HR1129: HR1129 Elkins, Penny L., Ph.D; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives honoring Dr. Penny L. Elkins after her election as Mercer University's 19th president, a role she took up on January 1, 2026. The resolution recounts her career, noting she is the first woman to lead the university in its nearly 200-year history, the first Mercer graduate to become president since 1979, and the first alum from the university's residential undergraduate program (called a Double Bear) to serve since 1959. The text also credits her prior role as senior vice president for enrollment management with large enrollment gains, and cites her role in creating the Department of Educational Leadership and the College of Education's first doctoral program. The resolution formally commends her and directs the Clerk of the House to send her a copy. It does not change any Georgia law.

• Formally recognizes and commends Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D. for her career in education and her election as Mercer University's president.
• States that Elkins is the first female president in Mercer University's nearly 200-year history.
• Congratulates Elkins and extends wishes for her continued health, happiness, and success.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Elkins.

This resolution directly names and honors Dr. Penny L. Elkins and Mercer University. It has no regulatory or legal effect on the public, other institutions, or Georgia residents generally.

The resolution carries no legal or financial consequences; it is a symbolic honor. Its main real-world effect is a formal, public statement from the Georgia House recognizing Elkins' career and new role as Mercer University's president.

• The whereas clauses describe Elkins' background, including her more than 30 years in education and prior role as Mercer's senior vice president for enrollment management.
• The resolution notes specific enrollment gains under her leadership, including an 80 percent increase in freshman enrollment and a 47 percent increase in total residential undergraduate students.
• The resolved clause formally commends Elkins and congratulates her on becoming Mercer University's president.
• A final clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy of the resolution available for distribution to Elkins.

1. 2026-01-28House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-01-28House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-01-28House Hopper (House)

• Tangie Herring (D, HD-145)Primary sponsor
• Anissa Jones (D, HD-143)
• Miriam Paris (D, HD-142)
• Dale Washburn (R, HD-144)
• Matt Reeves (R, HD-099)
• Robert Flournoy (D, HD-074)

• Mercer University
• higher education leadership
• commendation resolution
• Georgia House resolutions