News@Mercer Cover

Hoffman Named New Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Director of Athletics Bobby Pope introduced veteran coach Bob Hoffman as the new head men’s basketball coach on March 27. Hoffman was recommended by a 10-member search committee that included Trustees Sam Mitchell, Diane Owens, Tony Moye, Bruce Gordy, Dick Plunkett, Mercer alums and former athletes John Collier and Tommy Mixon and boosters Charlie Cantrell and Henry Arrington. He succeeds Mark Slonaker, who coached the Bears from 1997 to 2008. [more]

Dickson Named as Dean of Townsend School of Music

On March 26, Mercer President William D. Underwood announced the appointment of John H. Dickson, D.M.A., as dean of the Townsend School of Music, effective July 1, 2008. Dickson, currently director of Choral Studies and chair of the Conducting Division at Texas Tech University, succeeds Stanley L. Roberts, who will return to full-time teaching after having served the University as interim dean since May 2007. [more]

Kail to Return to the Classroom

The founding dean of the College of Continuing and Professional Studies, Thomas E. Kail, Ph.D., has decided to step down from his post effective June 30. Kail, an administrator with Mercer for the past 13 years, holds a professorship within the College, and will return to that role following his resignation. [more]

Business to Launch New Programs in Atlanta

The Stetson School of Business and Economics will add to its degree offerings this fall, with a new Master of Accountancy and a combined Bachelor of Business Administration – Master of Business Administration degree on its Atlanta campus. The new programs, which will both be evening programs, target the growing group of professionals in the Atlanta area in need of career-focused programs to help them succeed. [more]

Tift College of Education Set to Expand Programs

Tift College of Education is expanding several programs, including the graduate program. The College’s Master of Education degree with a concentration in early childhood education, which is currently offered on the Atlanta campus, also will be available at the Douglas County and Henry County Regional Academic Centers beginning this fall. [more]

Mercer Students to ‘Paint the Town Orange’ as Part of Chamber’s Discover Macon Initiative

A group of Mercer University business students is working to bring more interaction between the Macon community and Mercer students through a series of events for students and community members called “Paint the Town Orange.” The events, which are part of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce’s new “Macon. Discover it.” initiative, will take place from April 14-18, include discounts for Mercer students and events that are free and open to public, including an outdoor concert on April 18. [more]

Mercer Faculty and Staff to Open Homes for Colleagues

Two dates have been set for open houses at the home of Mercer faculty and staff who are already participants in the Down Payment Assistance Program. The open houses are to allow other Mercer faculty and staff an opportunity to view homes that were purchased through the program. Mercer, in partnership with the Knight Foundation, has expanded its grants to faculty and staff who purchase homes in the newly designated Intown Macon district, which includes the neighborhoods of Tatnall Square Heights, Huguenin Heights and Beall’s Hill, the neighborhoods around the Macon campus. [more]

April Performing Arts Events for Townsend School of Music

Every spring, the month of April is a “grand finale” showcasing the talents of students and faculty of Townsend School of Music. This year is no different, and the free musical offerings are varied and abundant. [more]

'100 Years of Broadway' Will Close 2007-2008 Season at The Grand

This week, the Broadway smash hit “Chicago” made its Macon premiere at The Grand Opera House Wednesday and Thursday, April 9-10. For those who were unable to secure a ticket to the sold-out event, there will be one more opportunity to experience live, professional Broadway music this season. [more]

Speakers Named for Commencements in May

The University will hold 10 commencements in May. Mercer alumna, trustee and television host Nancy Grace will be the commencement speaker for the May 10 undergraduate commencement in Macon. Economist and “father of supply-side economics” Arthur Laffer will be the featured speaker at the Stetson School of Business commencement in Atlanta on May 17. [more]

Payroll and Benefits to Hold Annual Benefits Fairs

The Office of Payroll and Benefits will hold its annual benefits fairs for employees this month, beginning April 22 in Atlanta, April 23 in Macon and April 30 at MERC. The events will serve as an opportunity for employees to pick up their open enrollment packets, talk to vendors and pick up a free lunch, provided by Aramark. Each event will include door prizes, given to attendees. [more]

Medicine Seeks Participants for Study Concerning Memory Loss/Confusion Illnesses

The Mercer University School of Medicine is conducting a research study, free to those who are chosen to participate, to slow down or possibly reverse the progression of Parkinson’s Disease Dementia and Lewy Body Dementia. To qualify for the free study, the patient must have a sleep disturbance and either Parkinson’s Disease Dementia or Lewy Body Dementia. In addition to no cost for participants in the study, the patients will receive free medical evaluations and medication. [more]

MUSM's Kemle Named National Outstanding PA of the Year

The American Academy of Physician Assistants named Kathy A. Kemle, M.S., PA-C, as its 2008 Outstanding Physician Assistant of the Year. Kemle teaches geriatric medicine at the Mercer University School of Medicine and practices in Macon. She has held several leadership positions in various medical societies, including AAPA, and is a widely-published authoritative figure in the field of geriatric medicine. She will be presented with the award on Friday, May 23, in San Antonio at AAPA’s 36th Annual Physician Assistant Conference. [more]