About Us
WHO WE ARE
Grad Resources is a faith-based service organization that serves the Big 6 Needs of Graduate Students, their Families, and those who serve them.
We envision a world where graduate students are fully supported and cared for financially, spiritually, professionally, relationally, academically, and physically and psychologically so they can flourish personally and create meaningful change in the communities they serve.
OUR FRAMEWORK
Research indicates graduate students thrive when they are supported holistically as people — not just as scholars or future professionals. At Grad Resources, we believe the next generation of leaders deserve our support to overcome these challenges and thrive as future leaders.
We structure our services to meet what we call the Big 6 Needs of Graduate Students: A holistic data-driven framework to provide resources, support, and equipping to help Grad Students overcome challenges and reach their full potential as future leaders.
GRAD STUDENT CONTINUUM OF CARE
Grad students are 20 times more likely to commit suicide while in school. Graduate education places unique pressures on every area of life that can become overwhelming, especially if faced in isolation. Our community comes around Grad Students and their families to make sure they are not alone, and that they have the resources they need to overcome challenges and reach their full potential as future leaders.
ACUTE NEEDS
- Emergency Hotline
- Medical Help
- Financial Help
- Coaching
- Support
- Sense of Belonging
- Counseling
- Suicide Prevention
ONGOING NEEDS
- Resource Library
- Navigating Grad Life
- Directory/ Matching
- Faith Resources
- Academic Resources
- Career Resources
- Calendar
- Welcoming Community
GROWTH
- Local Chapters
- Study Groups
- Discipleship
- Discipline/Career Cohorts
- Bible Study
- Fellowship
- Gatherings/Events
FLOURISHING
- Life Groups
- GR/CGF Team
- Chapter Leaders
- Life-on-Life Relationships
- Study Partners
- Mentors/Coaches
- Partner Orgs
- Leadership Opportunities
OUR TEAM
Staff
Dr. Eli D. Mercer, Ed.D, M.B.A, M.S.T.C.
CEO & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Eli Mercer is an entrepreneur, educator, and nonprofit leader who is known for his work developing entrepreneurial ecosystems, advancing innovation and leadership, and fostering human flourishing through faith-driven community engagement.
Kansas State University
Ed.D. in Leadership & Adult Education
University of Texas at Austin
M.S.T.C. Master of Science in Technology Commercilization
Thunderbird School of Global Management
M.B.A. in International Management
University of Texas at Arlington
B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies
Hannah Walker
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Hannah Walker uniquely blends experience in operations, ministry, communications, and strategic leadership and is passionate about helping organizations grow with integrity while building strong teams, meaningful community connections, and mission-driven impact.
Texas A&M University
B.S. Environmental Design
Board of Directors
Jordan Denzer
Board of Directors Chair
Principal – Aberdeen Builders
Jordan Denzer is known for his entrepreneurial vision and community-minded leadership and has built a reputation for fostering strong relationships and thoughtful growth initiatives across North Texas.
Stephen F. Austin
B.B.A. Bachelor of Business Administration
University of Wisconsin – Madison
M.B.A. Master of Business Administration
Christopher Neal, J.D.
Board of Directors Treasurer
Associate – Haynes Boone
Christopher Neal draws from both military and legal experience and is recognized for his disciplined leadership, strategic insight, and commitment to service in professional and community settings.
University of North Texas Dallas College of Law
J.D. Juris Doctor
Texas Tech University
B.A. Bachelor’s Degree – General Studies
Pastor Derek Duncan
Board of Secretary
Lead Pastor – Chapel of the Cross
Derek Duncan draws from decades of pastoral and organizational leadership experience and is passionate about spiritual growth, community engagement, and building service-oriented cultures across generations.
Taylor University
Honorary Doctorate
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
M.Div. Master of Divinity
Southern New Hampshire University
M.A. English Literature
University of Kansas
B.S. Music Education
Dr. Eli D. Mercer, Ed.D, M.B.A, M.S.T.C.
Ex Officio Voting Member
CEO – Grad Resources
Eli Mercer is an entrepreneur, educator, and nonprofit leader who is known for his work developing entrepreneurial ecosystems, advancing innovation and leadership, and fostering human flourishing through faith-driven community engagement.
Kansas State University
Ed.D. in Leadership & Adult Education
University of Texas at Austin
M.S.T.C. Master of Science in Technology Commercilization
Thunderbird School of Global Management
M.B.A. in International Management
University of Texas at Arlington
B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies
Dr. George Yancey, Ph.D.
