Jackson College has announced that local businessman Kirk Mercer will be honored with the 2018 Jackson College Distinguished Service Award.
Mercer is the owner and chief executive officer of R.W. Mercer Co., founded by his father in 1961. A Jackson College alumnus, he oversees the multi-state firm, which has seven branches primarily serving Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, and has grown from five employees to more than 170 employees today in three divisions – petroleum, general contracting and agriculture.
Mercer has been active both professionally and in the community. He served on the national board of the Petroleum Equipment Institute and ended his term as president of the organization. He has also served on the Michigan Petroleum Association Board, Jackson Enterprise Group Board, and as a corporate ambassador of Michigan International Speedway. He has served as a past member of the Hanover-Horton Board of Education, and is a current member of the Liberty Township Planning Commission. He was also co-chair of the Cascades Humane Society, secretary of the Mason State Bank Board and board president of the Country Club of Jackson. Kirk currently serves on the Executive Leadership Team of the American Heart Association.
“I am truly humbled to receive this distinguished honor from Jackson College and its Board,” Mercer said. “It has been just short of amazing to watch the growth and effects on the community that this institution has had over the past decades. I am proud to be an alumni. Thank you.”
He resides in Jackson with his wife, Marty, an attorney, and owner of Embellishments Gallerie Design Studio. They have three children, Nikki Johnson, Andy Mercer and Jaimie Mercer. In his free time, Kirk’s interests include golf, motorcycling and antique cars.
He will be recognized at the annual Dr. Ethelene Jones Crockett Distinguished Alumni and Jackson College Distinguished Service Award Reception on May 2, and at the Jackson College Commencement Ceremony on May 5.
