1. For what strengths, achievements, and contributions is Mercer best known and respected?

Mercer’s Academic Reputation

130

We have a superb academic reputation

Admin.

Students are proud of the academic rigor of Mercer University

Admin.

Our problem-based curriculum prepares students to think and act.

Admin.

Our students are taught to apply their knowledge

Admin.

Academics

Admin.

High academic standards, high quality professional schools (including Tift).

Admin.

strong academics

Admin.

Mercer's Med and Law School both have excellent reputations. Mercer is also respected for its Christian/Baptist foundation. Parents and students alike can be proud to be a Mercer student who will graduate not only with a well respected degree but as a person of high morale as well.

Admin.

Level of Difficulty

Alum

Mercer's name is very recognized throughout the South. It is known as prestigious and desirable. I admit I attended because of the name recognition, but the educational programs are excellent and challenging.

Alum

Very strong academically. Well-known as law school and medical school in addition to its strength in liberal arts.

Alum

High quality professional schools -- law, pharmacy, and medicine

Alum

good academics

Alum

Academic rigor; prestige of professional programs; being a university where faculty are interested in teaching more than publishing or promoting their own interests

Alum

The fact that Mercer has been listed in the top universities. Good academic reputation.

Alum

I was impressed with the list for the Princeton Review. That always stands out for me.

Alum

Our Law School has the top legal writing program in the nation.

Alum

We’re also known for the strength of our College of Liberal Arts.

Alum

Academic freedom

Emeriti

Academic excellence and academic freedom

Ext. Const.

The national publicity on the quality of Mercer University

Ext. Const.

MBA program has a good reputation in the community, several business colleagues are graduates of the program.

Ext. Const.

Mercer is known as the place to go for a pharmacy degree, much like Georgia Tech is known as the place to go for an engineering degree.

Ext. Const.

The success of the Law School is very important. I have interacted with those lawyers. The Med School has also been a very strong point. The other one that stands out is the Engineering program. Too bad that there’s not an architectural school here.

Ext. Const.

I've watched the growth of Mercer. Sometimes with growth comes a loss of quality. Mercer, however, has not lost the quality.

Ext. Const.

Quality of the educational programs.

Ext. Const.

The Law School has the number one Legal Writing program in the country.

Ext. Const.

MAPS program is ahead of many business schools. Experiential program helps business students refine what they want to do.

Ext. Const.

Education programs have continuously improved. When I think of Mercer, I think of a University which is continuously pushing the edge to get ahead.

Ext. Const.

Mercer name is respected in community

Faculty

Mercer is respected in a lot of different communities

Faculty

Mercer is most recognized regionally

Faculty

Mercer has high-quality programs. The College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences has a national prominence.

Faculty

Engineering School has good reputation (this comment was made by a Georgia Tech graduate)

Faculty

I think Mercer is best known for its Law and Medical schools. However, it is also viewed as a strong liberal arts university.

Faculty

Mercer is known for quality of student preparation

Faculty

We are also known for good undergraduate programs in the liberal arts, and I believe the engineering graduates are respected and considered well-prepared for their careers. The medical school has also established a strong presence in the medical community in Georgia, is well-respected, and has contributed significantly to healthcare for under-served groups/regions in Georgia.

Faculty

We are known for the quality of our education and programs.

Faculty

We have pockets of excellence that help the perception of our value

Faculty

We are known for our strong academic standards.

Faculty

We also have a strong regional reputation for undergraduate and professional education. At the undergraduate level we have, Mercer is well known for its liberal arts program, providing for a well rounded education. At the graduate level the school of pharmacy has a long and well respected tradition of turning out quality students, and the medical school has quickly established itself as a high quality program.

Faculty

Emphasis in quality education

Faculty

Before I came to Mercer 2 1/2 years ago I had never heard of it, nor had many of my colleagues nor professors; so I don't really know what reputation Mercer has. Since I have been here, and come to know the area, Mercer clearly has a local reputation for an important contributor to the health of Macon and Middle Georgia, and as a reputable and successful place for a quality education.

Faculty

We are known for the quality of our educational programs

Faculty

The great books program is a strength that attracts students

Faculty

We are no longer known as a party school but as one that is known for high quality educational programs

Faculty

High academic standards over a broad range of undergraduate and professional educational options; and an overarching commitment to develop the intellectual and moral character of our students.

Faculty

Mercer University is best known and respected for the quality of our academic programs and of our students. While in some circles it is wisest to describe our programs as "rigorous," our students will call them "difficult" or "challenging." Similarly, after succeeding in rigorous academic programs, our graduates go on to distinguish themselves (and reflect positively on Mercer University).

Faculty

Mercer has a strong academic reputation

Faculty

I believe it is best known for strong programs for students (in the undergraduate schools and the professional schools). I also think it is well-known for its involvement in the community.

Faculty

high-quality education, and public stance on community / state issues.

Faculty

Good reputation and proven track record in various Georgia regions.

Faculty

Unfortunately, Mercer is virtually invisible to the general public because of a lack of advertisement and general visibility [especially in Atlanta]. However, among smaller circles in education, it has a strong reputation for its teacher ed. program.

Faculty

Mercer is widely known for offering quality liberal arts education.

Faculty

Mercer is known for having a high standard of excellence in it's academic programs, and it is known for its renowned pharmacy program, and its uncompromising academic principles.

