MercerFriday, November 6
Mercer formally inaugurates Penny Elkins, the first woman to lead the university
The Daily Macon team
If you've got a Mercer connection, here's a milestone. Dr. Penny L. Elkins was formally recognized Thursday, Oct. 29, as the university's 19th president and the first woman to lead it in its nearly 200-year history. The Monroe-Macon Reporter says she's been in the job since January 2026, and speakers called the investiture an important symbolic recognition.
Nearly 200years in Mercer's history before a woman became president
Elkins is the 19th president and the first woman to hold the job.
Sources: Monroe-Macon Reporter, 41NBC News | WMGT-DT
Elkins is a Mercer graduate who started as a third-grade teacher. She calls herself "a very proud double bear." She plans to focus on student success, growth and the future of higher education.
- Ceremony: Thursday, Oct. 29
- In the role: since January 2026, after William Underwood retired
- Her focus: student success, growth, higher education's future
Elkins brings decades of education experience to the presidency
- 19th
- president in Mercer's history
- More than 30
- years working in education
- More than 25
- years at Mercer
Source: 41NBC News | WMGT-DT
Sources: Monroe-Macon Reporter, 41NBC News | WMGT-DT