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.
CASSANDRA WISDOM
Job title: Enrollment counselor, College of Education
Job location: Tempe
What attracted you to GCU? I earned a master’s in professional counseling at GCU but, after graduation, decided that I wasn’t really into the mental-health field. I knew I wanted to work with students because of the opportunity to help people change their lives and, since education had been crucial to me, I decided to look into working with GCU. When I was a student here, my advisers were more than just counselors, they became my support team and my friends. It seemed they had pretty cool jobs, so I decided to look into that field a little closer.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love to run. I've run a few half-marathons and competed in my first full one in January at P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon.
What are you passionate about? I have four daughters, ages 11, 8 and 5. I love running with them and seeing their faces when I run past them and hearing them cheering for me at my races. A house full of four girls is chaotic and fun at the same time. Never a dull moment.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? My favorite is Camelback Mountain in the early mornings in the summer. Watching the sun rise at the summit is an experience everyone should have at least once, as well as racing down the mountain before the rocks get too hot from the sun blazing down on you.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I love tattoos. I keep them pretty covered up at work, but I have more than 60 hours of artwork on my body, including an ocean scene my daughters created and a poem on my side.
What are you most proud of? Through my own education, I have inspired my children to go to college. My youngest was 3 when I finished my master’s degree, and when my name was read at graduation I heard her yell out, “That’s my Momma, guys!
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SAM GLYN NAVA
Job title: University development representative
Job location: Miami
What attracted you to GCU? I was attracted to GCU because of its high educational standards. I also was impressed by the growth that GCU has demonstrated over the past several years, and I wanted to be part of that.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I like to spend time with my family outdoors on the beach, biking and kayaking. Anything that keeps me physically active is an outlet for me. I also like to go out dancing.
What are you passionate about? I'm passionate about education. Having worked over the past 12 years with a range of ages, from very young children to adults, I have seen how education can change lives. Being able to help provide higher education to as many people as possible is what keeps me going every day.
What are your favorite places or events that you like to visit? My favorite places are the beach in South Beach or the local, national and state parks. In the evening, I like to explore restaurants since new ones open so frequently in Miami.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I completed my senior year of high school in Leysin, Switzerland. During ski season, we were released at noon every Tuesday and Thursday and required to snowboard or ski for the rest of the day. It was amazing!
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my daughter, Oli. She is so outgoing and friendly and makes people smile everywhere we go. I look forward to seeing how she uses that gift for greater good in the future.
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TERRI ANDERSON
Job title: Email marketing coordinator
Job location: Colter Office Complex
What attracted you to GCU? I have always promoted the importance of education, especially a college education. I worked for a short time for the university in my hometown after graduation and have dreamed of returning to work for a university. GCU offers everything I was looking for and so much more for my educational, personal and career growth.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? My brother and I love to go four-wheeling, camping and hiking in the Arizona desert.
What are you passionate about? Animals of all kinds, especially turtles and tortoises.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? My girlfriends and I love to visit new restaurants to try new foods and sample wines.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I was a semi-professional pool player.
What are you most proud of? Right now, telling everyone I work at GCU!