Faculty

High quality education High quality students

Faculty

Writing papers; helps increase writing skills

Faculty

Pharmacy school, high pass rate for bar exam, strong professional program

Faculty

Quality education program

Faculty

Recognition, long standing tradition (perceptions) of quality

Faculty

I believe that Mercer is best known for providing its undergraduate students with an outstanding education in preparation for either further study at the graduate or professional level, or for the world of work. Due to the personal attention that's provide to students by faculty members and other academic staff, and the emerging support services that are made available to students, Mercer undergraduates are able to sustain their growth and development as students and/or future professionals throughout their time on campus. Mercer is also known for great achievements in its professional schools, especially in Law and Pharmacy.

Faculty

Academic reputation (high SAT), location (southeast)

Faculty

High academic standards –Mercer is among the top 5 institutions in Geogria

Faculty

Perception of students that Mercer has challenging academic programs

Faculty

Mercer is a prestigious regional institution in the South East. Mercer is a teaching institution that is thriving on research. Mercer University houses the “other Engineering program” in the state of Georgia.

Faculty

A lot of people in legal education are aware of the Woodruff Curriculum, which Mercer initiated about 20 years ago. Mercer is the best legal writing curriculum in the nation.

Faculty

Mercer is known as a fine academic institution.

Parent

Within the Southeast for the Pharmacy School, otherwise bright, well prepared graduates. Excellent MBA program. Outside the Southeast, many people are not familiar with Mercer. (By the way, I'm an executive recruiter.)

Parent

Quality education with low class size and no graduate assistants as teachers

Parent

Academic excellence

Parent

academic excellence, scholastic achieving students

Parent

its challenging academics

Parent

Strengths in the pharmacy and engineering programs

Parent

Academic excellence

Parent

Mercer is generally recognized as a small, Christian, Georgia, college. It has a history of contributing mid level managers, teachers, and professionals to the Georgia community.

Parent

In my limited experience with Mercer University, as my son is only a freshman, it seems to me that academics stands out as one of the real strengths. Everyone person that I speak with concerning my son's involvement with Mercer University comments something to the effect that Mercer is a challenging university. Mercer is well respected and I would like to see it remain that way.

Parent

I understand it is academically very competitive.

Parent

Mercer is well-known in the south for it's law school and pharmacy school. Also, I have heard that the music school is very good.

Parent

One professor recently surveyed each of his classes (qualitative research). He asked students to describe Mercer in one to three words, the following responses were given: High quality education, demanding higher education, test exams, expensive, excellent reputation.

Staff

Reputation of professional schools and programs.

Staff

Quality undergraduate education

Staff

The level of education is superior in the South.

Staff

Good quality education, especially at the Professional school levels.

Staff

Quality Education

Staff

Well-respected education

Staff

Its stature, and prestige

Staff

High quality of education

Staff

quality education, expensive tuition, very good experience for students.

Staff

Mercer University is known best for its graduate schools: esp. law, medicine & pharmacy. The undergraduate part is also respected for the quality of the teaching.

Staff

In my experience, dealing with prospective students, Mercer is known for its academics. It is particularly known for the Engineering, Law and Medical schools. It is known to a lesser degree for its school of business and other colleges.

Staff

Academics - Law School, Medical School, and Engineering School in particular

Staff

Respected educational programs.

Staff

law school

Staff

From my experience Mercer has a positive reputation within the Atlanta Community. I was only recently aware of all of the programs offered on the Macon Campus.

Staff

Academic excellence, we hope to support this with very independent students.

Staff

Mercer is gaining a reputation as a high quality academic institution.

Staff

I think Mercer has a good academic reputation.

Staff

Quality education, unique learning opporutnities, most comprehensive private university in the state.

Staff

Well respected mid-range (not among national elite, well respected w/in region)

Staff

Quality education, health care professionals, theological education.

Staff

Faculty, academics, progressive social conscience and resulting community service.

Staff

Mercer is best know for it's excellent education.

Staff

Mercer has a reputation has a top school

Student

A high standard of academics

Student

From colleagues I was told it had a high reputation for a quality Masters program in Education.

Student

I decided to attend because of their ranking as a technical school and their ranking as a great on-line school which had a rich heritage and established academic excellence. I did not know, nor did I care about their religious alignments.

Student

Mercer is known for being a top school for scholars.

Student

Mercer is know for providing a quality, rigorous education that is current with research and standards set in the state and nation.

Student

In my opinion, Mercer is known for challenging its students and its valuable teachers that are really invested in their subject as well as students.

Student

I can only speak from my limited perspective as a current student and technical writer, but I think Mercer has an outstanding engineering school. I am very proud to be a student. Around the Society for Technical Communication, Mercer's MSTCO program is very well known. I am not just speaking of the a chapter or two. I am speaking of the international level. People around the world know about Mercer's technical communication program, and this is a mark of honor for the university.

Student

Summer homework packet made student realize Mercer does take academics seriously

Student

For half of students having no essay lowered expectations of academics at Mercer University

Student

The Law curriculum is a strength.

Student

State-wide brand (including Atlanta).

Student

Being small enough to have good student to teacher ratio, yet having a reputation for providing a top notch education.

Student

Competitive Education

Student

As a law student, Mercer Law is known for its commitment to ethics in the legal profession as well as its top-ranked legal writing program. Additionally, the moot court program has been successful in previous years and will continue to be successful. Finally, we have improved in our rankings last year from 100 to 87.

Student

Excellent academic reputation Broad curriculum Accessible faculty and staff

Student

school's reputation

Student

Non-traditional Programs geared toward working professionals

Student

Reputation for having an excellent Teacher Education program, and also the Pharmacy program

Student

Known for accepting past/previous educational credits for programs/degrees dated years ago (CCPS)

Student

Carries a "prestige" type reputation

Student

Highly accredited

Student

I find the academics of the Douglas County Regional Center to be rigorous. Some think this is due to the fast pace of the classes (4 hours a night, for 8 weeks). From my point of view it has more to do with the instructors being better prepared to teach the class. They have to be, because of the limited time. Also the instructors seem to be more passionate about the subject matter, especially to talk about and teach it until 9:30 pm.

