College of Doctoral Studies

The first “Lunch and Learn” of the Integration of Faith, Learning and Work speaker series featured a discussion about what it means to not live by bread alone. Dr. Moronke Oke of the Colangelo College of Business stressed the importance of putting purpose, principles and people at the top of our pyramid, and Joshua Danaher of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences talked about being authentic in our daily thoughts and actions.

The Integration of Faith, Learning and Work is an important part of the classroom experience at GCU, and this year the faculty is having more input than ever into the program. The goal, of course, is to benefit students, and Dr. Jason Hiles, dean of the College of Theology, is confident that will be the result of his decision to form a faculty task force to help him plan and execute the program. Members of the task force already are seeing the benefits.

We all know the importance of good leadership, but what about followership? Dr. Rob Koonce, a GCU doctoral graduate, has written a book on the subject, and he’ll share his views Monday evening during the residency at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort in Phoenix.

The opening of the GCU Hotel and the ever increasing classroom space at the University enabled the College of Doctoral Studies to bring its residencies to the main campus. Dr. Michael Berger, the CDS dean, said the move has helped to “energize and focus the learners.”

You want GCU enthusiasm? Just spend a few minutes with Dr. Theodus “Theo” Luckett III, who graduated from the College of Doctoral Studies in April and estimates he has convinced about 40 other people, including his wife, to make this their university of choice. He is particularly effusive in his praise of the Doctoral Community Network, which he called “the main reason why I was able to complete the doctoral program.”

Karen Susanne Banks, a woman who loved her family, the wilderness and teaching, died nearly seven months before she could receive her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. It was the first posthumous degree awarded in the college.

This week’s Antelope Intros feature two dads who are proud of their college degrees, passionate about learning and self-development — but could never go wrong with watching a game of football.

When Jennifer Cameron did her doctoral dissertation on the need for more African-American women in positions of leadership in the Army, little did she know that an important promotion was right around the corner: Nadja West became the first black female three-star general.

The commencement ceremony stopped for a few seconds Saturday afternoon so that 73-year-old Diana Dilcher could be properly acknowledged for getting her degree in communications. But if the crowd that was applauding knew the whole story, they would have given her a standing ovation.

This week’s edition of Antelope Intros features two individuals with unique stories and a strong sense of family pride. One of them likes to explore the great outdoors, while the other likes to stretch her mind reading psychological thrillers.