Find Your Counselor
Get to know Felix Jelen
Witty, Easygoing, Inquisitive, Innovative, Amiable
- What's your walk-out song?
- "Midnight Rider" by The Allman Brothers Band
- What's your go-to dance move?
- The lawn sprinkler
- Favorite college memory?
- Conducting a six-week biodiversity survey in Baja, California
- Best place in Macon to have an adventure?
- The Ocmulgee River
- Mercer students in one word?
- Resilient
Get to know Ana Claire Gordon
Genuine, Passionate, Organized, Dedicated, Loyal
- What's something people don't know about you?
- I make a "statewide" award-winning pecan pie.
- What was your high school superlative?
- Most Likely to Succeed
- Mercer students in one word?
- Superior
- Favorite college memory?
- Watching Mercer Football play Alabama from the sideline of Bryant-Denny Stadium, thanks to my opportunity to intern for Mercer Football as an undergrad.
- Best staple restaurant in Macon
- The Bears Den
Caroline Carlton
Assistant Director of Admissions and Athletic Recruitment
Office: 478.301.2314
Cell: 478.219.8006
Get to know Caroline Carlton
Retired athlete, Tennessee transplant, Traveler, Ambitious, Energetic
- What’s your nickname?
- In high school volleyball, I was nicknamed “The Hammer.”
- Favorite college memory?
- My senior night for volleyball. We beat Western Carolina in four sets.
- Mercer students in one word?
- Driven
- Something that surprised you about Mercer?
- How far students come to attend. I had friends from all of the country and even other countries.
- Best place in Macon to catch a good game?
- Live – definitely Hawkins Arena! On tv – Margaritas big screen!
Get to know Chris Pinto
Analytical, Introspective, Runner, Backpack Traveler, Occasionally Clever
- What's your hidden talent?
- Minimizing. You can always bring less stuff.
- What's your nickname?
- Just Pinto. I've been told my last name is reminiscent of an automobile and a legume.
- Advice for the college search process?
- Visit, even if it's virtual. You will be surprised how quickly your view of a college changes in that 1-2 hours you invest.
- Why Mercer?
- It's the best possible intersection of the two things all colleges seek to provide: exceptional experiences and meaningful relationships.
- First impression of Macon?
- It's Southern-hipster with a deep sense of community.
Get to know Adam Chulawat
Extroverted, Cat fanatic, Food lover, Quirky, Can talk to a brick wall
- Favorite App?
- What are your hobbies?
- I like to work out, play soccer, go out to eat, and hang out with friends and family.
- Advice for the college search process?
- Your college search is YOUR college search. Decide what is YOUR best fit, not your friends’!
- Mercer in 3 adjectives?
- Personal, determined, engaging
- First impression of Macon?
- Historically beautiful and diverse! There’s parks to walk, rivers to kayak, and yummy restaurants to eat at!
Jena Palmer
Associate Director of Admissions and Recruitment
Office: 478.301.2316
Cell: 478.219.8210
Get to know Jena Palmer
Barbeque aficionado, Thrill seeker, Avid reader, Quick witted, Extrovert
- Something most people don’t know about you?
- I’ve seen all the movies on American Film Institute’s Top 100 List.
- A skill you wish you had?
- Sense of direction! Thank goodness for Google maps.
- Advice for the college search process?
- Talk with your admissions counselor!
- Favorite organization you were involved with as a Mercer student?
- BearForce – It was the best on-campus job!
- Best place in Macon to buy local produce?
- Village Marketplace on Ingleside
Get to know Jackie Atchison
Book collector, Yarn enthusiast, Singer, Traveler, Chocolate lover
- What’s your hidden talent?
- I can knit.
- What’s your go-to dance move?
- The disco point
- Favorite college memory?
- Studying abroad at the University of Oxford
- What made you choose Mercer?
- I loved the community feeling and small classes.
- Best place in Macon to have a relaxing day?
- Tattnall Square Park is a great place to relax. Especially on Saturday mornings – there’s free yoga!
Allison North
Associate Director of Admissions and Recruitment
Office: 478.301.2656
Cell: 478.219.8019
Get to know Allison North
Open-minded, Social, Music lover, Loyal, Sports fanatic
- What’s your hidden talent?
- In my car, I am a singing phenomenon.
- Most used emoji?
- 😂
- Favorite App?
