MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Mercer University Athletics Director Jim Cole is stepping down after 16 years, and Deputy Athletics Director Brian Gerrity has been promoted to succeed him, the university announced Wednesday. Cole, a Mercer alumnus and former Bears baseball player, has served as athletics director since 2010. “Under Jim’s leadership, Mercer Athletics achieved national prominence,” Mercer President Penny Elkins said. As deputy athletics director and executive director of the Mercer Athletic Foundation, he helped increase unrestricted giving by 550% and expand athletic endowments, according to the university. A note from Jim ColeThe university released a letter from Jim Cole after Wednesday’s release: