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.
JOHNATHON NORVILLE
Job title: Student advisor
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? The reputation of the University is unparalleled in the Valley.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? Video games – in my man cave. I love everything Nintendo, especially Super Mario.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about my friends and family. My family has always been there for me through thick and thin. My mother has a quirky, sarcastic humor that I inherited to a T. My father was a hard-working railroad engineer who taught me the importance of taking pride in your job. My brothers are my best friends. David, the oldest, has graced us with our niece, Ansley, who is a rambunctious 3-year-old. Jefferson, my twin, is my mirror image and exact duplicate; he's my best friend and second mind.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Papago Park, the zoo and Tempe Town Lake.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I witnessed a plane crash on my drive from West Tennessee (my hometown) to Boston. It was about 10 years ago and I was driving with my friends and my twin through the Smokey Mountains. I heard a thumping noise and thought my car was about to die on me. But out of the “smoke” (the clouds that give the mountains their name), a WWII vintage plane came barreling down and tried to land on the opposite side of the road from me. The wingtip was three feet from my window. Needless to say, it did not end up being very good for the pilot, and the plane severed the only power line running to the county.
What are you most proud of? My family.
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JOHN McCREE
Job title: University development counselor
Job location: Lake Charles, La.
What attracted you to GCU? I am attending GCU for graduate school, and I was extremely impressed with its approach to education and the treatment of its students.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I travel for fun, and I love being at any ocean.
What are you passionate about? Helping people, especially children, to reach their goals and realizing their potential and capabilities.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Camelback Mountain.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I love aquariums. My favorite fish are the Yellow Tang and the Coral Beauty. I also enjoy being a deejay. I've been a deejay for 13 years at weddings, clubs, proms, etc.
What are you most proud of? Serving in the U.S. Army for four years, 27 days, 14 hours and 17 seconds. Also, that I graduated from college twice and currently am working on a third degree (Ed.D). I want to make my family and myself proud and start a legacy within my family. I am the first to graduate from college, and I want to teach on the college level.