Ragans Includes Mercer in Estate Plan to Ensure Future Support for Students

Sherrill Williams Ragans, TIFT ’58, and her late husband, Jimmy, have been supporting Mercer for years. Inspired by the example of her philanthropic parents and the generosity of her husband, Sherrill believes it is important to use her time and resources to support institutions and organizations that have impacted her life and continue to impact the lives of others.

Having spent her career in higher education leadership roles and retiring as an associate vice president at Florida State University, Sherrill credits her experience at Tift College, a women’s college that merged with Mercer in 1986, with preparing her for her career.

“Tift provided me with leadership and development opportunities in an environment in which I could succeed,” said Sherrill.

With a mutual desire to help others and an appreciation for what their education contributed to their lives, Sherrill and Jimmy included Mercer in their estate plan. In addition to her annual contributions, Sherrill has committed a portion of her investment assets to Mercer.

“What better way could you help to ensure that those who come after you will have the opportunity for the experiences that moved you along?” asked Sherrill. “If you valued your educational experience and if it helped you, there is nothing better you could do with what you leave behind.”

By naming Mercer as an IRA beneficiary, Sherrill hopes to support activities that are important to students well beyond her lifetime.