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.
KRYSTAL THOMAS
Job title: Assistant women’s basketball coach
Job location: Main campus
What attracted you to GCU? For me, GCU is the total package. From the facilities to the people to the location, it was an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down. I’m incredibly passionate about my faith, and being able to work for a university that keeps Christ at its focal point and being able to represent Him on a daily basis was so intriguing to me. I’m excited about the direction and the growth of the university, and I didn’t want to miss out on such an incredible chance to grow with it.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I’m a movie and TV show junkie. I also love really good food!
What are you passionate about? I’m really passionate about my faith and sharing Jesus with as many people as I can. I also love my family very much. We are extremely close, so I cherish them deeply.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I’m still learning a lot of the places to visit in the Valley, but I’m excited to visit Sedona when I get some free time.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: It’s something I can’t really hide, but I love that it’s unique to me — my height. I’m 6-foot-5, and I love being tall. I also have an Afro that adds a couple of inches to that, so it’s definitely my trademark.
What are you most proud of? Going to Duke was a childhood dream of mine, so being able to not only attend the university but also play basketball and graduate is something I’m really proud of. Being drafted to the WNBA and playing in several countries overseas is another accomplishment I am very proud of because it was once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
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JACKI AHERN
Job title: Buyer
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? My 19-year-old daughter (and GCU sophomore) came to GCU in November 2012 with her biology/anatomy teacher from Boulder Creek High School in Anthem. They toured the cadaver lab. When she came home she announced that she wanted to be a nurse and that she was going to GCU. I really knew nothing about the school, but I made an appointment to tour campus with her. I was so impressed with every employee I met, from the public safety officer to our admissions representative and the staff we met at the Student Union. Everyone was so helpful, friendly and really seemed happy to be at GCU. It really made me want to work here and be part of the family. I was very excited when a buying position became available. It was the perfect fit for me, and I am so happy to be here.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love to hike, mostly in the North Valley, but love to go to the mountains. I also love yoga, reading and gardening.
What are you passionate about? My daughters, setting a good example for them and my husband, and being kind and ethical.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I like to hike Camelback, Piestewa Peak, Daisy Mountain and the Apache Wash Trailhead in the Sonoran Mountain Preserve. My daughters run cross-county races all over the Valley. The Heard Museum, Musical Instrument Museum, Museum of Art and horseback riding in Cave Creek also are favorites.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I graduated from Drexel University in Philadelphia and wanted to be the mayor of Philadelphia when I was 18.
What are you most proud of? Without a doubt my 16- and 19-year-old daughters.