Board Member
Professor of Sociology – Baylor University
George Yancey is a sociologist, author, and public intellectual, known for his work exploring race relations, religious identity, cultural division, and the role of faith in modern society through thoughtful research and dialogue.
University of Texas at Austin
Ph.D. Sociology
M.A. Economics
West Texas State University
B.S. Economics
J. Tipton Housewright, FAIA
Board Member
Principal – OMNIPLAN
Tipton Housewright is a nationally recognized architect and civic leader whose career has blended visionary design, thoughtful urban planning, and a deep commitment to community engagement across Dallas and beyond.
University of Texas at Austin
B.A. Bachelor of Architecture
Southern Methodist University
M.B.A. Masters of Business Administration
Dr. Matthew Koschmann, Ph.D.
Board Member
Professor in the Department of Communication – University of Colorado Boulder
Matt Koschman is a respected educator, researcher, and thought leader, who is known for his work in leadership, collaboration, and organizational communication, helping communities and institutions navigate complex challenges through meaningful dialogue and collective engagement.
University of Texas at Austin
Ph.D. Communication studies/ Organizational Communication
University of New Mexico
M.A. Communication studies/ Graduate Minor in Philosophy
University of Madison-Wisconsin
B.B.A. Business Administration/ Marketing
Dr. Larry Caillouet, Ph.D.
Board Member
Former communication professor, speaker, and leadership educator
Larry Caillouet is passionate about communication and leadership development, has dedicated his career to helping students and professionals communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Ph.D. Communication
Lipscomb University
B.A. Communication
Rick Ramirez, J.D.
Board Member
Attorney & Business Strategist
Rick Ramirez combines legal expertise with entrepreneurial leadership, and is known for helping organizations navigate complex business challenges through strategic insight, collaboration, and practical problem solving.
University of Texas at Austin
J.D. Juris Doctor
B.B.A Finance
Board of Advisors
Dan Allan, D.Min.
Board Member
Executive Director for Mission Expansion – Cru
Dan Allan is a longtime ministry leader and mentor, and is passionate about developing leaders, building meaningful partnerships, and helping the next generation grow in faith and purpose.
Western Seminary
(ABD) D.Min. Doctor of Ministry
Washington University in St. Louis
M.B.A. Master of Business Administration
University of Missouri-Columbia
B.S. Accountancy
Dr. Mike Strauss, Ph.D.
Board Member
Professor Emeritus of Physics and Astronomy – The University of Oklahoma
Michael Strauss is a nationally recognized physicist, educator, and speaker, and is known for bridging the worlds of science, faith, and higher education through thoughtful research, teaching, and public dialogue.
University of California, Los Angeles
Ph.D. Experimental Particle Physics
M.S. Experimental Particle Physics
Biola University
B.S. Physical Science
Dr. Rev. David Keck, Ph.D.
Board Member
Chaplain – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
David Keck is a thoughtful educator, chaplain, and scholar, and is known for fostering meaningful conversations around faith, ethics, leadership, and community within higher education and aviation environments.
Harvard University
Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy in History
Duke University
M.Div. Master of Divinity in Divinity
M.A. Master of Arts in History
Yale University
B.A. History
Dr. Cicely S. Jefferson, Ph.D.
Board Member
Dean – Don and Linda Carter School of Business at Dallas Baptist University
Cicely Jefferson is a dynamic educator, attorney, and ministry leader, and is known for her passion for servant leadership, ethical business education, and mentoring the next generation of leaders through the integration of faith, leadership, and professional excellence.
Dallas Baptist University
Ph.D. in Leadership Studies
Texas Tech University
J.D. Juris Doctor
M.B.A Masters of Business Administration
University of Oklahoma
B.A. Public Affairs and Administration
OUR HISTORY
For more than 35 years, Grad Resources has served graduate students through crisis care, Christian community, mentoring, leadership development, and research-driven support.
What began with a simple recognition that graduate students face unique pressures and often lack meaningful support has grown into a national movement focused on helping to shape the next generation of leaders.
Since the first Christian Grads Fellowship launched at the The University of Texas at Austin in 1990, Grad Resources has expanded its reach through campus fellowships, remote coaching, national partnerships, and innovative care initiatives including the 24/7 National Graduate Student Crisis Line.
Today, Grad Resources continues building collaborative solutions that support graduate students, their families, and those who serve them.
Read the full history on our blog:
35 Years in the Making: A Story of Graduate Flourishing