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

26 LC 129 0665 House Resolution 1129 By: Representatives Herring of the 145th, Jones of the 143rd, Paris of the 142nd, Washburn of the 144th, Reeves of the 99th, and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D.; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D., was elected as Mercer Universi ty's 19th president,2 taking office on January 1, 2026; and3 WHEREAS, President Elkins, a life-long educator, has earned the respect and admiration of4 her colleagues, associates, and students during her more than 3 0-year career in education;5 and6 WHEREAS, President Elkins is not only the first female president in the university's nearly7 200-year history, but also the first Mercer graduate to serve as president since 1979 and the8 first Double Bear to serve since 1959; and9 WHEREAS, prior to her election, President Elkins served as Mercer University’s senior vice10 president for enrollment management, leading the university in achieving record-breaking11 enrollment growth, including an 80 percent increase in freshman enrollment and 47 percent12 increase in the total residential undergraduate student population; and13 H. R. 1129 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0665 WHEREAS, during her remarkable tenure at Mercer, Dr. Elkins has led several14 cross-functional and interdisciplinary initiatives and was instrumental in the creation of the15 Department of Educational Leadership and the first doctoral pro gram in the College of16 Education; and17 WHEREAS, President Elkins’ significant organizational and leadership talents, remarkable18 patience and diplomacy, keen sense of vision, and sensitivity to the needs of her students and19 staff have earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and associates; and20 WHEREAS, she is a person of exceptional strengths with an unimpeachable reputation for21 integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness; and22 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this23 remarkable and distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized.24 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that25 the members of this body recognize and commend Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D. for her lifetime26 of dedicated service, congratulate her upon being elected President of Mercer University, and27 extend best wishes for her continued health, happiness, and success.28 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized29 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Penny30 L. Elkins, Ph.D.31 H. R. 1129 - 2 -