Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1544361
W O M E N ABOUT B U S I N E S S April/May 2026 | maconmagazine.com 65 M e r c e r U n i v e r s i t y Dr. Penny L. Elkins, President Macon | Atlanta | Savannah | Columbus 1.800.MERCER.U | mercer.edu Who is a woman who has inspired or mentored you? My sister, Teddie Ussery, has always been my cheerleader, supporter, and mentor. She is an incredibly accomplished professional whom I have looked to my entire life as an aspirational role model. I have been in higher education for more than 30 years thanks to Dr. Kathryn Powell who hired me as an untenured assistant professor. Because of her, I was quickly promoted to department chair of education–still as an untenured, assistant professor. For those not in higher education, this is never a good decision! However, Dr. Powell saw something in me that I couldn't see, and she poured into me with great intention and fearlessly supported me. I have been blessed to have strong mentors throughout my life, and I believe all leaders are accountable to mentor those around them. – Dr. Penny L. Elkins, Mercer University President What has been the most fulfi lling part of being a leader? One of the most rewarding aspects of my position has been being someone who people feel comfortable coming to with ideas, questions, and concerns. Seeing students bring forward something they are passionate about and then watching them take ownership of those ideas and turn them into real initiatives has been incredible. Not many people get to witness the full journey from the fi rst conversation about an idea to seeing it become something that improves campus life for others. – Alisha Mitchell, Mercer University Student Government Association President How do you defi ne success? I would defi ne success as having the ability to take a risk and try something new even though failure is an option. I have seen so many people shy away from opportunities or new ideas out of the fear of failure, but I think failure is something that should be embraced. There are lessons to be learned in failure, and if I try and fail, then get back up and try again. I believe that is success. – Callie Lowery, Mercer University Student Government Association Vice President Callie Lowery, Mercer University Student Government Association Vice President; Dr. Penny L. Elkins, Mercer University President; and Alisha Mitchell, Mercer University Student Government Association President. Photo: Marin Guta for Mercer University