Thank you for taking a moment to visit the official website of the Mercer Athletics Department. As you can see by browsing through the sections, it is a great time to “Be a Bear.”

As a former student-athlete here at Mercer, I have a particular fondness for the program and an added excitement for the wonderful things ahead. Our commitment to intercollegiate athletics begins at the very top from President Underwood right through to each coach and staff member.

As I began my tenure as the Director of Athletics in July of 2010, my goal is to build upon the foundation laid by former A.D. Bobby Pope during his more than 20 years in this position previously. With the support of the University and our team of staff members, I envision Bears Athletics taking an even more prominent place on the NCAA Division I landscape.

We will do this on the fields of competition. However,  wins and losses alone will not define success to Mercer Athletics. We want to have equally lofty ambitions in the classroom and help transition our young student-athletes into strong professionals in their chosen fields.  Likewise, we want our coaches, student-athletes and staff to be community-minded and help us carry the Orange & Black to others.

We have been very fortunate to enjoy national recognition. The 2013 Atlantic Sun Conference basketball championships will once again be hosted by Mercer in early March and we are once again anticipating a fantastic event that incorporates all facets of our campus community.  If  you happened to witness the men’s championship game on ESPN televised live from the University Center in 2012, how could you not burst with pride at seeing a full house in our venue on national TV? Likewise, the baseball team’s run through the A-Sun tournament and  NCAA regional bid really brought the spotlight to Macon!

It is my hope that – whatever your interest in Mercer University Athletics – you find a way to become involved with our program. I know I am so proud of my time as a student-athlete and staff member at MU, and I’d love to have you “Be a Bear” too!  

Sincerely,

Jim Cole
MU Athletics Director