Georgia House honors Mercer University president Penny Elkins
February 19, 2026 | 2026 Legislature Georgia, Georgia
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The Georgia House of Representatives on Feb. 19 recognized Dr. Penny Elkins as president of Mercer University, with lawmakers praising her decades-long service to higher education and the university’s statewide impact.
Representative Tangier Herring introduced Dr. Elkins and highlighted that Mercer serves more than 9,000 students across multiple campuses and has a combined economic impact lawmakers cited as about $58,000,000,000 a year. Herring called Elkins the university’s first female president and credited her work expanding research, healthcare workforce training and regional partnerships.
Dr. Elkins accepted the recognition and thanked students and Board Chair Kathy Callaway Adams, and introduced two presidential fellows seated with her. “I do take this helm with great humility, but laser focus on making the student experience the best that it can be,” Dr. Elkins said.
Members were invited to meet Dr. Elkins in the South Ante Room following the recognition. The resolution recognizing Dr. Elkins was presented as a special invited resolution during morning orders.
The House proceeded to its regular legislative calendar after the recognition.
Representative Tangier Herring introduced Dr. Elkins and highlighted that Mercer serves more than 9,000 students across multiple campuses and has a combined economic impact lawmakers cited as about $58,000,000,000 a year. Herring called Elkins the university’s first female president and credited her work expanding research, healthcare workforce training and regional partnerships.
Dr. Elkins accepted the recognition and thanked students and Board Chair Kathy Callaway Adams, and introduced two presidential fellows seated with her. “I do take this helm with great humility, but laser focus on making the student experience the best that it can be,” Dr. Elkins said.
Members were invited to meet Dr. Elkins in the South Ante Room following the recognition. The resolution recognizing Dr. Elkins was presented as a special invited resolution during morning orders.
The House proceeded to its regular legislative calendar after the recognition.
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