Douglas R. Pearson

Dr. Douglas Pearson serves as Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Mercer University since 2004, overseeing critical student service units including Campus Life, Counseling Services, Diversity and Inclusion, Housing and Residence Life, and Student Conduct Resolution. He concurrently holds visiting-professor status in Mercer's Tift School of Education.

His educational foundation includes:

• Bachelor's degree in Sociology from St. Lawrence University
• Master's degree in Counseling and Human Development from St. Lawrence University
• Doctorate in Higher Administration Education from Florida State University

Dr. Pearson's scholarly focus centers on Student Affairs and Higher Education Administration, with specialized expertise in Educational Law (evidenced by his dissertation on negligent liability recognized as "Dissertation of the Year" by national associations), Diversity Initiatives, and Career Development Systems. His work bridges administrative practice with academic theory through master's program development and judicial affairs scholarship.

Professional recognition includes:

• Star Award for Special Achievement (FSU)
• Greek Life-conferred Outstanding Dedication Award (FSU)
• Gabor Award for Excellence (UWF)
• Mercer University’s Administrator of the Year (awarded twice)
• 2019 Barry Jenkins Award for Outstanding Contributions to Student Life

As Student Government Association advisor and chair of both the Student Awards Committee and Board of Appropriations, Dr. Pearson has shaped student leadership development while co-founding the Student Affairs master's track at University of West Florida. His community engagement spans the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, reflecting his commitment to holistic student development beyond campus boundaries.