In 1919, Kathryne Pierce made history as the first woman to both enroll in and graduate from Mercer Law School. Fast forward to the 2024-2025 academic year, and women now represent 49% of the student body. Shay Peterson, a 2014 Mercer Law alumna, shared a similar pioneering spirit when she enrolled at The Citadel in 1998, shortly after the institution began admitting women.
The Citadel, which had been an all-male school for over 150 years, welcomed its first female students in 1995. Peterson was part of the second cohort of women to graduate, marking significant progress at the institution. She was one of 20 women in her class, including seven Black women, and followed in the footsteps of the first Black male graduate in 1970.
Peterson reflected on her time at The Citadel, recalling, “I was able to excel and did very well." Her intention was to join the Navy through the ROTC program, but she eventually found the Air Force to be a better match. She served as an intelligence officer for four years, later joining the Illinois Air National Guard.
A Chicago native, Peterson later pursued a graduate education, earning an MBA and a law degree from Mercer Law School in 2014. “I’ve always been interested in real estate and property law,” she noted, choosing Mercer Law for both its reputation and proximity to her husband's posting at Robins Air Force Base.
During her time as a student at Mercer Law, Peterson distinguished herself by making the Dean’s List and becoming a top four finalist in the Lawson Competition. She actively participated in various law societies and later served as the assistant director of admissions and enrollment management post-graduation.
Marilyn E. Sutton, Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, praised Peterson: “Shay was simply amazing, and we were fortunate to have her as a member of the admissions team.” Sutton cited her ability to engage with students and collaborate effectively within and beyond the law school environment.
Peterson is currently a licensed attorney practicing in Georgia and Illinois. She serves the U.S. Department of Education as a senior advisor, providing guidance on federal student aid.
“Mercer Law is a top-notch institution,” Peterson commented, emphasizing the importance of alumni involvement to inspire future generations. She affirmed her belief in the value of perseverance and hard work to achieve one's potential.