35 Years in the Making: A Story of Graduate Flourishing

In Scripture, we’re reminded that God can do a great deal with a little—a handful of loaves, a mustard seed, a faithful “yes.” As Grad Resources marks 35 years of ministry, we pause to look back with gratitude at what God has done through small beginnings, courageous steps, and steady faithfulness.

What began as a question—Do graduate students have unique needs?—has grown into a national movement serving graduate students across the United States, supporting them spiritually, relationally, academically, professionally, financially, and emotionally through every season of graduate life.

This is our story.

The Question That Started It All (1989–1990)

In 1989, Cru, in partnership with Barna Research, conducted a national study to better understand the needs and struggles of graduate students. The findings were clear: graduate students are distinct, deeply underrepresented in collegiate ministry, and navigating pressures unlike those of undergraduates.

Brochure featuring George Barna presenting on his research around Graduate Students at U.W. Madison in 1990

In response, the first graduate-specific Christian ministry launched in 1990 at the University of Texas at Austin, creating what would become Christian Grads Fellowship (CGF)—a community blending spiritual formation, professional calling, and authentic Christian fellowship for graduate students who didn’t quite fit elsewhere.

First Grad Resources Booth - University of Texas at Austin - Graduate Orientation

Early Growth and Public Recognition (1993–1999)

As the ministry took root, God provided in creative ways. An Annual Golf Marathon launched in 1993, helping sustain and grow the work. In 1995, the impact of graduate students was recognized publicly when Governor George W. Bush signed the first proclamation establishing National Graduate Student Appreciation Week.

Annual Golf Marathon - Featuring Interstate Batteries Sponsor - Neil Ashcraft, Nick Repak, Norm Miller

Golf Marathon Brochure - 2007 | Golf Marathon Button

Then came a sobering moment.

In 1998, the tragic death of graduate student Jason Altom at Harvard University highlighted the immense pressures graduate students face—and the devastating consequences when isolation goes unmet. In response, Grad Resources partnered with Boys Town in 1999 to launch the National Graduate Student Crisis Line (1-877-GRAD-HLP), providing 24/7 professional care to graduate students in crisis.

Out of tragedy, God brought life-saving support.

Daily Texan Newspaper Article Announcing the National Graduate Crisis Hotline

Innovation That Multiplied Impact (2001–2008)

In 2001, limited funding at Texas A&M led to an unexpected breakthrough: the remote coaching model. Rather than relying on full-time campus staff, faithful students and faculty were supported by a remote Grad Resources coach—an approach that dramatically expanded reach.

By 2002, one campus became sixteen. By 2005, CGF reached 50 campuses, meeting its original vision years ahead of schedule.

Dr. Mike Strauss presenting at the University of Alabama about Scientific Evidence for God in 2010 

That same year marked the launch of the Leadership Summit and the Christian Scholars Forum, creating spaces for graduate students to integrate faith and profession, present scholarly work, and grow as leaders in community.

First Regional Leadership Retreat - Georgia 2002

In 2008, Grad Resources became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit—continuing strong partnership with Cru while broadening its holistic focus on graduate student flourishing.

Research, Renewal, and Responsiveness (2009–2022)

As the needs of graduate students evolved, Grad Resources stayed attentive. A second landmark research study in 2011, led by a UT sociologist, identified the specific stressors graduate students face—ensuring services remained relevant and responsive.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health needs surged. In 2022, Grad Resources formed a strategic partnership with BetterHelp, providing a free month of professional teletherapy to graduate students nationwide—anywhere, anytime.

Again, God multiplied care through partnership.

A New Season of Leadership and Partnership (2025–2026)

In 2025, Grad Resources welcomed Dr. Eli Mercer as Executive Director, marking a thoughtful passing of the torch after 35 years of faithful leadership. With deep experience in academia and collaborative ministry, Dr. Mercer stepped into a legacy shaped by prayer, perseverance, and vision.

Newly Appointed CEO - Dr. Eli D. Mercer and Founder - Nick Repak

That same year, Grad Resources entered a new partnership with the Come and See Foundation, the global distribution partner for The Chosen—opening doors to fresh, culturally relevant Bible resources for CGF chapters nationwide.

In 2026, Grad Resources became an official research partner in the Harvard Global Flourishing Study, contributing graduate student insights to a global, five-year study on human flourishing. This partnership reflects a long-held conviction: flourishing is holistic, measurable, and deeply shaped by community and faith.

Faithful Then, Faithful Now

Across 35 years, one truth remains constant: God has been faithful. Through research, crisis response, community, innovation, and partnership, Grad Resources has watched God take faithful steps and multiply them into lasting fruit.

As we look ahead, we do so with humility, gratitude, and expectation—trusting that the same God who has guided this ministry for 35 years will continue to do more than we could ask or imagine in the lives of graduate students and their families.

Dr. Eli D. Mercer with Graduate Students at University of Missouri

Looking Ahead