Tamia Sammons is graduating from Mercer University’s College of Professional Advancement with a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership.
What are your plans after graduation?
As an organizational leadership major, I am hoping to secure an opportunity in business or corporate strategy and/or operations.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
The organizational leadership program features many excellent professors, but I have particularly enjoyed learning from Dr. Kevin Williams and Dr. Gail Johnson. Both instructors understand that they are teaching working adults with diverse backgrounds, needs and levels of knowledge, many of whom have been out of school for 10 years or more. Their coursework is manageable, challenging, engaging and applicable to real-world situations. Most importantly, it’s clear that they genuinely want their students to succeed.
What is one of your favorite Mercer memories?
One of my favorite memories at Mercer is being named to the President’s or Dean’s List every semester since I started in January 2023. It’s amazing what can happen when hard work and dedication come together.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was organizational development and change with Dr. Susanne Diggs-Wilborn. Her teaching style made complex concepts feel approachable. We explored common challenges organizations face, such as resistance to change, communication breakdowns and leadership gaps, and discussed practical, strategic solutions to address them. It really helped me understand how to navigate and lead through change with confidence and clarity.
How do you plan on changing the world?
I’m not sure I’ll change the entire world, but I do plan to change the world around me by showing up, staying committed and leading by example. Through the organizational leadership program, I’ve learned the importance of being intentional in how I apply what I’ve learned. It’s not just about theory. It’s about how I lead, how I collaborate and how I respond to real-life challenges. That means listening more, working better with others, and saying yes to opportunities that push me outside of my comfort zone. Growth happens when we stretch ourselves, and I plan to lean into that discomfort to keep evolving personally and professionally.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
One of the most important things you can learn is how to manage your time and prioritize what really matters. Balancing classes, work and life isn’t easy, but it’s possible. Start by getting organized early. Use a planner, set reminders and break big tasks into smaller ones. Most importantly, learn to say no when you need to.
How did Mercer prepare you for your future?
Mercer taught me how to balance life’s demands while still chasing big goals. Juggling work and school wasn’t easy, but Mercer’s flexible programs, supportive faculty and real-world learning environment made it possible. I gained not just knowledge in my field but also the confidence to lead, collaborate and adapt — skills that will serve me long after graduation.
What makes Mercer special to you?
Mercer is more than a university — it’s a community that welcomed, challenged and believed in me. As a nontraditional student, I never felt out of place; instead, I felt empowered. It’s a place where your story matters and where you’re encouraged to challenge the status quo and put your goals into action.
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