Dr. Mark Merges Shares An Experience That Exemplifies Piedmont’s Care for Students

This summer, we've asked some of our Piedmont faculty to answer a simple prompt: tell a story that matters to you. Today's highlight, Dr. Mark Merges, serves as the Off-Campus Coordinator for our College of Education. Read on for an anecdote from his time at Piedmont!

One of the things I value most about Piedmont is the close-knit relationships among faculty, staff, and students. It’s a place where people genuinely care about each other, and that sense of support makes a massive difference in the lives of our students.

One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had was with a student in my graduate class who was also a full-time teacher. She lost a student in her elementary classroom to gun violence, and it was heartbreaking. During that time, I did everything I could to support her, not just as her professor but as a fellow educator. I offered her flexibility, encouragement, and a listening ear. Watching her walk across the stage at graduation after all she had been through was incredibly moving. That moment reminded me why I love what I do and why Piedmont is such a special place. We’re more than a university; we’re a community that lifts one another up.