A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION CHAMPIONING OUR LOCAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS. PHOTOGRAPY BY JESSICA WHITLEY AND MARIN GUTA.

Macon | Atlanta | Savannah | Columbus | 1-800-MERCER-U | mercer.edu

Atlanta:
LISA M. LUNDQUIST, PHARM.D., DEAN, COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS; LINDA A. STREIT, R.N., D.S.N., DEAN, COLLEGE OF NURSING; PRISCILLA DANHEISER, PH.D., DEAN, COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT, AT MERCER VILLAGE LOFTS ON MERCER’S ATLANTA CAMPUS

What is your mission?
The mission of Mercer University is to teach, to learn, to discover, to inspire, to empower, and to serve.

How do you define success?
I define my own success through the achievements of our students, faculty and staff that are consistent with Mercer’s mission and strategic imperatives. I also define success through recognition and reinforcement from my boss, of course! – Dr. Priscilla Danheiser

You might be surprised to know:
Mercer’s College of Professional Advancement, one of 12 schools and colleges at the university, enrolls over 1,300 post-traditional students in 13 undergraduate majors and 10 graduate programs offered in formats accessible to working adults in the evening on Mercer’s campuses, fully online and through a blend of both. – Dr. Priscilla Danheiser

What lessons did you learn from the COVID-19 pandemic?
The pandemic reinforced how incredibly essential it is to encourage and to be part of an agile organization committed to its mission, to continuous, intentional collaboration and communication across units and people and equipped to respond to environmental changes quickly so that quality, opportunities and vision are maintained and even enhanced. – Dr. Priscilla Danheiser

What lessons did you learn from the COVID-19 pandemic?
There was no dress rehearsal for this pandemic. Emotions and opinions continue to run high. While I learned many lessons, there are three areas of practice that sustained me: to listen attentively, to be kind and to provide factual information. I continue to include these practices every day. – Dr. Linda Streit

What is the most gratifying part of your job?
The creative process of turning ideas into realities is very rewarding. I appreciate the opportunity to see the big picture and strategize the future direction of the College of Health Professions while navigating the details of creating and maintaining successful programs. – Dr. Lisa Lundquist

What is the most gratifying part of your job?
Having served in this role at Mercer for 14 years, I unabashedly find all elements of serving as academic dean gratifying. The outstanding accomplishments of our students and our faculty and the encouragement and support of the leadership of this university make my job simply the best. – Dr. Priscilla Danheiser

What is the most gratifying part of your job?
Fostering the development of entry-level nurses and seeing them blossom. When someone wants to become a registered nurse, they are taking on a life-long commitment to serve and support the health of our communities. It is immensely gratifying to see our graduates provide bedside care, provide advanced care as nurse practitioners and conduct research. – Dr. Linda Streit

I admire women who:
Display confidence, persevere throughout challenges and demonstrate strength of character through kindness and generosity. – Dr. Lisa Lundquist

I admire women who:
Using the very best evidence for success to which they have access, are willing to propose and experiment with new ideas. – Dr. Priscilla Danheiser

What are you most excited about right now in our community?
Without a doubt, I am most excited about Mercer University; its leadership and impact within the community, state and far beyond; and all the promise of even greater impact to come. – Dr. Priscilla Danheiser

Why is Central Georgia a good place to do business?
Past success and immediate potential! The components necessary for success already are in place and have existed for so long in Central Georgia including higher education, healthcare, central location along a scenic river with proximity to a major metropolitan area and major port, interstate highways, the arts, innovation and increasing positive outcomes within our K-12 public school system, recreational facilities and a diverse population. Those who can see, imagine, build upon and communicate what is already here and how their business or organization adds to it and those who are willing to play a leadership role to advance our community are sure to be successful. – Dr. Priscilla Danheiser

What was the best business advice you ever received?
Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. – Dr. Lisa Lundquist

What was the best business advice you ever received?
Utilize a mentor — someone who provides knowledge, advice, acceptance and ultimately serves as a trusted supporter. Sometimes the lessons are tough, but you will succeed through (and with) the support and guidance of effective mentorship. Ultimately, you will be expected to pay it forward by serving as a mentor to the leaders of tomorrow. – Dr. Linda Streit

What was the best business advice you ever received?
It was old-fashioned advice from my father; “your word is your bond.” – Dr. Priscilla Danheiser

Your advice for women wanting to start their own business?
Listen, be honest, do the work in advance to learn of all the resources available, research best practices, hire the very best and establish a work environment to encourage and retain the very best. Be responsible for your decisions and actions, equip your organization in advance of starting rapid change, work hard and never underestimate the potentially transformational contributions of any individual with whom you have the opportunity to work. – Dr. Priscilla Danheiser

How can women better support each other?
See possibilities in our differences; there is strength in diversity. – Dr. Lisa Lundquist

How can women better support each other?
Begin each day with gratitude. It is so very important for women to make an earnest effort to support one another. Be grateful for the gifts you have been given and support others to develop to their fullest potential. Putting other women down to make yourself stand out is so bitterly unproductive. Mentoring and practicing kindheartedness builds stronger bridges of support and, ultimately, success. – Dr. Linda Streit

Looking back, I wish I had known:
That I did not have to be in such a hurry. – Dr. Priscilla Danheiser

In five years, I:
Will continue to bask in the reflective glory of all of the significant accomplishments of the graduates of our undergraduate and graduate programs in Mercer’s College of Professional Advancement. – Dr. Priscilla Danheiser