MACON – Upon the retirement of long-time Mercer University Professor Dr. Peter Brown, Assistant Professor Dr. David A. Davis will succeed Dr. Brown as coordinator of the Scholarships and Fellowships Program in the Provost's Office, effective July 1.
Among the many varied roles he has fulfilled at Mercer, Dr. Brown, professor of philosophy and a faculty member for over 40 years, was tasked with initiating the office, under the University's strategic plan, in 2009.
Under Dr. Brown's leadership, Mercer students have had unprecedented success in competing for highly prized national and international awards. He credits the network of faculty mentors who are making undergraduate research, study abroad and service-learning the hallmarks of a Mercer undergraduate education.
“These are the exceptional co-curricular opportunities that will prepare the next generation of leaders in the professions and in our communities. They are also the marks of distinction that competitive national and international scholarships are looking to,” said Dr. Brown.
“As we grow this culture of engagement, our students naturally have become competitive for these prestigious awards, including this year's Fulbright, Goldwater, National Science Foundation, Woodrow Wilson and Teach For America winners.”
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank Peter Brown for his years of service dedicated to the success of Mercer students,” said University Provost Dr. Scott Davis. “The culminating event of his career will be constructing a program that prepares our students to become the best recipients of both nationally and internationally competitive scholarships and fellowships.”
Dr. David Davis is an assistant professor of English and Southern studies. He came to Mercer in 2008 after earning his B.A. from Emory University and Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
“David Davis has big shoes to fill but I am confident he will enhance the momentum we have in this area,” said Dr. Scott Davis. “As an undergraduate student, David was nominated for a number of international fellowships, so he understands the process for a successful application. Students naturally gravitate to David, and I believe his enthusiasm and personality are perfect fit for this position.”
“Dr. Brown's legacy as a professor, a Mercerian, and a Maconite will endure in perpetuity. In addition to all of his other accomplishments, Dr. Brown created the Office of Fellowships and Scholarships, offering our best students opportunities to further their studies with the support of competitive, prestigious awards,” said Dr. David Davis.
“I am eager to follow his example and to encourage Mercer students to pursue fellowships and scholarships. Mercer students are among the best students in the world, and they deserve to find a world of opportunity.”
