Dean's Message January 2026
Each new year—academic or calendar—brings opportunities for reflection, planning, and progress. At Mercer Law, the spring semester begins with students, faculty, and staff engaged in the work ahead.
First-year students are reviewing fall grades and moving into a new set of courses, along with their first opportunity to participate in intraschool advocacy competitions, including the Lawson Moot Court Competition and the Manley Brown Closing Argument Competition. Second-year students are completing more than half of their legal education and turning their attention to summer plans. Third-year students begin their final semester of law school as they prepare for graduation and the transition to practice. Faculty have prepared new courses, and staff have completed year-end projects while launching initiatives for the year ahead.
The Law School joins Mercer University in welcoming new leadership. President Penny Elkins and Provost Lisa Lundquist are long-standing Mercerians whose experience and commitment will help guide the University forward while honoring its history.
In this issue of the newsletter, you will learn about the goals and enthusiasm of two of our second-year students and the recent successes of our advocacy teams. We are pleased to welcome Walker Lee, ’24, as Associate Director of Advocacy. Alongside Director of Advocacy Lauren James, ’21, and Assistant Dean of Advocacy Katie Powers, ’09, he will support our advocacy teams throughout the spring, including those competing at the national level.
Mercer Law continues to receive a record number of applications. You will meet Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Stacey Stone, who—together with Assistant Dean of Admissions Marilyn Sutton, Associate Director of Admissions and Recruitment Shelby Henry, and Financial Aid Counselor Taylor Fite—ensures that each prospective student understands how Mercer Law may be the right fit.
This issue also highlights our alumni award recipients: J. Henry Walker IV, ’86; Eric K. Dunaway, ’96; and Virginia Josey, ’16. Their accomplishments reflect the values and impact of a Mercer legal education. We hope you will join us in celebrating them at the alumni dinner on February 27, 2026.
As the spring semester begins, Mercer Law looks ahead with purpose and momentum. We remain focused on supporting our students, strengthening our community, and advancing the work that defines our mission in the months to come.
