Macon Crawford (1854–1856)
- Shelton Palmer Sanford (acting President; 1856–1858)
- Nathaniel Macon Crawford (1858–1866)
- Henry Holcombe Tucker (1866–1871)
- Archibald John Battle (1872–1889)
- Gustavus Alonzo Nunnally (1889–1893)
- Joseph Edgerton Willet (acting President; 1893)
- James Bruton Gambrell (1893–1896)
- Pinckney Daniel Pollock (1896–1903)
- William Heard Kilpatrick (acting President; 1903–1905)
- Charles Lee Smith (1905–1906)
- Samuel Young Jameson (1906–1913)
- James Freeman Sellers (acting President; 1913–1914)
- William Lowndes Pickard (1914–1918)
- Rufus Washington Weaver (1918–1927)
- Andrew Phillip Montague (acting President; 1927–1928)
- Spright Dowell (1928–1953)
- George Boyce Connell (1953–1959)
- Spright Dowell (interim President; 1959–1960)
- Rufus Carrollton Harris (1960–1979)
- Raleigh Kirby Godsey (1979–2006)
- William D. Underwood (2006–present)
Mercer University Campuses
Macon Campus
The main campus of Mercer University is in Macon. It is about 75 miles (120 km) south of Atlanta. This campus is home to many of Mercer's schools, including Liberal Arts, Business, Education, Music, Engineering, and Medicine.
Several buildings on the Macon campus are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Administration Building and the Emily Parker Myers Admissions and Welcome Center. The Grand Opera House in downtown Macon is also operated by Mercer.
The Macon campus also has an Office of International Programs. This office helps students study abroad in countries like England, Germany, Japan, and South Korea.
Law School Campus (Macon)
The Mercer University School of Law has its own campus in Macon. It is about one mile from the main campus. The Law School building looks like a smaller version of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. It sits on Coleman Hill, overlooking downtown Macon.
Next to the Law School is the Woodruff House. This old mansion, built in 1836, is used for special university events. Both the Law School and the Woodruff House are famous landmarks in Macon.
Atlanta Campus
The Atlanta campus of Mercer University is located in DeKalb County. It is about two miles south of where two major highways, Interstate 85 and Interstate 285, meet. This campus is named after Cecil B. Day, who founded Days Inn Hotels.
This campus is home to schools like the College of Professional Advancement, the School of Theology, the College of Pharmacy, and the College of Nursing. It also offers programs from the Business, Education, and Medicine schools.
In 2004, Mercer expanded the Atlanta campus. It bought the former headquarters of the Georgia Baptist Convention. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also has its Atlanta office on the grounds of the Mercer Atlanta Campus.
Savannah Campus
Mercer opened a new four-year medical school campus in Savannah in August 2008. This campus is part of the School of Medicine based in Macon. It is located at Memorial University Medical Center, which is Mercer's teaching hospital in Savannah.
In 2016, the medical school in Savannah expanded with new facilities. This allowed more students to enroll in the M.D. program there.
Columbus Campus
In 2012, Mercer announced a new campus in Columbus. This was the third campus for the School of Medicine. It works with two local hospitals, The Medical Center and St. Francis Hospital.
In 2020, Mercer started building a new campus in Columbus. This new campus opened in December 2021. It allows students to complete all four years of their M.D. program in Columbus.
Teaching Hospitals
Mercer works with five teaching hospitals. These hospitals are where medical students get hands-on experience. They are located in Savannah, Macon, and Columbus.
Regional Learning Centers
Mercer has regional learning centers in Henry County and Douglas County. These centers offer degrees for adults who are working. The Henry County center is in McDonough. The Douglas County center is in Lithia Springs.
Mercer Libraries
Mercer University has four libraries. The Monroe F. Swilley, Jr. Library is on the Atlanta campus. The Jack Tarver Library is on the Macon campus. There are also libraries at the Douglas County and Henry County centers.
The Peyton T. Anderson Resources Center is inside the Medical School Building in Macon. The Furman Smith Law Library is in the Walter F. George School of Law. These libraries offer many resources for students and researchers.
What Students Learn at Mercer
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
This college started in 1833. It is the main part of the university. It offers many undergraduate degrees in arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Students learn to think critically, communicate well, and solve problems.
Stetson-Hatcher School of Business
The business school started in 1984. It has a high level of accreditation for business schools. It offers bachelor's and master's degrees in business. Programs are available in Macon, Atlanta, and other locations.
The Mercer University Executive Forum is part of this school. It brings in famous speakers to teach about leadership. Past speakers include Lou Dobbs and Steve Forbes.
School of Engineering
The School of Engineering started in 1985. It is the only private engineering school in Georgia. It offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The school helps train engineers for Robins Air Force Base.
The school has a modern academic building in Macon. In 2007, a new $14 million Science and Engineering Building was added. The Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC) in Warner Robins also supports Robins Air Force Base. It offers research chances for students.
Mercer's engineering students have created low-cost prosthetics for people in developing countries. This project was recognized by the Clinton Global Initiative.
Tift College of Education
The Tift College of Education started in 1995. It is the largest private provider of teachers in Georgia. The college offers programs for future teachers and school leaders. It has programs on the Macon and Atlanta campuses, and at regional centers.
Townsend School of Music
The Townsend School of Music opened in 2006. It is housed in a modern building in Macon. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in music.
The Robert McDuffie Center for Strings is part of this school. It offers special training for string musicians. Only a small number of students are accepted into this program.
College of Professional Advancement
This college started in 2003. It offers degrees for adults who are working. Classes are available in Macon, Atlanta, and at the regional centers. The college was named Penfield College in 2014, honoring Mercer's first location in Penfield, Georgia.
