Mercer University Macon Campus: A Comprehensive Overview

Mercer University, a faith-based institution committed to excellence in liberal learning and professional knowledge, operates on the historic principles of religious and intellectual freedom, while upholding religious and moral values rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition. While its main campus is in Atlanta, the Macon campus is the larger of the two. This article delves into the details of Mercer University's Macon campus, covering its history, academics, campus life, and community engagement.

A Legacy of Faith and Learning: The Foundation of Mercer University

Founded in 1833, Mercer University has a rich history, initially known as the Mercer Institute. Over the years, it has evolved and expanded, reflecting its commitment to providing quality education and serving the community. The institution's motto, "Scientiis, Artibus, Religioni," which translates to "Sciences, Arts, and Religion," encapsulates its dedication to a well-rounded education.

The Macon Campus: A Hub of Academic Excellence

The Macon campus serves as the historic (main) campus for Mercer University and is home to several of its colleges and schools. These include:

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Stetson-Hatcher School of Business
The Tift College of Education
The Townsend School of Music
The School of Engineering
The School of Medicine
Programs of the College of Professional Advancement

The campus also houses important administrative buildings such as:

The R. Kirby Godsey Administration Building
The W. G. Lee Alumni House
The Emily Parker Myers Admissions and Welcome Center

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Founded in 1833, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences forms the academic heart of Mercer University. It provides undergraduate degrees in a wide array of disciplines, including the arts, humanities, communications, natural sciences, and social sciences. With over 110 full-time faculty members, the college offers numerous majors, minors, and interdisciplinary programs. Its Great Books program allows students to delve into the classic works of Western thought. Noteworthy programs in 2011 included biology and biochemistry, psychology, chemistry, English, and political science. The college's curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, problem-solving, and the holistic development of students.

Read also: Future Leaders Program

Stetson-Hatcher School of Business

Established in 1984, the Stetson-Hatcher School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the highest standard for business schools. The school hosts the Mercer University Executive Forum, a prominent business outreach program in Georgia. This program features nationally recognized speakers who lead management and leadership seminars in both Macon and Atlanta.

School of Engineering

Founded in 1985, the School of Engineering stands out as the only private engineering school in Georgia. It is one of only five engineering schools in the state, along with Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern University, University of Georgia, and Kennesaw State University. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees and serves as a key provider of engineers for Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia. Located on the Macon campus, the school is housed in a modern 62,000-square-foot academic building. A new $14 million Science and Engineering Building was added in 2007, significantly expanding the school's laboratory and classroom resources.

Tift College of Education

The Tift College of Education, established in 1995 as the School of Education, holds accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. It is the largest private provider of teachers in Georgia. The college was renamed in 2001 to honor Tift College, a Baptist women's college in Forsyth that merged with Mercer in 1986. Tift College of Education offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs on the Macon and Atlanta campuses, as well as at the university’s regional academic centers.

Townsend School of Music

The Townsend School of Music was inaugurated on July 1, 2006, thanks to a founding endowment from Mercer trustee Carolyn McAfee, her son and daughter-in-law, Tom McAfee and his wife Julie. The school is named in honor of Mrs. McAfee’s parents, Raymond and Sophia Townsend, and is located in the Allan and Rosemary McCorkle Music Building, a state-of-the-art facility.

School of Law

The Mercer University School of Law, established in 1873, is located on its own campus in Macon, one mile (1.6 km) from the main campus. The Law School building is a three-story partial replica of Independence Hall in Philadelphia and is located on Coleman Hill overlooking downtown Macon. The School of Law was named the Walter F. George School of Law in 1947 in honor of Mercer alumnus Walter F.

Read also: Roles of the Mercer Board

Campus Life and Student Experience

The Macon campus provides a vibrant and engaging environment for students. With a campus size of 150 acres, it offers a blend of historic charm and modern facilities. The student-faculty ratio at Mercer University is 11:1, fostering close interactions between students and professors. The university operates on a semester-based academic calendar. Mercer University is an NCAA Division I institution and competes in the Southern Conference.

A Welcoming Community

Mercer University accepts the Common Application, making the application process accessible to prospective students. The university is committed to diversity of thought and developing well-rounded students.

Financial Aid and Affordability

Mercer University is dedicated to making education accessible. Seventy percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $21,627. The school's tuition and fees are $43,570.

Graduation Rates and Career Prospects

Mercer University's four-year graduation rate is 61%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $50,231.

Mercer University: A Community Partner

Mercer University is deeply involved in furthering the development of Macon. The university opened a large retail-residential center on the Macon campus in 2011.

Read also: Funding Your Education at Mercer

Location and Surroundings

Nestled in the heart of Georgia, Macon offers a rich blend of history and culture. The city is steeped in history, from ancient Indian mounds to Antebellum homes and a rich musical heritage. Downtown Macon features independent restaurants, boutique shopping, and a burgeoning arts scene. Outdoor recreational opportunities are available at Macon's many parks and recreation areas. Macon has served as a home for Mercer since 1871, when the institution moved from its original campus in Penfield, Georgia.

Other Mercer University Campuses and Centers

In addition to the main campus in Macon, Mercer University has several other campuses and centers:

Atlanta Campus: The Cecil B. Day Graduate and Professional Campus in Atlanta focuses on graduate and professional education.
Savannah Campus: The four-year medical school in Savannah is a branch of the School of Medicine in Macon, located at Memorial University Medical Center, Mercer's teaching hospital in Savannah.
Columbus Campus: The School of Medicine has a campus in Columbus, offering a full four-year M.D. program.
Regional Academic Centers: Mercer has regional academic centers in Henry County and Douglas County.
Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC): Located in Warner Robins, MERC supports Robins AFB and provides research opportunities for students and faculty.

A Forward-Looking Institution

Mercer University is committed to continuous improvement and expansion. In 2014, the university set an enrollment record with a university-wide population of 8,557 students. Mercer has launched second and third medical school campuses (in Savannah and Columbus), started a master's-level physician assistant program and a doctoral-level program in physical therapy, and added doctoral programs in clinical psychology, nursing, counseling, educational leadership, and curriculum and instruction. Reflecting an increased emphasis on research, Mercer meets criteria established by the Carnegie Foundation for classification as a research-doctoral university. The University dedicated in April 2018 the new $44 million Godsey Science Center.

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