Student

High cost of attendence, Mercer's law school

Student

Mercer's academic reputation

Student

Mercer is known by its prestige and is respected

Student

Overall quality of the education

Student

Mercer is a step right below the Ivy League

Student

Personal Atmosphere / Faculty and Staff Interaction

75

Students value the quality of the relationships they have with faculty and staff

Admin.

personal training and strong first-year program

Admin.

Small academically oriented institution that cares about its students. A primary care medical school that is dedicated to serving the needs of Georgia.

Admin.

One on one education

Alum

As an undergraduate and a current graduate student, I feel that Mercer is best known and respected for offering a quality, higher level education with seat time and professors. In other words, I am not a supporter of on-line education. Being able to attend classes with instructors and professors who are knowledgealbe and professional in their areas of expertise is a gift in today's society. Communication in the real world involves dealing with people face-to-face on a day to day basis. The one on one counseling and guidance throughout my college career at Mercer have added to my success and continue to groom me to be a future leader.

Alum

Mercer is known for focusing on teaching, not research. What I saw at Clemson was that professors were interested in research than teaching. Students have wonderful relationships with professors. Personal touch.

Alum

Impressed with class size—student-teacher ratio.

Alum

The class size was smaller than my high school class size. Relationship with the professors was good. Pharmacy School and Law School were big draws back then.

Alum

I applied to the University of Georgia and to Mercer. From the moment that I walked on campus, I knew I wanted to be here too. I was an ok student in high school, but Mercer accepted me and made me a better person through small classes and professor/student relationships. I’m more than just a number.

Alum

Mercer has a special kind of warmth—felt good about the place

Emeriti

Representatives of the Mercer students who take potential applicants on tours of Mercer University -- Mercer Ambassadors

Ext. Const.

The student teacher ratio and the relationship of the teacher with the student are strengths

Ext. Const.

Nurturing students; taking students who may not come in as the best and brightest, including late bloomers, serving rural areas

Faculty

Intimacy of campus environment, small classes

Faculty

Students (specifically education) have expressed faculty’s attention to them as individuals. This may be because Mercer is private and faculty know that students want to be here, regardless of cost.

Faculty

There is also a positive closeness among faculty and students

Faculty

Mercer is also known for intentional and focused engagement with students

Faculty

Students in the same class stated that Mercer tries to listen to their students, customers and employees - there is a strong perception that this institution tries to listen.

Faculty

I have only recently moved to Macon and Mercer, and I must admit that I knew little of Mercer, other than it was a Baptist school with a Medical School and that the Medical School used a completely problem-based approach to learning. Also I knew that Wesley Duke had attended, based on his participation in a slam-dunk contest at the NCAA finals. Since moving here from Notre Dame, I now recognize that Mercer is the most academically comprehensive University for its size that I have seen, and in many ways is similar to Notre Dame (ND). For example, I felt very much at home when I first walked the campus because Mercer, like ND, has a discernible aura that comes from its history and architectural style. Much like the open-armed statue of Father Sorin welcoming me, there was Jesse Mercer inviting me to sit and talk. Much like the Rolf Center, there was the UC, complete with coffee shop and food court. Like ND, the campus was closed to through-traffic. I now understand that we have a well-respected law school, and that Nancy Grace is a notable supporter and advocate for the University. I have learned that Mercer stands for religious and academic freedom, and because of that has lost support from those who would seek to impose their religious will in the classroom (similar issues have been faced at ND in the recent past). I see a new hotel, which should serve the University well in the future, much like the Jamison Inn and the Inn at Saint Marys have done. I see a rearrangement of campus entry developing, the importance of which was not lost on ND in terms of “first impression” to incoming students and their families. I see Mercer leaping and bounding with new programs in Music, Theology, Nurse Anesthesia, and Physician Assistant, to name a few. I see a dedication to facility upgrades that very few schools the size of Mercer would have attempted, but that, once again, mirror changes that were implemented at ND some years back. Perhaps most importantly, I see an administration willing to continue to look forward in spite of the financial burden these improvements have placed on the University. In Mercer I see a neophytic version of some of the larger, private, faith-based institutions, much like a butterfly just emerging from its chrysalis, not yet ready to fly but poised, waiting on the proper wind to elevate it to the next level of existence.

Faculty

Nurturing environment for students to grow and develop critical thinking and professional skills

Faculty

Teaching excellence, small classes, and significant faculty interaction with students.

Faculty

Faculty quality and commitment to student learning and personal development. Mercer has, and must maintain, high expectations and high standards for student achievement. This reflects the commitment of faculty to challenging students and holding them responsible for investing themselves in their own education and learning. Faculty in the CLA have a 21 hour per year (7 courses) teaching load, which is very heavy, yet faculty devote themselves to their students both in and out of the classroom.

Faculty

Mercer puts a premium on learning, faculty learning as well as student learning. This is evidenced by Mercer’s expectation that * faculty teach outside their discipline, * faculty work to improve their teaching, irrespective of its current quality, * faculty are supported when they propose innovative teaching or service projects, * faculty reading groups and faculty/student reading groups, * a fair number of students collaborate with faculty in research or on service projects, and * a good number of students study abroad. - Mercer values its people, students, faculty and staff, for who they are as well as for what they produce. In particular, I have repeatedly heard it clearly articulated that faculty are expected to respect their colleagues – an expectation that have never heard mentioned anywhere else.

