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.
JADE LILLIE
Job title: Enrollment counselor
Job location: Peoria
What attracted you to GCU? I applied to the doctorate program last year at GCU and decided to submit an application for employment because of the educational opportunities that were available through the employee tuition benefit.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I like to sing and I am a background singer in a reggae band. We most recently performed at the Marquee Theatre in Tempe and at Club Red in Mesa.
What are you passionate about? I am very passionate about higher education.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I live in Old Town Scottsdale and I really love shopping at Fashion Square Mall. I am originally from Seattle and like eclectic areas. Scottsdale has some of the best shopping and dining and just has a lot of great energy. Plus, I’m a girl so I just think it’s pretty.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I thoroughly enjoy playing matchmaker. I find the opportunities for love, and when I see two people that seem to be looking for the same things I like to be a part of making those introductions. It all started when I used to work with an all-male crew and I would hear them tell me how there weren’t any good women. I actually did not realize how many good men weren’t finding good women. During this time I also realized I knew a lot of great women who were expressing the same complaints that they were not finding any good men. So … I thought I would meddle a bit and help bring these two sides together. I actually have been making a few love connections for a few employees here at GCU. It’s too early to invite anyone to the weddings, but I have my fingers crossed and my prayers in order.
What are you most proud of? I am extremely proud of receiving my master’s in Public Administration with a 3.54 GPA last year while working full-time for the state in Child Welfare.
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TRISH ANDERSON
Job title: Program manager, Student Development and Outreach
Job location: Main campus
What attracted you to GCU? I am a master’s alum and current doctoral candidate.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I hike all around the state. I love hiking in the Catalinas near Tucson and around Humphreys Peak in Flagstaff but especially in the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona. I have a million funny hiking tales, but the best one is the time I almost fell off a cliff because a bird fluttered in a bush by the trail. My friend and I were so startled and we laughed pretty hard for a while.
What are you passionate about? Education and ensuring that others can learn no matter what barriers they may face.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Any place there is a hiking trail.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I played guitar and sang in an indie rock band in the 2000s. My band was in Springfield, Ill., and we actually met Howard Zinn when he was alive and he gave us permission to use one of his talks on our album. It was pretty rad.
What are you most proud of? My academic career with GCU.