The Public Safety Leadership Institute offers programs for law enforcement and public safety officials. It focuses on leadership and human resources.
School of Law
The Mercer University School of Law started in 1873. It is one of the oldest law schools in the U.S. It offers the Juris Doctor (JD) degree. It also has a joint JD/MBA program with the business school.
The law school's legal writing program is highly ranked in the nation.
James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology
This school started in 1994. It offers graduate programs in theological studies. It is located on the Atlanta campus. The school works with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
The American Baptist Historical Society (ABHS) is also located on the Atlanta campus. It has a large collection of Baptist historical materials.
School of Medicine
The Mercer University School of Medicine started in 1982. It focuses on training doctors for rural areas of Georgia. It is known for its focus on family medicine. The school offers the Doctor of Medicine degree.
In 2008, the school opened a four-year medical school in Savannah. In 2012, it opened a third campus in Columbus.
College of Pharmacy
The College of Pharmacy started in 1903. It joined Mercer in 1959. It is ranked among the top private pharmacy schools in the country. In 1981, it became one of the first schools to offer the Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
Georgia Baptist College of Nursing
The Georgia Baptist College of Nursing started in 1901. It joined Mercer in 2001. It offers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Students get hands-on experience at hospitals in the Atlanta area.
College of Health Professions
This college opened in 2013. It offers degrees in physical therapy and physician assistant studies. It also has public health programs. This college allows Mercer to add more health sciences programs in the future.
Research at Mercer
Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC)
The Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC) is in Warner Robins, Georgia. It works closely with Robins Air Force Base and the U.S. Department of Defense. MERC helps with things like engineering, software, and logistics. It gives students and faculty chances to do important research.
Student Life at Mercer
Grand Opera House
The Grand Opera House is a historic performing arts center in downtown Macon. Mercer University has operated it since 1995. The Grand opened in 1884 and has hosted many shows, concerts, and movies. It is a popular place for community events.
University Press
The Mercer University Press (MUP) started in 1979. It is the only Baptist-related university press in the U.S. MUP has published over 1,000 books on topics like religion, Southern culture, and history. Famous authors like former President Jimmy Carter have published books with MUP.
Radio Station
Mercer started its first radio station in 1922 as a physics class project. It was called WMAZ. In 2006, Mercer partnered with Georgia Public Broadcasting to create WMUM-FM. This station provides local content to listeners in central Georgia.
Student Newspaper
The Mercer Cluster is the student-run newspaper for Mercer's Macon campus. It started in 1920. The newspaper is named after a book of songs by Mercer's founder, Jesse Mercer. Today, The Cluster publishes its news online.
Debating Societies
Mercer's debating society started in 1897. It is the oldest organization on campus and the oldest debating society in Georgia. Mercer students have won many debate championships over the years. In 2018, two Mercer students became the first all-African-American duo to win a national debate championship.
Mercer Sports (Athletics)
Mercer has 18 sports teams, known as the Bears. They compete in NCAA Division I. Most teams play in the Southern Conference. Women's sand volleyball plays in the ASUN Conference.
Men's sports include baseball, basketball, football, golf, lacrosse, and soccer. Women's sports include basketball, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and volleyball.
Mercer's men's basketball team won the 2012 CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament. In 2014, they famously beat Duke University in the NCAA Tournament.
Sports Facilities
Mercer opened the University Center in Macon in 2004. This $40 million center has the athletics department, a 3,500-seat basketball arena (Hawkins Arena), a pool, and workout facilities.
The Tony and Nancy Moye Football and Lacrosse Complex (10,200 seats) opened in 2013. The stadium part of the complex is called Five Star Stadium. It is next to the University Center.
Men's Basketball
Mercer's men's basketball team gained national attention in 2014. They defeated Duke University in the NCAA Tournament. The team finished that season with 27 wins and 9 losses. For their win over Duke, Mercer received the 2014 Espy Award for Best Upset.
Football
Mercer brought back its football program in 2013 after 70 years. The last game was in 1941. Mercer plays in the Southern Conference.
Mercer played its first game in 72 years on August 31, 2013. They won against Reinhardt University in front of a large crowd. Mercer set an NCAA Division I record that year with 10 wins for a new football program.
Mercer University Rankings
| USNWR National University | 170 |
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| Washington Monthly National University | 173 |
| Forbes | 476 |
U.S. News & World Report ranks Mercer among the top national universities. It is one of only a few Georgia universities in the top tier. The Princeton Review also lists Mercer as one of the "Best 382 Colleges" in the nation. They have also called Mercer one of the most beautiful campuses.
Mercer is also considered a "Best Value" college. This means it offers great academics, good financial aid, and a reasonable cost.
The School of Medicine is ranked in the top 20 for family medicine. The law school's legal writing program is ranked third in the nation.
Mercer has been recognized for its commitment to community service. It was named a "College with a Conscience" by the Princeton Review. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching also recognized Mercer for its community involvement.
Famous People from Mercer University
Many notable people have graduated from Mercer University. These include former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal and the Chief Justice of Georgia's Supreme Court.
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Nathan Deal '66, former Governor of Georgia.
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Griffin Bell '48, former Attorney General of the United States.
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Walter F. George '01, former United States Senator.
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Thomas W. Hardwick '(18)92, former United States Senator and Governor of Georgia.
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Carl Vinson '02, served over 50 years in the United States House of Representatives.
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William S. West '(18)76, former United States Senator.
See also
- Claude Smith Field
- List of colleges and universities in metropolitan Atlanta
