Announcement Article
Mercer University Honors Emily P. Myers
Macon, GA – On October 25, 2008, Mercer University honored Emily P. Myers for her years of exceptional leadership as Senior Vice President for University Advancement and External Affairs. The presentation of the framed resolution was made at the annual dinner of Mercer’s top donors, The President’s Club.
During Ms. Myer’s 29 years of leadership in advancement, Mercer received private gifts and grants of more than $500 million. She led the largest fundraising initiative in the university’s 175-year history, the $350 million Advancing the Vision Campaign. Her diligent work with the General Assembly helped to secure more than $300 million from the State of Georgia for funding of the Mercer School of Medicine. In addition, some $300 million was designated in estate gifts that will be forthcoming to the University.
Below is the resolution presented to her.
A Resolution Honoring
Emily Parker Myers
WHEREAS, Emily Parker Myers, long-time Senior Vice President for University Advancement and External Affairs, is known for her commitment to excellence in higher education, having established an exceptional record of service during her 35-year tenure at Mercer University; and
WHEREAS, when appointed Senior Vice President for University Advancement and External Affairs at Mercer on July 1, 1979, Ms. Myers became the first woman in the University’s history to hold the title of vice president, holding that position until August 1, 2008, when she accepted the presidency of Jon McRae and Associates, an executive search firm specializing in the higher education market; and
WHEREAS, in her role as the senior administrator of University Advancement and External Affairs, Ms. Myers coordinated all of Mercer’s external relations programs, including public relations, governmental affairs, alumni services, fund-raising, capital campaigns, arts administration, donor records and research, and University special events for the University’s 11 colleges and schools in Macon, Atlanta and Savannah, as well as three regional academic centers, managing a staff of more than 60 professionals and the more than 1,000 individuals who volunteer on Mercer boards and committees; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Myers also was the senior administrator for the supervision and reservations for five of Mercer’s most symbolic structures — the Woodruff House, the Tift and W.G. Lee alumni houses, the University Center, the historic Grand Opera House, a performing arts center of Mercer University; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Myers began her career in higher education through work in the Mercer University Admissions Office, and, later in her career, when she once again led the Admissions Office, significantly enhanced the profile of entering students at Mercer; and
WHEREAS, while she was responsible for University Advancement, Mercer received private gifts and grants of more than $500 million, and she led the University in the Advancing the Vision Campaign, the largest fund-raising initiative in its history; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Myers coordinated governmental affairs for the School of Medicine with the State of Georgia, working to protect and increase state funding for private colleges and universities in addition to seeking federal funding from governmental agencies and special appropriations when timely; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Myers, a graduate of Florida State University, also has held administrative positions at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida, and Stetson University School of Law, St. Petersburg, Florida; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Myers is very active in the Macon community and throughout the state of Georgia, holding many leadership positions and serving on numerous boards and committees.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the President’s Club of Mercer University, on behalf of the faculty, staff, students and alumni, gratefully expresses our deepest appreciation to Emily P. Myers for her extraordinary commitment and vision, which has been instrumental in advancing Mercer University into the ranks of the finest institutions in America.
The twenty-fifth day of October, In the Year of our Lord 2008.
William D. Underwood
President, Mercer University
William A. Moye
President, The Mercer University President’s Club
