ATLANTA, GA — Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper will recognize Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) as the official Georgia Grown Medical School during an event at the Georgia National Fair in Perry on Friday, Oct. 16.
Mercer’s medical degree program accepts only Georgia residents and emphasizes preparing physicians to serve the state’s communities. The designation recognizes the school’s role in strengthening Georgia’s physician workforce, particularly in rural areas.
Who:
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper
Mercer University School of Medicine Dean Jean R. Sumner, M.D., MACP
Mercer University President Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D.
What: Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper will officially proclaim Mercer University School of Medicine the official Georgia Grown Medical School, recognizing the school’s commitment to educating future Georgia physicians and addressing the healthcare needs of rural Georgia.
Where: Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter
Georgia Grown Building
401 Larry Walker Parkway
Perry, GA 31069
When: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at 3 p.m.
Media Availability: Members of the media will have the opportunity to interview speakers following the press conference. MUSM students from rural communities who plan to return to rural areas to practice medicine will also be available for interviews.
RSVP: Media should RSVP to Matthew Agvent at 770-238-7216 or Matthew.Agvent@agr.georgia.gov.