Mercer University President William D. Underwood announced today that Julia T. Davis, vice president for finance and treasurer, will be promoted to senior vice president for finance and administration, effective July 1.

Davis, who has served in her current role since 2024, will succeed Dr. James S. Netherton, executive vice president for administration and finance since 2007, who will retire on June 30.

She currently oversees the University’s external audits, accounts payable, bursar, grants and contracts, student loans, purchasing and the treasurer’s office. In her expanded role, she will be responsible for budget and analysis, human resources, payroll and benefits, physical plant, information technology, auxiliary services, the University Center, and Mercer Engineering Research Center.

“Julia has proven to be an extremely effective leader and problem solver and will ensure that the University continues to benefit from strong and experienced leadership in finance and administration,” said Underwood. “I want to thank Julia for her willingness to accept these broader and critically important responsibilities. I also am grateful to Dr. Netherton for his highly effective mentorship of Julia in preparing her for the role of his successor.”

Davis joined the University in January 1996 as an auditor in the internal audit department and served in various other financial roles at the University. She was appointed associate vice president for finance and treasurer in 2004.

During her tenure, she has been instrumental in the implementation of various financial accounting standards and implemented the University’s first federally approved facilities and administrative rate. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Georgia College and State University and is a Certified Public Accountant. 

She has served on the board of the Southern Association for College Business Officers (SACUBO) and is a frequent speaker at professional meetings for SACUBO and Financial Research Administrators (FRA). She has also been active in the middle Georgia community as coach on various youth sports teams and a former board member of Junior League of Macon. 

“I am committed to continuing my service to the University with integrity and forethought while enthusiastically supporting Mercer in fulfilling its mission,” Davis said.