Mercer University College of Health Professions

10/11/2026

PA's advocate for patients, break down barriers to care, and stand up for communities who need a voice. This , we’re recognizing that commitment.

Mercer’s PA Program is incredibly intentional about providing students with meaningful opportunities to understand the lived experiences of patients and their families.

Recently, our students had the opportunity to hear from Tyson Gentry, an OSU football player who sustained a spinal cord injury, as well as from a panel of individuals living with ALS and healthcare professionals who care for patients with ALS.

These experiences offer something that can’t always be learned from a textbook: the opportunity to hear directly from patients and families about what it is like to live with a diagnosis or injury. By listening to their experiences, our students gain a deeper understanding of the person behind the diagnosis—and are better prepared to provide compassionate, holistic, patient-centered care.

10/10/2026

From prescribing medication to assisting in surgery to diagnosing illness, physician assistants treat patients in every specialty and setting. This , we’re recognizing how for patients and communities.

And what better way to celebrate than by highlighting one of our own?

We’re especially proud to celebrate Mercer PA alumna Yazmin, who was recently recognized during Advanced Practice Provider Week for the important work she does in pediatric orthopedic surgery at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

From the classroom to the operating room, Mercer PAs are making a difference, and we couldn’t be prouder to see where their education and passion take them! 🩺🐻

10/09/2026

Every year, PAs have more than 620 million patient interactions, and each one matters. This , we’re recognizing how the PA profession increases access to care in communities across the country.

10/09/2026

As we begin the Countdown to 19 Inauguration Events, please join us in celebrating and offering our warmest congratulations and best wishes to Dr. Penny Elkins, Mercer University’s 19th President! 🎉🐻

We’re excited to welcome this new chapter of Mercer’s story and look forward to all that lies ahead under Dr. Elkins’ leadership.

Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D., became Mercer University’s 19th president on January 1, 2026. She is the first Mercer graduate to lead the private, nationally ranked research university in nearly five decades, the first “Double Bear”— earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Mercer — t...

10/08/2026

More than 200,000 PAs go beyond for their communities every day. This , we’re celebrating one of the fastest growing professions in healthcare.

10/07/2026

🏆 Talk about something worth celebrating!

The PA profession has been ranked the #2 healthcare job in the country, which is a recognition that reflects the knowledge, versatility, and impact of PA's across healthcare.

During PA Week, we’re proud to celebrate the professionals who bring expertise, compassion, and a commitment to patient care to every setting they serve.

Here’s to the PAs who are helping shape the future of healthcare, and to the students preparing to join them! 🩺

Happy PA Week!

10/06/2026

Join us as we celebrate PA Week and highlight the many ways PAs Go Beyond to make a difference in the lives of their patients, communities, and the future of healthcare!

Stay tuned as we celebrate our incredible PA students, faculty, alumni, and the profession they represent. 🩺🐻

10/01/2026

Happy National Physical Therapy Month! We’re grateful for the incredible physical therapy faculty, students, alumni, and friends who make our Mercer DPT community so special.

Here’s to celebrating the profession, the people behind it, and the many ways physical therapy helps people live life to the fullest! 🐻

09/25/2026

We’re so proud to be part of a University that continues to earn national recognition! 🎉

From being named among the nation’s Best Value Schools to ranking #75 among private universities in the nation, these distinctions reflect Mercer’s commitment to providing an exceptional education and meaningful value for our students. 🐻

Mercer University ranked No. 75 overall in the nation in the Top Private Colleges-National Universities category according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges Rankings.

09/25/2026

We’re proud of our Physician Assistant (PA) students for representing Mercer University and the College of Health Professions so well at Lazarus Health Day in Atlanta last weekend!

Through this annual community event, our students had the opportunity to volunteer alongside healthcare professionals (including some of our own PA faculty) and community partners to provide health screenings, health education, and compassionate support to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Lazarus Health Day is about so much more than medical care. Attendees can access dental services, meals, foot care, haircuts, manicures, and other essential resources—all designed to promote dignity, wellness, and connection.

Experiences like this remind us of the importance of service, compassion, and meeting people where they are. We’re grateful to Lazarus for welcoming our PA students and for the meaningful work they continue to do in our community.

Thank you to everyone who made this day possible!