Antelope Intros is a recurring GCU Today feature that introduces some of our new employees to the people around them in a way that is fun and informative. Employees are eligible to be featured in the month following their orientation.
AMY WORTLEY
Job title: Full-time online English faculty
Job location: Peoria
What attracted you to GCU? GCU is such a dynamic, thriving environment, and I wanted to be a part of the exciting growth and vision taking place here.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? The poet William Cowper once said, “Variety’s the very spice of life that gives it all its flavour.” So I like to find varied outlets for fun. I love to hike and camp with my husband, but my current favorite outlet is barrel racing and training my very clever quarter horse, Ransom.
What are you passionate about? As an English instructor, it should be no surprise that I am passionate about books. Books, books, books. I love to be transported to new worlds and exotic locales through the words of a talented author. My favorite graduate-level class was Fantasy Fiction at Eastern Washington University, and I currently own at least three different copies of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy* (* — pretends to hang head in shame but is secretly very proud).
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? My husband and I love to attend concerts, so my current favorite place is US Airways Arena because we got to have a meet-and-greet with The Black Keys.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I participated in 4-H in Washington state growing up and was even crowned a rodeo princess (let me tell you, big hair, cowboy hat and braces are a winning combo).
What are you most proud of? My family. I have three little sisters whom I love with all my heart and who are some of the coolest cats you will ever meet. I am also incredibly proud of my husband. We will be celebrating our second wedding anniversary and our first year in Arizona in August.
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SHAYLA COLE
Job title: Enrollment counselor
Job location: Peoria
What attracted you to GCU? My first hip hop gospel concert featuring Lecrae was absolutely awesome. I was moved by the music, atmosphere, energy, fellowship and unity.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I enjoy being active — working out, being outdoors riding my bike, hanging out at festivals around the Valley or reading a good book and relaxing.
What are you passionate about? Being creative by expressing myself in art form based on my mood at that time — picking up a paint brush and creating an art piece, making sketches for the next design project, writing chapters for my book about romance or writing poetry to express my feelings.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Tempe or Old Town Scottsdale.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I’ve been in the media for more than 10 years as a freelance writer for entertainment events.
What are you most proud of? The relationship I have with my parents and close friends. I’m truly blessed for the support I have.