Faculty

The Liberal Arts College has been a place where students can receive individual attention from faculty both in smaller classes and outside class in mentoring or research.

Faculty

Low student-faculty ratio, commitment of faculty to teaching.

Faculty

student/faculty interaction, campus environment/facilites.

Faculty

Faculty discussion with students both inside and outside of faculty expertise

Faculty

Intellectual mentoring that enhances both the faculty and student experience

Faculty

Rapport that students develop both among themselves and with faculty

Faculty

Teaching students is the primary function of a faculty that identify themselves first as teachers. Research supports teaching.

Faculty

Our superior focus on teaching and the student-teacher relationship. Faculty are deeply concerned with individual student growth and success.

Faculty

Strong connection between faculty and students. Professors care about the students.

Faculty

Caring faculty, smaller classes.

Parent

Small classes, caring faculty

Parent

Great efforts at retention through progress reports, tutoring availability, parental notifications

Parent

Seeing the President at a baseball game, as we did when we came to the pre-opening day program for parents, was great!

Parent

Excellent environment. Our family believes Mercer is a great school!

Parent

My daughter is thrilled with the low professor/student ratio. She enjoys great relationships with her professors. The campus activities group, QuadWorks, plans a multitude of enjoyable activities that keep students on campus through the weekend.

Parent

The individualized attention the students receive is a primary reason for the selecting Mercer.

Parent

Private school, small classes, nurturing faculty

Parent

Strong academic programs and support systems. The classes are small and the professors are very supportive of the students.

Parent

Student support

Parent

Admissions Department, especially John Cole. Campus environment and graduate schools.

Parent

Honestly, being from Texas, we had never heard of Mercer. It showed up as a match on a CollegeBoard search. Here are the things that attracted us to the school: small size, nurturing environment, Baptist affiliated-but not Baptist run, beautiful faculity, friendly and accepting environmnent, location, scholarships, Greek life, sport teams, variety of choices in academics, caring faculty. It impressed me that last year Mercer allowed a group to gather and talk about homosexuality. Other Baptist Universities would not have welcomed the idea of an open discussion. I applaud Mercer for allowing students to speak their mind and discuss/debate topics.

Parent

We receive many compliments about our student services and that we are doing everything we can to provide excellent student services

Staff

Student-friendly, focused on individuals (though there is a great need for more career placement services)

Staff

After talking with a number of students, there is a good focus on individual students.

Staff

Development of a "family" feeling (the culture at Mercer)

Staff

Faculty/student relationships

Staff

Personalized attention by both staff & faculty

Staff

Faculty and staff dedicated to our students

Staff

I believe Mercer is known for its individualized attention to education, high academic standards and diverse faculty and staff.

Staff

Mercer factuly create long-lasting relationships with students that last beyond single classes or even graduation. Students comment that they "feel like family" at Mercer.

Staff

The individual attention that small class size affords is very appealing to prospective students.

Staff

Everybody at Mercer is committed to student success

Student

Mercer staff includes people to help with problems, counselors

Student

Mercer classes are smaller

Student

Students have personal (individual) relationships with each instructor

Student

All Mercer staff, including the librarian, bookstore staff, and counselors, take a personal interest in the students

Student

Mercer students support and help one another

Student

Warm, sincere and caring environment for students, staff, and faculty. I attended Emory Univeristy and the difference was quickly apparent. It is both a strength and an achievement for a university to be a pleasant place for students to learn, staff to work, and faculty to teacher

Student

I think they are most known for their receptive attitude toward student recruitment and retainment.

Student

Relationships with faculty are very strong – can go to faculty with questions

Student

Academic support resources – tutoring, academic center, etc.

Student

Admissions really pull you in – student felt personally pursued

Student

Felt special during admissions process

Student

Minority support services – mentor, overnight retreat

Student

Tours , tour guide cared enough to write out a list of what to bring

Student

Interaction between faculty and students

Student

faculty-student relationship is also strong in the undergraduate schools

Student

Larger sense of community than in public institutions -- for example, Mercer is interested in how Macon as a community is represented

Student

Support staff are also committeed to the students -- sense of community

Student

Student services such as health services

Student

Easy access to faculty advisors

Student

Accepts students who are older than 21

Student

Community Engagement

55

We are proud of what Mercer does off campus, how the University reaches out to first generation students in the Georgia communities.

Admin.

We have maintained quality in programming as we reach out in our community-based educational efforts

Admin.

Mercer has contributed to the quality of life in Middle and Central Georgia

Admin.

Mercer enhances the quality of life in Macon

Admin.

In recent years, Mercer's connection to the community has been cited (volunteer programs, collaborations).

Admin.

assistance in neighborhood/community revitalization projects -recognized name in Georgia and throughout the southeast -that "liberal" place

Admin.

Mercer University is a pillar of the greater Macon community. The University is known for its dedication to providing an excellent education to its students, service to the community, and adhering to the highest standards.

Alum

Efforts to improve neighborhoods surrounding Mercer through building/homeownership programs and tutoring in local schools; being one of Macon's largest employers; maintaining sense of independence in the face of bullying (GBC)

Alum

Community outreach programs.

Alum

Service-learning here in Macon is very important. Need to get students engaged in the community. That carries over in life.

Alum

Stepping forward to support this community and region. The best way to address poverty is to promote business. Community impact.

Emeriti

Basic mission is to education our students. We can’t take on all the problems of the community.

Emeriti

The ability to engage people in the great community

Ext. Const.

Upward Bound has been a tremendous success. I was a participant in that program. Unfortunately, most of them don’t stay at the University.

Ext. Const.

