Mercer University

It's almost that time again! Here are four things for our first-year students to know about their first days on campus.

4 things to know about Mercer's 2026 Opening Days and Bear Beginnings Mercer University will welcome the Class of 2030 to the Macon campus during two move-in days on Aug. 14-15.

Our green spaces are spiffed up and ready for our students to return in a week! That includes College Street Plaza, located in front of the site of the new student center.

During a press conference earlier today, Mercer and Macon leaders highlighted the significance of Mercer's Aug. 29 nationally televised football season opener and Mercer Athletics’ elevated game-day fan experience.

Mercer unveils plans for nationally televised FCS kickoff, free concert series Mercer University and Mercer Athletics, in partnership with Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller, a Double Bear Mercer graduate, officially launched the countdown to the 2026 football season on Aug. 6.

Our press conference live feed is now available at mercer.edu/livestream. Join us to learn about the nationally televised FCS Kickoff coming to Mercer, the Bears' football program and elevated game day experiences.

Members of our offered these words of wisdom to the as they begin their Mercer journey.

Class of 2026 graduates offer this advice to incoming students Welcome to the Mercer University family, Class of 2030! As you prepare to embark on your journey as a Bear, check out these words of wisdom from some of our most recent graduates.

Tune in to mercer.edu/livestream at 12:15 p.m. Aug. 6 for a press conference announcing details on the nationally televised FCS Kickoff coming to Mercer, the Bears' football program and elevated game day experiences.

Congrats to our 2026 physician assistant graduates, who achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on their national certifying exam.

Physician assistant studies students earn perfect pass rate on national certifying exam The Mercer University physician assistant (PA) studies program Class of 2026 achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE)...

From a new cafeteria space in Penfield Hall to revamped food options and hours, here's what new with dining on our Macon campus this fall.

What's new with Mercer dining for fall 2026 - The Den A few things will look different when dining on Mercer University's Macon campus this fall, but students will have just as many options.

Julia Morrison, executive director of Mercer’s The Piedmont Grand Opera House and The Robins Financial Capitol Theatre, has been included in Macon Magazine’s 2026 list of Five Under 40 Young Leaders.

Leadership takes place in all seasons, as an ecosystem that requires everyone to play their part. When a community decides to keep showing up for itself, it doesn’t always look the way we expect it to.

Sometimes behind a well-known elected official is a city clerk making it happen, who knows exactly how to find a public record to increase citizen transparency. Or, a trial lawyer who’s seen success in the courtroom changes the face of his downtown. A local doctor takes a chance on becoming an entrepreneur to share solutions found while working with countless patients. A native Maconite goes from Central High School to nationwide news at a presidential center and library in Chicago. And they all recall the place where they began to grow.

In the microcosms of Macon and Central Georgia, change happens on new sidewalks and creative public library programs. There’s pride in preserving one’s home as much as breaking ground on new institutions.

The August/September Leadership Issue (on stands this week) celebrates people doing work across our region that helps us bloom.

Speaking of playing their part, inside you’ll meet (or learn anew) people who have taken on many roles onstage and off.

2026 Five Under 40 Young Leaders
Lauren Marshall, Vice President for Community Development, NewTown Macon

Colin Penndorf, Owner, Shape & Space Art Management Ocmulgee Artist Guild

Onica Schmidt, General Counsel and Chief Legal Affairs Officer, Middle GA State University

Julia Morrison, Executive Director, The Piedmont Grand Opera House Robins Financial Capitol Theatre, Mercer University

Melissa Rodriguez-McClain, Nonprofit Management | Community Engagement Coordinator, El Refugio

Turn these pages to read more about their work, lives, and causes that matter.

Explore leaders who make an impact at all ages and dive into pages about public transit, local government, the arts, preservation, and more.

We hope these stories leave you with a deeper appreciation for the people shaping Macon, often without much fanfare, and for the many ways leadership takes root.

Photo by Jessica Whitley