Presidential Fellowship
Sponsored by the Center for Leadership, Ethics, and Service and the Office of the President, this highly selective leadership fellowship provides the opportunity for exceptional Mercer students to work alongside Mercer University’s 19th President, Dr. Penny L. Elkins.
- Gain immersive experience in institutional leadership, strategy, and service
- Observe high-level engagements and participate in leadership dialogues
- Contribute meaningfully to strategic University initiatives
- Build executive-level skills while representing Mercer with distinction
Eligibility Criteria
Available to undergraduate juniors and seniors, as well as graduate students. All majors are welcome. Open to both Macon and Atlanta campuses. Competitive applicants will show exceptional judgment, professionalism, and a desire to lead with purpose.
Applicants must:
- Be a high-performing undergraduate (GPA 3.5+ preferred) or graduate student with demonstrated excellence in academics or leadership.
- Possess exceptional professionalism, discretion, and interpersonal skills suitable for executive environments.
- Demonstrate leadership capacity and a track record of initiative, teamwork, or project ownership.
- Be available to participate in select presidential engagements and leadership sessions throughout spring 2026.
- Show alignment with Mercer’s mission and the ability to represent the university with distinction.
- Demonstrate a strong reputation for integrity on campus. Candidates must have no active violations and will be vetted through Honor Council and Student Conduct
Time Commitment
Approximately 3-5 hours/week
Fellowship Term
January – May 2026
Compensation
$2000 + one course credit (for undergraduates)
Timeline
Application Deadline: January 20, 2026
Interviews: January 21–28, 2026
Program Start Date: January 30, 2026
For additional information, please contact Dr. Juanita Forrester at forrester_jk@mercer.edu.