Responsive and mildly entrepreneurial. The Med School and the Engineering School were in response to the need in the community. The flip side of that is the community side. Mercer Service Scholars gives back to the community.

Ext. Const.

The role of Mercer has contributed to the quality of life in the community. The Grand Opera House, the quality of the faculty give you a richness in the community.

Ext. Const.

The Athletic Program gives back to the community.

Ext. Const.

The contribution to the Arts has been important. Want to bring students out for First Friday [ Macon]

Ext. Const.

community involvement

Ext. Const.

Revitalization of Macon's downtown and neighborhoods.

Ext. Const.

The arts—Grand Opera House, Symphony—huge contribution to quality of life.

Ext. Const.

I know what Mercer means to this community. Citizens of Macon and Middle Ga don’t have the vision of what Mercer is to this community.

Ext. Const.

Helped save historic neighborhoods.

Ext. Const.

Mercer children’s choirs are very important to the community. Strings program, Townsend School of Music are very important.

Ext. Const.

Mercer's undergarduate programs are known, apparently, for their service to the community (meaning the Macon community)

Faculty

Proud of Mercer's race relations in Macon and beyond. However, work on race has been spotty and intermittent, powerful at times and not at others; budget cuts this year included outreach efforts as well as other things.

Faculty

Literacy efforts in the community

Faculty

Investment in its community (e.g., NewTown, professional schools); academic program outreach; heavy ties with community

Faculty

Mercer’s Atlanta Campus is known for it’s community involvement toward service (Atlanta Parent Magazine, Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, Habitat for Humanity…)

Faculty

Mercer is also known for community outreach/stewardship

Faculty

Also, Mercer University is a large contributor to the Macon community. It is important for Mercer to be a Christian school in terms of loving and serving this community.

Faculty

Mercer has a long history of accepting students who come from the less advantaged country or urban settings in Georgia and giving them an opportunity to succeed. I can think of at least 4 physicians who are outstanding examples of this along with a few lawyers.

Faculty

Mercer also has a strong tradition of admitting first generation students and students from less advantaged rural and urban settings. Providing the opportunity to qualified, but overlooked students from this group can have a transformational effect on families and communities.

Faculty

Mercer is connected to our state and community

Faculty

Mercer has a strong and well deserved reputation of serving its community. Mercer has been an integral part to working with local community organizations, the city, county and state on shared goals. This can be seen service learning, the Upward Bound program, and the focus of the medical in diverse such as school in preparing future physicians for rural practices.

Faculty

We are known for a strong liberal arts program, service-learning opportunities and our commitment to the community that we are located in

Faculty

We are committed to the neighborhoods that we are located in

Faculty

Known for taking students from rural settings and high schools and producing graduates who compete well with those from more affluent areas.

Faculty

The Mercer mission of rebuilding the neighborhood and service to the community is very important

Faculty

Mercer is best known for its strengths in providing volunteers for community efforts.

Faculty

A lot of community people comment about how Mercer has really helped to keep Macon going by buying and renewing properties, providing community service, and having a strong presence in Macon in general.

Faculty

Well-known for its involvement in the community.

Faculty

The work that Mercer has done in the community, e.g. the revitalization that Mercer has done around the University. Peter Brown’s programs.

Faculty

Mercer students and faculty work well with the local Macon community as volunteers.

Parent

Community development (both service learning and community housing surrounding Mercer)

Staff

Community Development Outreach to the community.

Staff

Helping the community

Staff

Advocates for social justice

Staff

A community part and bedrock of Macon and the position it takes in the community and interaction/community.

Staff

Community involvement, but still very compact

Staff

Reaching students who may have compromised backgrounds, ie. first generation, non-affluent, but become so after their education here.

Staff

Contributions-locally there have been many.

Staff

Also for it's contributions to the local community. The Medical School also helps the state of Georgia by educating physicians that return to Georgia and help in underserved areas.

Staff

Community service

Student

Communit service efforts and partnerships with organizations -- United Way and DEFACS

Student

Comprehensive Structure

47

The comprehensive nature of the University is a strength and distinctive feature of Mercer.

Admin.

comprehensive academic programs and schools

Admin.

Mercer is best known by its parts. When people talk about Mercer strengths, they are usually referring to a particular program or segment of Mercer (i.e. Law School, Pharmacy, Nursing). Commonly cited are the academic programs and faculty.

Admin.

Number of Professional Schools (i.e. Law, Theology, etc.)

Alum

Strong education in medicine, theology and business programs. Experienced faculty and staff. Regional campus locations.

Alum

Multiple opportunities exist on one campus. From a product standpoint, Mercer has a lot of options. It was comforting to know that you could change majors, and not have to leave campus.

Alum

As a high school student, I knew exactly what I was going to do. I wanted to be a doctor. The doctors that I knew were very poor at managing their finances, so I decided to go into business. When I walked on campus, I knew that this was the school. There was a great sense of community. The ability to do dual degrees was great.

Alum

Variety of academic offerings

Emeriti

We want to be uniquely Mercer University

Emeriti

Mercer has stepped forward to put Schools of Medicine, Business, and Engineering where there was need.

Emeriti

Willingness to establish an engineering school in Georgia

Ext. Const.

The broad spectrum of courses that is available at Mercer University

Ext. Const.

Mercer has a history of mergers, which is unlike most universities.

Ext. Const.

From a gifted education standpoint, Great Books, and Capstone help the students.

Ext. Const.

