Mercer University Athletics named Penny Davis as its Spirit Coordinator in August of 2010. Davis, of Forsyth, Ga. brings an impressive resumé to the position.

As a part of her duties for the Bears’ athletics program, Davis will oversee such entities as the MU pep band and spirit squads, coordinating their efforts at MU athletics contests. She is also in charge of appearances by Mercer’s popular Bears mascots- Toby and Tot.

Davis, who has over 25 years of experience as an elementary school teacher in the middle Georgia area and is currently a physical education instructor at Banks Stephens Middle School in Forsyth. She has an extensive pedigree in spirit-based activities, as well. Davis is currently the cheerleading coach for Mary Persons High School – a position she has held since 2001 - and will continue in that capacity concurrent to her working with the Bears’ programs.

Davis was the 2010 Georgia Cheerleading Coaches Association “Coach of the Year” and also named the Jasper County Primary School “Teacher of the Year” in 1996. She has coached and taught gymnastics, aerobics and fitness. She is a former owner of Flip Flops Gymnastics in Toccoa, as well as Mid State Gymnastics and Cheerleading in Monticello and Forsyth.

At Mary Persons, Davis began the competitive cheer program in 2001, adding a junior varsity squad in 2003 and expanding that to include the “Bulldog Squad” (with the sole purpose of cheering and promoting school spirit at football and basketball games and into the community). She also oversees such things as mascot participation at events, pep rallies and cheer camps.

Davis’ other accomplishments include community outreach programs such as food drives and toy collections for families in need, as well as free camps/clinics. She also coordinated community service projects for her cheer squads and assisted with fundraising golf tournaments and program advertising sales.