Archive for August, 2012

ASHLEY SPROTBERRY Oversees: Camelback Hall, with Taylor Fagg Age: 26 Hometown: Port Huron, Mich. (right on Lake Huron and the border with Canada) GCU experiences: I transferred to GCU for my junior year and graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I worked last year as resident director at Hegel Hall and as an assistant RD before that. Currently, I’m working on my master’s degree in Christian leadership. Q: With the campus and student population growing so rapidly, what’s important for RDs to do to be available to individual students? A: Be around. I have found that being intentional about being present in the dorm, stopping by hall events, and going to campus events allows me to see students in their element. Being present shows students you are available and approachable. Q: You’re tasked with overseeing the brand new Camelback Hall this semester. What’s unique about your role working with students in such a new residence hall, and what can students expect when they move into their rooms in August? A: Working in a new dorm gives me the opportunity to help build the community and traditions. It’s a blank slate, which gives us the opportunity to make […]

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 […]

BEN WATERMAN Oversees: Hegel Hall, with Rob Widney Age: 25 Hometown: Sharpsville, Ind., a town of about 600 people an hour north of Indianapolis. GCU experiences: I just finished my master’s degree in leadership this past May. Before being assigned to Hegel Hall I worked as an assistant resident director at the North Rim Apartments. While it was nice working part-time, I am looking forward to the new experiences with all the guys in Hegel. Q: What do you value about going through your leadership graduate program at GCU? How do you put that degree to work in your role as a resident director? A: The biggest takeaway will probably be the different theories and methods of leading others. The program dealt with how best to draw out people’s potential. This is something I am looking forward to implementing in Hegel. Q: How will Hegel Hall’s shift to an all-male residence hall change the dynamic or impact the sense of community for residents? A: Living in an all-male dorm will certainly be an adjustment for our students, but I am looking forward to the growth of a tight-knit community of guys. You could almost say we are basically turning the […]

JP TANNER Oversees: North Rim Apartments, with Sarah Clayton Age: 33 Hometown: Chicago and Minneapolis… I split my first 17 years on Earth between the two cities, so I consider both of them my hometown… but I was born in Chicago. GCU experiences: I graduated from GCU in 2011 with a master’s of arts in Christian studies after completing my undergraduate studies at ASU. This is my fourth year working for GCU. I’ve worked one year as an assistant resident director and three years as a resident director. Before coming to GCU, I was commissioned to design the university’s mascot, Thunder. It still boggles my mind that I see something I designed around campus. If you see the ‘Lopes Up hand on t-shirts or banners along the Promenade, I designed that too. The hand is actually Jacob Page’s from Spiritual Life. Q: You’re a self-described foodie. What’s your favorite place to eat in the Valley? Any new places you’ve found recently? A: It really depends on the type of food but my favorite place is Chicago Hamburger Company for a couple reasons. 1) It reminds me of being back home in Chicago and 2) that is where my wife and I […]

JAMES ROGERS Oversees: Prescott Hall, with Nicole Clifton Age: 31 Hometown: Las Vegas Q: You love to play the guitar. Whose songs do you emulate, and why? A: I have been playing guitar for about 12 years now. I enjoy playing a lot of Johnny Cash songs. I enjoy their simplicity and the way Cash was able to tell stories through song. Q: You grew up in Las Vegas. Is it as crazy as some would think, or is life away from the Strip fairly normal? A: Growing up in Vegas isn’t as bad as most people would think. The Strip is an attraction that most locals rarely go to. One of the biggest benefits of growing up in Las Vegas is that most food places and stores are open late compared to different cities. Q: About that diet of yours… what’s up with that? A: My diet is very strict and challenging. No fruits. No vegetables. Only fried foods. It’s a rough life to live, but someone has to do it! Q: What sets GCU apart from other universities where you’ve visited or attended? A: The diversity and willingness to go against the norm. GCU is about trend-setting and not following other universities. That is exciting to […]

KRIS HAYES Oversees: Sedona Hall, with Victoria Leith Age: 25 Hometown: St. Johns, Ariz. (I moved a lot growing up, but St. Johns is where I spent my sophomore-senior years in high school) GCU experiences: Graduated in 2009 with my bachelor’s of Christian studies with an emphasis in youth ministry. I was an RA in the North Rim Apartments for two years under James Rogers and Sarah Clayton, who are both still RDs. I worked in finance counseling after graduation, then as the intramural coordinator, and now as an RD. I look forward to participating in intramurals again after being the facilitator for two years. I earned my master’s of science in leadership in 2011. Q: You’re a sports nut and the former intramural coordinator at GCU. What role does sports play in our lives? A: Sports can be a huge community builder for people in general. It helps us unite and come together through one purpose. It is a great way to teach students about teamwork and sportsmanship. Q: As a self-described gamer, what video game are you currently hooked on? What’s your all-time favorite game? A: I play many different types of video games. However, my all-time favorite […]

CHELSEA ELLIS Oversees: Canyon Hall, with Jenny Doane Age: 27 Hometown: Phoenix GCU experiences: I am in my third year working in residential life. I graduated from GCU in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and am currently studying toward a dual MBA/MSNL. Q: You came up as an undergrad through GCU’s outstanding College of Nursing and Health Sciences. How did your nursing studies prepare you for the professional workforce? A: My nursing school experience was awesome! Let’s be honest, it was hard. Many tears were shed over my ICU textbooks, but we had a great time! GCU’s nursing school blend of clinical hours and class time gave me the opportunity to apply my knowledge on a consistent basis. I’m a kinesthetic learner with a photographic memory so that worked well. Academically, I felt prepared to take my boards. Socially I’m still in contact with classmates and professors. Our small class size, low student-nurse-to-clinical-instructor ratio, and the care and concern I received from my professors helped me succeed. Q: How did your work as a nurse help prepare you for your role as an RD? What led you to put nursing on hold to work at GCU? A: I think most people think […]