Law, Medical, Pharmacy, Theology, Nursing (professional schools) enhance Mercer’s reputation

Faculty

Distinctive academic programs, e.g., Great Books, Medical School teaching methods, Law School writing program, Holistic Child major in Teacher Education, very interdisciplinary

Faculty

People can cross disciplines

Faculty

The university-wide initiatives over the last 10 years or so (the Paideia initiative, the Lilly initiative on "Vocation," and the QEP), along with the inclusion of "liberal arts and sciences" faculty in CCPS, suggest an institutional seriousness concerning the inter-relationships of "the liberal arts and sciences" and "professional studies" that makes Mercer a potential national leader in addressing this issue.

Faculty

Solid liberal arts program diversified undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Significant building in Macon and Altanta.

Faculty

Known for diversity of program offerings and populations

Faculty

Our size and comprehensiveness is a strength.

Faculty

We are known for quality professional schools especially pharmacy, medicine, law

Faculty

We are encouraged to go outside of our narrow field of expertise

Faculty

Our diversity of programs also garners well-deserved attention.

Faculty

strong liberal arts education; adding new programs (engineering, music, theology, medicine, etc); medical school serves the needs of Georgia citizens effectively.

Faculty

diversity of academic programs (11 schools?)

Faculty

Diversity of programs

Faculty

Opportunity for undergrads to continue their education in one of Mercer's outstanding graduate programs MAPP Program in the Business School -- tailoring education to fit interests/career opportunities

Parent

Great pharmacy school, deversified academic programs.

Parent

Another Mercer strength is the ability to major/minor, which is not easy to do at public institutions such as UGA, but relevant to the demands of today's marketplace. The MAPP program for business is a great opportunity that should be well known throughout the state, and, eventually, the country.

Parent

Good academics, good variety of majors/career fields for a smaller-sized university

Parent

Its split campuses does little to help in branding the university

Parent

Business, Education, Law, and Medical fields

Parent

Strong liberal arts plus a wide array of professional training

Staff

Diversity of programs.

Staff

Coordinated efforts of health sciences.

Staff

Breadth of Mercer ( School of Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Education, and the regional campuses that encompass these schools), Endowment given the size of Mercer

Staff

In this order: 1. Med. School 2. Law School 3. Undergraduate programs that lead into these two and also into the graduate level Pharmacy program. 4. Business programs, especially on the undergraduate level.

Staff

Professional schools add diversity and complexity

Staff

Diversity of programs as well as small size of university

Staff

Law, Medical and Pharmacy schools well-know, need to get more of our schools well known

Staff

Variety of educational offerings.

Staff

Largest private preparer of educators in GA.

Student

Wide variety of academic programs – student didn’t know what she wanted to do when she first came to college

Student

Number of professional schools that Mercer is known for

Student

Regional Academic Centers

Student

Mercer was the only school that taught religion

Student

Student Success / Reputation

30

We are proud of what students become after they leave Mercer.

Admin.

Employers and graduate programs speak highly of our graduations

Admin.

Employers see our graduates as socially conscious, collaborative, effective communicators, and as people who stay with their jobs. All of these qualities are attractive to employers

Admin.

Warner Robins engineering employers say that our graduates are better prepared for the work place than students from other institutions coming into the work force. The same feedback occurs with nursing, business, and education students.

Admin.

Nancy Grace and Whisper of the River

Admin.

Mercer has a strong teachers' education program. I am proud to tell people that I graduated from Mercer with my Master of Education. I also tend to trust my pharmacist a little more when he tells me that he graduated from Mercer.

Alum

Outside of middle Georgia, I do not know how well known Mercer is. Since attending Mercer I have come to learn how successful Mercer grads are in the professional world. The most readily known/ respected aspects of Mercer are the graduate programs including Law, Medicine, and Pharmacy.

Alum

I currently work at Robins AFB and am apart of the Palace Acquire program. At the Air Force base Mercer is known for is well educated students with great work ethics. Out side of the AFB not many people know about Mercer except for the fact that Wesley Duke played for the Broncos for a short period of time.

Alum

Reliable level of competency of graduates at all levels of degrees

Emeriti

Outstanding alumni

Ext. Const.

Graduates are Mercer's best advertisement. I never knew Mercer had a law school until I met a law school graduate.

Ext. Const.

From an employer’s standpoint, the Engineering School and Medical School are very important.

Ext. Const.

Mercer attracts quality students

Faculty

The adult learner students bring a more mature perspective

Faculty

Mercer is known in the state of Georgia by its graduates in Teacher Education, Law, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy

Faculty

The professional schools are known for the service their graduates provide (doctors, preachers, teachers, lawyers, pharmacists, and engineers) in their communities, rather than the research that they produce

Faculty

Graduates excel; Teacher Ed grads wowed the recruiters; very well thought of in other majors too

Faculty

Graduate reputation - many people who come to Mercer know someone who has graduated

Faculty

Through friends and fellow high school parents – Mercer’s known to be a “good” small school

Faculty

Mercer students are problem solvers and good communicators

Faculty

We are known for the quality of our students

Faculty

For academic achievements of its students

Faculty

High rates of acceptance in graduate and professional schools.

Faculty

Good Mercer lawyers

Faculty

Loyal alumni, scholarships for students with good grades and leadership skills

Parent

Mercer's graduates have a good reputation

Student

Mercer's Tift College of Education produces Georgia's most prepared, knowledgable teachers.

Student

Alumni encouraged student to come - about 1/3 of students present

Student

Alumni are positive about Mercer experience

Student

The alumni in the legal profession are very protective and supportive.

Student

Facilities / Campus Amenities

21

The location of the Macon campus is important

Admin.

The other that stands out for me is the capital improvements.

Alum

Physical aspect of the campus

Ext. Const.

Fitness center is “best kept secret”

Ext. Const.

