Current Dean Cathy Cox named president of Georgia College, effective Oct. 1
MACON – Mercer Law School Associate Dean Karen Sneddon has been named interim dean of the school by Provost Dr. D. Scott Davis following current Dean Cathy Cox’s appointment by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents as president of Georgia College and State University. Both appointments are effective Oct. 1.
“I appreciate the leadership that Cathy Cox has provided for our law school over the last four-plus years,” Dr. Davis said. “She has overseen significant revisions in the curriculum, strengthened student outcomes and guided the School through a successful reaccreditation process. She will be an outstanding president for Georgia College, and as a graduate of Mercer Law School will always be part of the Mercer family.”
Sneddon, who serves as professor of law and associate dean for faculty research and development, teaches, writes, and speaks in the areas of legal writing, wills, and real estate transactions. Prior to joining the Mercer law faculty in 2006, Sneddon was a Forrester Fellow at Tulane Law School and an associate at a New York City law firm. She graduated summa cum laude from Louisiana State University and summa cum laude from Tulane Law School.
“I’m grateful that Professor Sneddon has agreed to serve as interim dean,” Dr. Davis said. “She is well-regarded as an outstanding scholar and teacher by her colleagues in the Law School and has filled important leadership roles across the University, including serving as chair of the Faculty House of Delegates.”
Cox was named dean of Mercer Law School in 2017 after serving 10 years as president of Young Harris College and eight years as Georgia’s Secretary of State. She is a former member of the Mercer Board of Trustees and the Law School’s Board of Visitors. Cox earned her undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and her law degree from Mercer.
“It has been a privilege to work with Cathy Cox over the last four years,” said Mercer President William D. Underwood, who also is a tenured professor in the Law School. “She has provided steady, principled leadership for our Law School and has strengthened its relationship with alumni and the legal community. I am confident she will be an excellent president for Georgia College and State University.”
