JENNY DOANE
Oversees: Canyon Hall, with Chelsea Ellis
Age: 26
Hometown: Tempe
GCU experiences: I graduated from GCU with my undergrad degree in secondary education and history in 2008. During my four years here I held leadership positions as a Bible study leader and events coordinator for the ASGCU student government. I also worked as an RA in the North Rim Apartments. It was my dream to come back and work for the school that gave so much to me during my time here. I am excited to work as an RD and plan on pursuing my master’s degree in leadership this fall.
Q: Prior to returning to Phoenix in June, you had lived for a couple years in Nashville. What was that experience like and what motivated you to return to your native state of Arizona?
A: Moving to a place where you don’t know anyone is both exciting and terrifying. It was a growing experience in creating a new community and learning to be on my own. I loved the city of Nashville and all the people I met, but there is nothing quite like home. I have wanted to be an RD for several years, so I jumped at the opportunity to come back to the state and school that I love.
Q: Canyon Hall will be an all-female residence hall. What makes you the right woman to lead the young women of an all-ladies dorm?
A: During my time in school, I had several women at GCU who mentored me, encouraged me, and saw things in me that I couldn’t see in myself. I want to be there in the same way for the girls in my hall. I want them to know they are loved. I’m committed to help them grow in confidence and pursue their dreams with boldness.
Q: How do you plan on connecting with Canyon Hall residents on an individual level? What do you have in common with the students in your hall?
A: Since I live in the dorm, I get to experience life with the girls. I get to see them as they walk down the hall and as they go from class to class. This allows me the opportunity for intentional conversation. It also means I get to invite girls over to my place to cook them dinner or for a random movie night.
Q: Why take a job as a residence director? What’s rewarding about your job?
A: This job requires a perfect blend of my strengths and passions. I love developing relationships. I love residence life. I love investing in the lives of girls. And to be honest, it’s also a lot of fun.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories from living in dorms when you were an undergrad?
A: I loved the spontaneity of dorm life. The random dance parties, late-night food runs, or even planning something a little adventurous. One of my all-time favorite memories is when my suitemates and I bought several rolls of yarn, snuck into some guy friends’ suite, and tied everything together, making it impossible for them to walk through their rooms. We laughed a lot and they got a surprise when they came back that night.
