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.
BRIAN NUCKOLS
Job title: Enrollment Counselor
Job location: Tempe
What attracted you to GCU? I’ve been in a sales-type environment for most of my career. After a couple of years in the “for-profit education” workplace, I really needed a product and school I could stand behind. I also have been trying to finish my bachelor’s degree for some time, and didn’t feel that a degree from the last place I worked would be viewed with any legitimacy. I’m excited to start classes here in July, and right away I am excited to increase my knowledge around helping our international students.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love the outdoors, so during the months when it’s not too hot I try to get out and go camping, off-roading and dabbling in some amateur photography. When that’s not possible, I’m a big movie buff and enjoy playing poker, trying new restaurants and traveling.
What are you passionate about? I recently started acting/writing/making short comedic films. For this reason I was ecstatic to learn that I could earn my bachelor's in digital media with an emphasis in production here. At this point it’s merely a hobby -- but something I am very excited to learn more about. When it comes to education, I think studying something you’re passionate about is very important. Based on the classes I’ve already taken, it would be a quicker path to get a degree in applied management – but not nearly as much fun.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I came to Arizona directly from Seattle, so I found the change in climate and landscape to be abruptly different upon my arrival. Arizona’s desert landscape offers a much different kind of beauty, so I love going off the beaten path to find the next great landscape or sunset. Recently, I’ve spent a lot of time in the Cave Creek, Superior and Sedona areas – and, thanks to having friends with off-road vehicles, I have seen some amazing things that most locals have not.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: When I was 19, I spent two years volunteering in northeast Brazil. Living outside of our great country gives one perspective that very little else can. I’m proud of the time I spent, and I have a love for the people and culture of Brazil that won’t ever go away. It doesn’t hurt to know the language for the occasional Portuguese-speaking student, either!
What are you most proud of? Currently, I’m proud of my decision to come work here. It’s going to afford me opportunities that no other school could. It wasn’t easy to walk away from the amazing friends I made at my last job, but I knew immediately it was the right choice for myself and my family.
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DEENA HARRISON
Job title: University Development Representative
Job location: Denver
What attracted you to GCU? The people. I am working with the most wonderful team!
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love to make candy and flavored popcorn for my sweets shop, Winkerdoodle’s. I also love to hike in the mountains, go geocaching, work on the farm where we live, and hang out with my husband, Keith.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about learning and pushing myself to be better than I was yesterday.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I used to work for Hanna Barbera as Scooby Doo in a traveling dance show.
What are you most proud of? I am proud of my kids, Jordan and Taylor. They are the light of my life. Even though we are nearly “empty-nesters,” I’ve enjoyed watching them become the man and woman that they are today.
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MEL HALL
Job title: Enrollment Counselor KBCOB
Job location: Peoria
What attracted you to GCU? I have never had a problem getting an interview with a prospective employer until I tried to interview with GCU. I started applying back in 2010 when I lived in Atlanta, and kept on applying. I had almost given up when a friend who works here asked me for my resume, conducted a mini-interview with me and then recommended me for a position. This really demonstrated the ownership that employees have in this University and how GCU is committed to employing only the best servant leaders.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love to travel to places I have read about, I love to cook, and I love my PS3 (until they release the PS4 later this year).
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about education. I am passionate about embodying the phrase “Culture for Service, Service for Humanity” and discovering the “real” history of life and the phrase “knowledge is power”! And everything related to conspiracy theories.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I love the car shows, jazz festivals and indoor go-cart tracks.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I used to work for the NBA and ESPN. ... Oh, and I'm not a conspiracy theorist!
What are you most proud of? Being the first in my family to attend and graduate from a four-year college, my daughter for graduating high school a year early and my wife for not seeking a “parole” after nine years of marriage.
