Alumni Association

The Texas Lutheran University Alumni Association unites all alumni through a formal organization dedicated to engaging, inspiring and reconnecting its members and instilling pride in their alma mater. The Association allows any person with 30 credits or more from TLU to join free of charge.

Email alumni@tlu.edu to join!

TLU Alumni Board President | Dr. Elise Gray '21

Welcome to the Texas Lutheran University Alumni Association! It is my honor and privilege to serve as your 2025-2026 Alumni Association Board President. Whether you are a future or current student, recent graduate, faculty or staff, or a longtime supporter, I am looking forward to connecting with each of you as we continue to celebrate the legacy of our TLU community.

Our alumni family is a powerful network of compassionate and enthusiastic leaders and changemakers. As we build on the values instilled during our time at TLU—leadership, service, faith, and academic excellence—my hope is that this association becomes a place of reconnection, inspiration, and meaningful engagement. Together, we can ensure that the TLU community continues to thrive across generations.

Thank you for being part of our story. I look forward to the year ahead and all that we will accomplish—together.

With Bulldog pride,

Dr. Elise Gray, President, TLU Alumni Association Board

About Dr. Elise Gray

Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Elise graduated from Churchill High School in 2017 and began her college journey at Texas Lutheran University (TLU). During her four years at TLU, she was deeply involved in academics, leadership, and campus life—playing in the TLU orchestra, serving as an Admissions Ambassador, and contributing to both the Campus Ministries Leadership Team and the Center for Servant Leadership. She joined the sorority, Beta Alpha Sigma, became a “little sis” for Sigma Phi Theta fraternity, and studied abroad in Italy. Elise also held leadership roles in honor societies including Alpha Chi and Psi Chi, and was a member of the Synesthesia Research Team, earning multiple awards and publications. In her senior year, she was inducted into the prestigious Black and Gold President’s Council.

In May 2021, Elise graduated with honors, earning both a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Science and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Notably, Elise was the first student at TLU to graduate with a degree in Integrated Science which was developed by Dr. Scott Bailey.

Immediately following graduation, Elise began her doctoral studies in occupational therapy at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. There, she remained actively involved, serving as the President of the Student Occupational Therapy Association, conducted and presented research, and was honored with the Wilma West Award for exemplifying excellence in the field.

In May 2024, Elise completed her doctorate with honors, following clinical rotations and a capstone project in University Hospital’s NICU. She now works at University Health’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital as an acute care pediatric and NICU occupational therapist.

Outside of her professional work, Elise enjoys playing viola with the University of the Incarnate Word Community Orchestra, a passion since fifth grade, and spending time with her family, friends, and golden retriever, Cooper. She has proudly served on the TLU Alumni Association Board for four years and is honored to now lead as President.

As TLU’s 2025-2026 Alumni Association Board President, Elise is committed to fostering lifelong connections, supporting alumni initiatives, and celebrating the spirit of the TLU community.