The Mercer Athletics Foundation was created in 2007 as the fundraising arm for Mercer University Athletics. Members of the Foundation annually set goals to raise funds which have been used to undertake such projects as hiring a full-time strength and conditioning coach, enhancing recruiting budgets, providing additional scholarships and to help increase salaries to attract and retain outstanding coaches.

The MAF has many ways by which individuals and businesses alike can become involved and help keep the Bears' athletics program at the forefront.

Diane Owens is a 1980 magna cum laude graduate of the Walter F. George School of Law and a partner with Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers, LLP. While at Mercer, Ms. Owens was active in intercollegiate athletics in basketball and tennis. She served as director of the women's intramural program for two years. Ms. Owens graduated from Mercer with a B.A. degree, summa cum laude, in 1977. In 2006, Ms. Owens received the Meritorious Service Award from the Walter F. George School of Law. She currently serves on the Mercer Board of Trustees, is chair of the Board's Executive Committee and a member of the Athletics Committee.