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We see you, Julia Morrison! So grateful for all of the ways you serve not only Mercer, but also the greater community!

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

Cross Country, Dance, Football, Soccer, and Volleyball! Meet these fall sports teams, collect autographs on your favorite team posters, and snap photos with Mercer Scholar-Athletes! Kids can head out onto the field to learn skills from our players, while the whole family enjoys concessions and a morning full of Bear spirit.

Date: Saturday, August 15
Time: 10am-12pm
Where: Five Star Stadium

Stick around after and watch Mercer Football scrimmage at 2:30pm!

This FREE event is the perfect way to kick off the fall sports season. Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us celebrate the start of another exciting year of Mercer Athletics!

We are seeking a detail-driven and service-oriented HR Data and Records Specialist to join our Human Resources team. Come join us! https://bit.ly/4fI6IGV

Congratulations, Dr. Barker!

Dr. Wesley Barker appointed interim dean of College of Professional Advancement Dr. Wesley Barker, chair and professor of liberal studies, has been appointed interim dean of the College of Professional Advancement.

Mercer University and the Human Resources Office will be closed on Friday, July 3rd in observance of Independence Day.

Congratulations, Dr. Augustine!

Dr. Sharon Augustine appointed interim dean of Tift College of Education Sharon Murphy Augustine, Ph.D., has been appointed interim dean of Mercer University’s Tift College of Education.