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.
LESLEY ELLISON
Job title: Pediatric nursing instructor
Job location: Main campus, Building 6
What attracted you to GCU? I’ve always said, “I was born on a Friday and in church the following Sunday.” I do not remember a time without the Lord in my life. The desire to be part of GCU stems from my experience as a student at Wayland Baptist University. Not that I require permission to share my faith, but I love the fact that my faith is a welcomed quality here.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I have played piano since I was 4 years old, so music is my primary outlet. My husband is retired from the Army and has not lost his desire to spend time in tents, so I love camping with my family and traveling to new places.
What are you passionate about? Helping others see the best in the world around them. It is difficult to find the “good stuff” in the dark days we are experiencing, but the joy of the Lord becomes even more evident when we are searching for the good rather than being consumed by the not so good things happening around us each day. I believe the greatest witness to God’s love for us is to help others realize the victory already has been won, and the negative occurrences of this world cannot detract from that.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I am a sports fanatic and enjoy watching baseball, basketball or football. I am originally from Oklahoma and actually prefer college football over the pros.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: Five children became a part of my family within five months. My only biological child was born 20 years ago and returned to heaven after only six weeks. Four years ago, my husband and I adopted my biological niece. Within three months, we adopted a sibling group of three very young children, and within two months my stepdaughter came to live with us. I will be adopting her before Christmas.
What are you most proud of? That I have come from a long line of incredibly strong Christian women. I have experienced many difficult paths during my journey, but I’ve never questioned where my Lord was on that path. I realize, as I get older, how unique and blessed my life has been all because of the family who insisted I go to church on that first Sunday of my life.
—
JEROME ROBINSON
Job title: Graduate assistant
Job location: Main campus, Building 12
What attracted you to GCU? The location, the constant growth of the University and GCU's Christian values. This place wants you to be a part of their family and feel loved.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I enjoy being outdoors and viewing nature. It is a blessing from the Lord that allows us to connect with Him from His creations. I absolutely love all sports and look forward to watching GCU games as well as those of other Arizona teams and experiencing the positive energy of each team’s fan base.
What are you passionate about? My job and working with college athletes to ensure that they will be prepared for any obstacle that they will face in life, no matter whether it is on the wrestling mat, in the classroom or in everyday life. The things I have learned from wrestling will forever affect the way I conduct myself professionally and socially. I firmly believe that you must smile and laugh each day. When you have a rough day, all you have to do is step outside and see the natural beauty that surrounds you. We have mountains, beautiful skies and sunlight to look at when things get tough. I also am passionate about my family. I love them so much that words cannot describe my feelings. They have molded and shaped me into who I am today, and I am forever grateful.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I haven't had many chances to explore the area so far. I would like to see what the Valley has to offer.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I absolutely love thunderstorms, and anytime we have one here I watch in amazement. The beauty of them fascinates me. I believe that anytime we have a thunderstorm, people should think of the following day as a fresh start — a chance to make a change or do something out of the ordinary. I also love old kung fu movies. They might be a little cheesy, but they always do a great job of portraying how the body moves and what we can do with what we were given in life.
What are you most proud of? Being a college graduate and pursuing further education. Your money, house and car can be taken away from you, but no one can take away your knowledge. Continue to grow mentally, physically and spiritually throughout your life.
