A native of Jackson, Tennessee, began his professional career in 1974 with The Jackson Sun, a daily newspaper, and remained there until 1994, serving in a variety of roles during that tenure including reporter, copy editor, assistant news editor, assistant city editor, reader services editor and a columnist. Mr. Mercer has been married since Dec. 28, 1978, to the former Kathy Morris of Jackson, Tennessee. They have two daughters, Dione Michelle and Wanita Nicole.
- Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Lambuth University, Jackson, Tennessee
- Master's degree in Communications from Auburn University (Alabama)
- Diversity in the Media
- Journalism I
- Journalism II
- News-Feature Writing and Editing
- Publications Practicum (LOGOS adviser)