First visit to campus projected a sense of respect because it's open, clean, and well-maintained. People perceive the campus to be safe, friendly, and well lighted.

Ext. Const.

Walking trail is truly appreciated and enjoyed by many in the community.

Ext. Const.

An asset is that Mercer is not a Georgia Tech or a concrete college with a down-town urban campus – Mercer has a quiet, small campus nestled among 300 acres of land and trees.

Ext. Const.

Mercer has a beautiful campus.

Ext. Const.

Beautiful campus

Parent

Its recent addition of facilties makes the Macon campus as attractive and functional as any elite university of its size.

Parent

Beauty of campuses

Staff

Appearance of the campus itself, how beautiful it is

Staff

Beautiful campus

Staff

Beautiful campus

Staff

The Macon campus is beautiful.

Staff

The location of center and the evening schedule are convenient for non-traditional students

Student

Attractive campus – very important

Student

Smaller scale of the campus – mainly a strength – some students felt it is a negative

Student

Beautiful campus and selective admission

Student

Central location of Mercer in Georgia

Student

Physical layout of the campus (easy to get around)

Student

Mercer Teaches the Whole Person / Ethics

19

We have a campus that values more than just the classroom experience.

Admin.

We care about educating the whole person

Admin.

We transform our graduates, who then transform their communities

Admin.

Solid values

Emeriti

Compliancy has no place at a Liberal Arts College

Emeriti

The spiritual aspect.

Ext. Const.

The nurturing and development of leaders

Ext. Const.

Engagement of students in volunteerism and service-learning

Ext. Const.

Attention to moral, ethical and civic education, not just intellectual

Faculty

Producing well educated citizens who also have a Christian love and values for those they encounter (God, their family, coworkers, community, etc.). Mercer's goal should be to encourage the spirituality and the vocation (career) of the students. These two things will give students the desire to serve/work and the practical tools (practical degrees) to do that.

Faculty

Moral convictions and integrity of students, faculty, and staff. Well-rounded graduates with critical thinking abilities.

Faculty

Freedom of conscience and social justice movements (historical to current)

Faculty

Experiential learning within judeo/chrisitan context

Faculty

Teaching encourages globalization of learning experience and prepares students to become global citizens

Faculty

CLA – holistic, community-based, service-oriented education (also Law). Not USA News.

Faculty

For helping students to find their strengths and to be all they can be. Character building

Parent

I think of it as moderately conservative, and with religious values modeled for and expected of the students.

Parent

How well we prepare our students outside the classroom

Staff

Student involvement in on campus activities– diverse set of options

Student

Baptist Heritage

18

Christian University

Admin.

Baptist heritage and tradition

Admin.

It is best known for its baptist heritage and at the same time, its support of letting students broaden their horizon on many controversial yet important topics in today's society.

Alum

Baptist faith based interest is very important to students going to Mercer.

Alum

Heritage Scholars—I do interviewing of students – Students tell me that Baptist heritage is important.

Alum

Parents view Mercer as a safer place to be then other schools because it is Baptist.

Faculty

Commitment to Baptist roots

Faculty

I was not very familiar with Mercer when I first looked at the advertisement that resulted in my becoming physics department chair. The first thing to capture my attention was her Baptist identity, which I viewed as very positive, because of my own Christian faith. To discover that Mercer was both (i) Baptist and (ii) responsible for outstanding academic contributions to the world of higher education(as well as humanitarian excellence)--made my interest even stronger. A big factor in choosing to join the faculty was my belief that I would find a significant number of colleagues having a kindred spirit. That has proven largely true, especially as I participated in the latest Beloved Community symposium.

Faculty

Defining Baptist tradition within the context of respect of all humanity

Faculty

Baptist tradition

Faculty

Mercer is known for its christian ethics.

Parent

Strong ethics, faith-based but not faith restricting

Parent

Strong religious background

Parent

Articulating a moderate Baptist position

Staff

Baptist heritage

Staff

Service to Baptist ministry…teaching college

Student

Training generations of Christian church leaders.

Student

Religious affiliations

Student

Quality Faculty and Staff

17

Quality of the faculty

Ext. Const.

Quality of teaching relationship with students

Ext. Const.

The head of Mercer Police for the Atlanta Campus should be commended. Mercer Police do an amazing job of patrolling and keeping things safe without being intrusive.

Ext. Const.

Operate with principles of redemptive education (cites Buddy Shurden as phrase originator); faculty take students at the level they come in and work at excellence

Faculty

Talented teaching and credentialed faculty, committed to teaching

Faculty

The nature of our faculty and availability of our faculty

Faculty

We are known for our student-centered faculty

Faculty

The faculty members care about their work, student learning and the institution

Faculty

Here a faculty member can be a whole person. You can mention faith, regardless of what religious tradition you come from

Faculty

Faculty members actually teach students here. We don’t delegate teaching to TAs

Faculty

A major strength of the University is its faculty. Mercer consistently attracts faculty who have a strong desire to teach and interact with students. This tradition should be perserved.

Faculty

Educational, professional experience and research backgrounds of faculty.

Faculty

Liberal arts orientation as opposed to GA Tech

Faculty

Quality and dedication of faculty, institutional involvement of faculty

Faculty

Mercer professors are very good instructors

Student

Students are taught by faculty, not Tas

Student

Oustanding with customer service (don't hear "gripes" from students, such as registration issues

Staff

Mercer’s History

13

Providing education for 175 years is something to be proud of

Admin.

Ahead of Wake Forest in Liberal Education in the early 60s (Also, Great Books, Capstone)

Emeriti

Tradition has always been a part of Mercer University; gives backbone to the University

Emeriti

The exciting time was in the 1960s. Education is more than giving the culture what it wants.