- IMDB (I am constantly looking to see who starred in what movies and TV Shows)
- Best part of your job?
- Building relationships with future students and their families
- Best thing to do when you first move to Macon?
- Treat yourself at Decadent Dessert Bar
Get to know Sage Cudney
Coffee enthusiast, Animal lover, Compassionate, Adventurous, Thoughtful
- What would you bring to a deserted island?
- Duct tape. Nothing’s impossible with duct tape.
- What’s your walk out song?
- Dancing Queen by ABBA
- Favorite college memory?
- Studying abroad in Italy and traveling the world with new friends
- Something most people don’t know about Mercer?
- You can rent kayaks and other outdoor equipment from Recreation Sports and Wellness
- Best place in Macon to go on a date night?
- A quaint picnic and walk at Amerson River Park
Get to know Elsie Dru Miles
Atlanta Braves fanatic, Coffee connoisseur, Cat lady, Organized, Bubbly
- What are your hobbies?
- Drawing/painting, watching Netflix, nature walks/hikes, playing disc golf
- A skill you wish you had?
- I wish I could sing!
- What was your high school superlative?
- Most Likely to Make Checklists for Literally Everything
- Why Mercer?
- If you want to become part of a big family that provides true support, love, and encouragement, Mercer is for you!
- Best place in Macon to play disc golf?
- Claystone Park
Get to know Ashley Herman
Life-long learner, Doctor Who fanatic, Dog mom, Foodie, Lover of cheesy jokes
- What would you bring to a deserted island?
- Sunscreen…lots of it! I burn if I even think about going outside.
- A skill you wish you had?
- I wish I played the violin!
- Best advice for college freshmen?
- Be open to new experiences. It’s great to have a plan; however, it’s the spontaneous opportunities that often lead to the best memories. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your rain boots! Trust me.
- Favorite place to eat on campus?
- Einstein Brothers Bagels
- Best place in Macon to get brunch?
- LaDDa Bistro on Cherry Street
Get to know Tracy Martinez
Outdoor person, Minimalist, Friendly, Dedicated, Open-minded
- A skill you wish you had?
- Surfing
- What’s your nickname?
- Trace
- Best advice for college freshmen?
- Don’t skip class!
- If Mercer was an emoji, which one would it be and why?
- 🎓 Mercer sets you up to be successful in the real world.
- Favorite restaurant in Macon?
- Mikata
Get to know Abbie Paris
Outgoing, Creative, Music enthusiast, DIY risk-taker, Adventurist
- Coolest place you’ve travelled?
- I went on a ghost tour in the catacombs of Edinburgh, Scotland. Coolest experience ever!
- What was your high school superlative?
- Teacher’s Pet
- Advice for the college search process?
- Don't forget to have fun as you are applying and making decisions! We know the admissions process can be stressful, but remember that there are so many people rooting for you along the way and we all want you to find the right place to call home.
- Why Mercer?
- I felt like I mattered. The faculty, staff, and students made me feel like I was a part of Mercer’s story from the moment I took my first step on campus.
- What is your favorite Mercer tradition?
- The Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas in the Village
Get to know Kelly L. Holloway
Driven, Compassionate, First-gen college graduate, Toddler mom, Disney fan
- Favorite college memory?
- Studying abroad in Peru—it’s where I met my husband!
- What are your hobbies?
- Spending time with my son and husband, reading, cooking, and traveling
- Something most people don’t know about Mercer?
- How diverse our student population is! We have a more diverse population than most public universities and nearly every private university.
- Best advice for college freshmen?
- Visit the Academic Resource Center (ARC) from the start—not just when you think you need it. Attend Real Talk, and embrace the opportunities that come from building relationships within the Mercer community.
- Best place in Macon to have a date night?
- Dinner at Dovetail and a show at the Hargray Capitol Theater
Get to know Bo Walker
Family man, Left handed, Amateur comedian, Movie buff, Sneakerhead
- What’s your hidden talent?
- I’m a fantastic swimmer.
- What’s your nickname?
- Bo is actually a nickname. My real name is William.
- Best advice for college freshmen?
- Stay on top of your workload and get to know your professors.
- Best walking/running route on campus?
- There’s no wrong way to get around campus. I say hit the pavement and let the route find you.
- Best place in Macon to have an adventure?
- Smiley’s Flea Market!