Dr. Jeff Mercer has been named the next dean of the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences effective immediately, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Michael Adams announced today.
Mercer becomes the third dean of the College, since its founding in 1985, following Dr. Michael Adams who was named provost and vice president for academic affairs in June. Mercer has served as interim dean since June 2023. He joined Campbell in 2022 as the associate dean of administration after serving as an associate dean and dean of the College of Pharmacy at Harding University. During his 16-year tenure with Harding University, Mercer was instrumental in developing the College of Pharmacy and advancing the mission of the institution as part of the founding leadership team.
“Dr. Mercer brings significant expertise in education administration and leadership that has prepared him for this critical leadership position with the University,” Adams said. “He has already made a significant impact during his time in the interim role. I am confident that he will continue to be a valuable asset to the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences and Campbell University.”
During his time as interim dean, Mercer helped guide the College and key program leaders through the final steps of three on-site accreditations, including the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), Accreditation and Review Commission on Physician Assistant Education (ARC-PA), and the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
“I am honored to serve as dean of the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences,” said Mercer. “I look forward to working collaboratively with our faculty, staff, alumni, and friends as we continue to prepare our students to lead purposeful lives as they graduate and serve in our communities.”
Mercer began his educational journey at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama in 1992. He continued his studies at Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia, where he completed coursework in preparation for his formal pharmacy education. In 1999 and 2000, he earned his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees with honors from Auburn University School of Pharmacy. Additionally, Dr. Mercer holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas.
Mercer started his career as a pharmacist and pharmacy manager in the early 2000s, gaining practical experience before moving into corporate pharmacy management. In 2004, he was promoted to pharmacy supervisor and district manager at Publix Super Markets, Inc. During that time, he was responsible for expanding the company’s pharmacy presence in Alabama and Tennessee.
Known for a strong commitment to people management, health-related education, and organizational leadership, he has a proven track record of excellence due to his education, experiences, and formal leadership training through organizations like Strata Leadership and the Academic Leaders Fellowship Program of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Together with the College’s Executive Team, Dr. Mercer is equipped to lead as the college navigates the future of healthcare education.
Dr. Mercer and his wife, Emmie, are the parents of three children, Jeffrey (21), Levi (19), and Anderson (15).