Emeriti

Mercer is well-known for its history in the Southeast.

Ext. Const.

Mercer has a long history of responding to educational needs

Faculty

Mercer has always spoken courageously to social issues – racial diversity, academic freedom

Faculty

We are known for the heritage of our founding and the reasons of our founding ,etc.

Faculty

The rich history of Mercer in academic and church leadership across the centuries since our inception in 1831, does not need be recounted here. But, at the appropriate times the media and the people of the state, churches, region and nation need to periodically have us remind them. Clearly the strength of this institution is the solid track record of the undergraduate school, but also very importantly the outstanding strengths of the significant academic faculty in Mercer's graduate and professional schools (Law, Medicine, Theology, Pharmacy, Music, etc.).

Faculty

Historically, Mercer is known for accomplishments in physics

Faculty

College, Law School, and Pharmacy School – Have been in existence for the greatest length of time.

Faculty

History and tradition of university

Staff

History of diversity and integration

Staff

Mercer’s Affiliations / Partnerships

12

MERC brings a lot to the community as well as a national reputation to the University

Admin.

Mercer Executive Forum

Alum

Only Baptist institution willing to partner with CBF -- partnerships

Ext. Const.

As a student as Alexander II, I saw Mercer function as a tutor to Alexander II. Historically, there is a strong connection. Extended to Burke, Hamilton, Miller, Central (neighborhood schools).

Ext. Const.

The relationship between Mercer through MERC, and RAFB is strong.

Ext. Const.

Town Gown is not a strained relationship. Strength for Mercer and the community

Ext. Const.

Historic Macon point of view –we’ve been partnering for years.

Ext. Const.

Mercer is represented by its stakeholders. To the extent that these stakeholders herald their association with the University, it is known and respected.

Faculty

MERC’s national involvement extends our reputation

Faculty

As an institution, Mercer University is a leading institution in several institutional groups: ANAC (Associated New American Colleges); CUR (Council on Undergraduate Research); and IABCU (International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities). We are known by the company we keep.

Faculty

Recent events of the GBC (Georgia Baptist Convention)—I would think that this would have raised the profile of Mercer.

Faculty

Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC) has established a excellent reputation but it is limited in geographical area. Work within the research center is tied almost directly to the current needs of Robins AF Base. Although research is in its name, it actually does very little research other than applied research. MERC strengths are in structural and mechanical engineering and electronic sensors.

Staff

Diversity

10

We have a relatively diverse student body

Admin.

Mercer's history of voluntary integration in the early 1960s speaks well for it

Admin.

Integration – cutting edge

Emeriti

Mercer has never been gentrified—served the common folk

Emeriti

Academic freedom and not recruiting people who fit the template—need diversity in faculty and ferment

Emeriti

Diverse university attracts diverse students

Faculty

We are known for the diversity of faculty, students, staff

Faculty

We are an open-minded institution that values diversity

Faculty

Diversity of student population.

Staff

So many different faculty for our size/diversity

Staff

Inclusion of Stakeholders

5

There is a vision here. People are given the opportunity to think and express what they feel. (I call them the “flaming moderates”) The opportunity for people in the community to come and take classes here.

Ext. Const.

Asking for feedback, e.g. this form!!

Faculty

I applaud you for asking parents' opinions.

Parent

Who have we asked this question to (i.e., alumni, employers of students, students)? Is being Baptist part of our "brand"?

Staff

Mercer is one of the few private institutions in Georgia that continues to uphold high standards for all stakeholders.

Student

Miscellaneous

22

I got a full ROTC scholarship. That made a huge difference.

Alum

Mercer Press is a strong asset.

Ext. Const.

Mercer gives second chances to adult learner community

Faculty

Unified sense of mission within University as a whole; distinguishes us from others

Faculty

I think many people see Mercer's break with the Southern Baptist Convention as a positive occurence--one that solidifies its commitment to academic freedom.

Faculty

We do research here because we want to, not because we have to

Faculty

Lots of people (near and far) say they have heard of Mercer and I frequently hear people say that it's a good school. One thing I've noticed is that people never say why it's a good school. Also, it's interesting that many local people have no idea that there is a medical school here.

Faculty

Mercer's most nationally known event is the Lamar Lectures, a series that is in some peril of ending. Every effort should be made to preserve and extend it. In time, hopefully the Harry Vaughn Smith lectures will provide a nice balance, highlighting CLA's commitment to scholarship in Southern History, English, and Christianity.

Faculty

I don’t believe that Mercer University has a reputation or identity. This is based upon my experience as an academician for approximately 20 years in Virginia and Florida. Before accepting my faculty position at Mercer; I was under the impression that Mercer University was a historically black college or university. I never came across a single person that had attended Mercer while at the Virginia Military Institute, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, or University of South Florida.

Faculty

Division 1 athletics

Parent

We have a high ratio of applicants to admission with regard to health sciences.

Staff

I like to think the Medical School is outstanding.

Staff

Tuition waver a big draw for recruiting staff

Staff

Strengths-staying traditional even when traditional isn’t cool. Achievements-clinging to that strength and staying alive in spite of it

Staff

Students like the accelerated schedule

Student

The writing lab is helpful

Student

MAPS program allows flexibility of business studies

Student

Lots of scholarship money – scholarships are an important factor for majority

Student

No essay – Easy application so thought it would be real easy to get in

Student

Applied on a whim – no fee

Student

Scheduling of classes at night, especially Teacher Education

Student

Tuition cost very reasonable compared to other out-of-state universities

Student