Touching Lifetimes: The Heart Behind Academic Allies

The Marshalls - Duke & Jen

Discover how Academic Allies evolved from answering one student's call for help into a mission-driven platform for educators who believe this work is sacred. Founders Duke & Jen Marshall share their journey of touching lifetimes, one conversation at a time.

People Over Programs:

Why We Started Academic Allies

We've spent our entire careers answering the call to education — more than 70 years combined. Through classroom victories, leadership challenges, and countless moments of watching lives transform, we've discovered one undeniable truth: People don't stay in education because of the programs. They stay because they remember they're touching lifetimes.

As we launch Academic Allies, we want to be clear: Our greatest gift isn't just resources or strategies. It's walking alongside you in this sacred calling.

Where It Started:

One Calling at a Time

Academic Allies began with a simple belief — that every struggling student deserves someone who sees their potential and refuses to give up. We started with one-on-one academic coaching, helping students rediscover that learning isn't about being perfect; it's about being persistent.

We'll never forget Michael, a bright sophomore who had forgotten he was brilliant. Working with him reminded us that academic success isn't just about knowing content—it's about believing you're capable of growth, building systems that honor how you learn, and having someone who sees your worth even when you can't.

We helped students move from defeat to determination, not because we had magic answers, but because we showed up with genuine belief in their potential. We didn't just help them earn better grades. We helped them see themselves as learners, as worthy, as capable of touching their own lifetime with purpose.

Where We Are Now:

Expanding the Calling

Somewhere along the way, our hearts broke open with this realization: It's not just students who need someone to believe in them. Educators do too. And when we support the people who've answered the call to serve, we multiply the impact on every life they'll touch.

While we continue our full-time commitment to the classroom, Academic Allies represents our way of walking alongside fellow educators who remember that this isn't just work—it's calling.

Growing with Purpose

We're starting with genuine conversations and growing with intention because this calling deserves our very best. Every resource, every connection, every moment we share is designed around one truth: your journey matters to us, and together, we're not just changing education—we're honoring it.