Spring 2026 Presidential Fellows
Aleem Patni is a junior majoring in History on the pre-medicine track. He was attracted to Mercer for its focus on service-based healthcare. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Merserve, the largest student-run service organization on campus. He has recently directed events, including Be a Good Neighbor, which sent more than 500 Mercer students to volunteer across Macon. Alongside his peers, he has launched two other service initiatives. Mercer YOUTH is a mental health initiative that supports high school students and reduces the stigma surrounding mental health. Macon Manuhealth is an initiative that provides healthcare supplies and education to people experiencing homelessness in Macon. Patni has volunteered as a tutor with the Migrant Education Program within the Spanish Department, where he teaches English and assists students from immigrant families. He participated in the Mercer on Mission trip to rural Uganda, where he helped teach sexual health education and create interactive lesson plans. As part of this Mercer on Mission, he also worked on a project that pivoted to meet the community’s needs, developing resources to help reduce malnutrition. On campus, he conducts malaria vaccinology research in Dr. Sung-Jae Cha’s lab in the Medical School. In the future, he plans to become a service-oriented physician-leader, noting that health does not occur in a vacuum.
Chloe Paulk is a senior at Mercer majoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Her involvements with innovation on and off campus have led her to expand her own business, Cake it with Chloe. Since 2019, Chloe has developed a gluten- free cake mix, embracing the idea that, “everyone deserves a piece of cake!” Her initiative to bring accessibility for people with allergies and dietary restrictions, especially in small towns, has come to recent spotlight on several fronts. Her cake mix is currently stocked in fifteen specialty retailers in addition to upcoming stock at ten Piggly Wigglys. Outside of her business, Chloe is involved in the Georgia FLEX entrepreneurship program for high school students. She is excited to pave the way for future entrepreneurs by mentoring, helping, and supporting the next generation. She is also highly involved in supporting her peers on campus, through organizations including Alpha Delta Pi, Reformed University Fellowship, and Mercer Ambassadors. She plans to continue her education by pursuing a graduate program and to continue expanding Cake it with Chloe. If you would like to learn more about Cake it with Chloe, check out cakeitwithchloe.com
Harris Wallace is a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. In support of his hopes for a future career in politics, he has engaged in programs focused on voting rights and civic engagement. He participated in the Mercer on Mission trip to the Republic of Georgia with Dr. Grant; the trip taught him about overcoming obstacles in underserved communities. He has also worked as a student employee in the Office of Student Conduct Resolution and the Center for Professional Development. These roles have supported ethical and productive practices for students on campus. Throughout his time at Mercer, and with great support from Dr. Honeycutt and Dr. Grant, he has continued to explore his ongoing ambition to one day become President of the United States. In the coming years he plans to pursue a Master’s in Public Administration and run for local office.
Justin Jones is a second-year student at the Mercer College of Pharmacy in Atlanta. After completing a bachelor’s degree in Biology, he developed a passion for teaching students, coaching basketball, and pouring into local youth. After his experience engaging in the community was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to pivot to an area he felt was highly needed: pharmacy. He chose to study at Mercer because of the school’s credibility in the healthcare field, as well as its dedication to service and social responsibility. During his time at Mercer, he has participated in Pharmacy and Therapeutics competitions, simulating drug trials in the market. Jones emphasizes becoming a people-focused leader, no matter where his future career takes him. He plans to improve access to and affordability of healthcare. He added his personal experience, “This past year has been incredibly meaningful for me, both academically and personally. I first had the opportunity to lead our P&T completion team to the semifinals, an experience that reinforced the importance of teamwork, persistence, and shared goals. Along the way, I was honored to be inducted into the Rho Chi Honor Society, recognizing the top 15% of my class, and even more grateful to now serve as its president. Most recently, I stepped outside my comfort zone as the student speaker for Mercer Health Sciences Day, where I had the chance to reflect on my journey and share it with others.”
Meredith Hendrix is a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management and Management. She chose to study at Mercer because of her passion for service and community engagement. On campus, she has spent her sophomore and junior years as a resident assistant in Legacy Hall. Hendrix has served on the Baptist Christian Ministries and Reformed University Fellowship leadership teams. She also worked alongside Dr. Davis in the Mercer Honors Program as an Honors preceptor. Her involvement has demonstrated her appreciation for relationship-building, especially in diverse settings. She notes having gained a deep administration for balancing different perspectives, especially in the university setting. She plans to pursue law school, which would pave the way for a potential role in higher education or public service.