Archive for June, 2021

In all her years in academics, Ophelia Brown’s love of knowledge never has dwindled. The 75-year-old doctoral learner and retired geriatric nurse practitioner has completed a number of different degree and certification programs in her career and ranks her GCU experience at the top of her list. “In all my academic environments, this is one of the best environments,” she said. “They’re supportive, the religious foundation is good but not overwhelming and I haven’t had one professor that I thought that I couldn’t talk to.” Third in a series highlighting learners in the College of Doctoral Studies. 

As a single mother and attorney, Shaina Thompson is no stranger to the struggle of juggling multiple roles. She is seeking a doctoral degree from GCU because she hopes to establish more family-friendly policies in nonprofit law firms. “It’s difficult to have a place that understands that everyone’s life is not very cookie cutter, and finding an institute that will provide support for that and encouragement is very important,” she said. Second in a series highlighting learners in the College of Doctoral Studies. 

The Learning Lounge, like so many GCU academic services, pivoted to videoconferencing amid the pandemic and continued to thrive. Nearly 3,000 sessions with students in grades 2-12 were conducted in a transition made even smoother by the skills of the GCU students serving as learning advocates (LEADs). “We couldn’t have done it without them,” said Shari Stagner, Director of K12 Outreach. “What we have in our favor is that they’re technology natives, so it wasn’t a huge shift for them.”

Kayla Hartson expounds on the benefits of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts. It’s better for your body, and it saves time, too.

Many 25-year-olds still are trying to figure out what to do with their lives. But for Mireille Mukiza, her pursuit of a doctoral degree from GCU is just one impressive accomplishment she can add to her resumé. Her education is an inspiration to her family back home in Congo, where women are not encouraged to pursue higher education. “I’m a woman and I can do it,” she said. “I know my degree will have my name on it, but it kind of feels like a family achievement.” First in a series highlighting learners in the College of Doctoral Studies. 

In this week’s #Askingforafriend column on mental health, Krista Hoffer provides some simple techniques that can help you feel in control and focused. You just have to use your senses.

In this week’s Fitness Facts column on physical health, Nicole Mis shares a list of habits that facilitate falling asleep and staying asleep. One habit that’s not on the list: using technology. You can’t unwind unless you unplug.