Then and Now
Many people – community members, students, religious leaders, and Mercer faculty and staff members – worked together to make the University’s integration not only possible, but also relatively peaceful during a time fraught with tension and anxiety.
Their goal was to make the transition smooth for not only the Mercer community, but also, and perhaps more importantly, the African-American students who were admitted to Mercer during those first years of integration.
We invite you to take a look at the following personal accounts of this pivotal moment in our community’s history in hopes that you will better understand what it took to make integration at Mercer a reality. And if you are inspired to share their stories on Twitter, join our celebration with #mercer50th.
The Decision
Charles Ray Brewster, professor emeritus of Christianity
Betty Hendricks, ’55, wife of former Dean of Students Joe Hendricks, ‘55
Mary Wilder, professor emerita of English
Trailblazers
Sam Oni, ‘67
Bob Hurt, ’65, Former Editor, The Mercer Cluster
Colin Harris, professor emeritus of religious studies
Don Baxter, ’67, former Mercer trustee and Sam Oni’s Mercer roommate
Charles Roberts, ’69, associate professor of mathematics, College of Continuing and Professional Studies
Bennie Stephens, ‘67
Pearlie Toliver, Mercer alumna and community leader
Tom Trimble, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy
Mary Wilder, professor emerita of English
Mercer Today
Jaleel Menifee, Mercer student
President William D. Underwood
Kaytlin Eldred, Mercer Student
Mercer Tomorrow
President William D. Underwood
H.W. “Ted” Matthews, ’68, dean of the College of Pharmacy and Senior Vice President for Health Sciences
Other Videos
Bob Hurt Speaks at Founders’ Day 2014
Compilation Video for The Convocation
Sam Oni Speaks at Founders’ Day Convocation 2011
Mercer Lyceum — Racial Justice in America: Where Are We Now
Andrew Young Speaking at a Convocation September 2013
Don Baxter Speaks at Founders’ Day Convocation 2011
Jockumentaries: Don Baxter and Sam Oni
President Underwood Speaking at Fall convocation 2013