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.
MICHAEL MAJOR
Job title: Student services counselor
Job location: 27th Avenue, Building 71
What attracted you to GCU? The growth and opportunity. GCU has grown exponentially since I have lived in Arizona. Every time I have driven past GCU, the campus has had new additions. It is very refreshing to see! I love it and am excited to have this opportunity to serve students and inspire their growth and future success.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? This is where I solicit a lot of laughs from either people or my students. I am a huge hip-hop aficionado (I know, if you see me walking around, I totally look like a dorky dude). I majored in history, so it was music that has a deep historical aspect to it all the way from Kool Herc scratching over classic vinyl records creating new beats all the way to each song telling a story. I typically follow very indie, do-it-yourself hip-hop that focuses on empowerment, positivity and great story-telling. There are a lot of great local venues here in Phoenix that host shows.
What are you passionate about? Serving others. At an early age, my parents taught my sister and me to give back. As an educator for the last three years, this was my biggest guiding principle when in the classroom. The importance of serving those students to have a quality education and help them realize their full potential.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I would not mind going up to the Grand Canyon. I know, I know -- I've lived in the Sonoran Desert for the past 14 years and have never been to the Grand Canyon.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I am a huge video game nerd. I am that kind of guy who would rather play a couple hours of video games than go out!
What are you most proud of? My past students -- to see them come into my program, learn and grow as individuals, and then transition into any post-secondary or career opportunities. I recently worked with a student who received his diploma and immediately began the police academy! This student even invited me to their graduation. It’s always exciting to see students come full circle after they realize their potential.
****
KYLE HAMMONTREE
Job title: University counselor
Job location: 27th Avenue, Building 71.
What attracted you to GCU? I am a GCU alumnus. I graduated with the class of 2018 with my bachelor's in Government with an Emphasis in Legal Studies. I love the campus and all of the friends and memories I have made here.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I like to powerlift and train in the gym on a daily basis. I also like to fish and go to the shooting range.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about learning and being a successful and well-liked person. I also am extremely passionate about sports, especially hockey (Go, Ducks!), rugby and football.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I love fishing and going to Lake Pleasant and Lake Bartlett as well as hiking in the Estrella and White Tank mountains.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I played rugby for GCU and compete in competitive powerlifting. I also have broken both of my shoulders and my collarbone.
What are you most proud of? Being the first person from my family to graduate with my bachelor’s degree.
