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.
PATRICE NEVINS
Job title: Enrollment counselor, international/tribal
Job location: Tempe
What attracted you to GCU? This is my first year at GCU as a student. I am a senior, and I was so thrilled about attending that I applied for a job. I was motivated by speaking with my enrollment counselor, and I liked how he was so excited about his job. I also have a cousin that works at GCU, and he loves it!
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? Jogging and swimming three to four times a week at my apartments, but I also love going to Santa Monica Pier and swimming in the ocean. I love to travel. I’ve been to tons of places within the U.S., including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, all over Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Florida, Georgia and many more. My most memorable trip was to Branson, Mo. We stayed at a lodge and were able to see and interact with animals daily. There also was an indoor water park, and we went on a "Ride the Ducks" tour ride that is on land and water in a military vehicle.
What are you passionate about? Education and eating! My family could never afford education, so it is very important for me to take advantage of attending school and learning as much as I can. I also instill this in my son. As far as eating goes, I am always up for baked chicken with green beans and Kick’n Chicken seasoning.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I love Apache Lake because it is so serene and peaceful. I love going there with my dog, Miley, and laying out while my son plays. All my problems disappear when I am there. I like South Mountain because the first time I went, I almost passed out and thought I never would conquer it — but I did six months ago. I love challenges.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I am 28 and my family calls me Granny as a nickname! When I was born, my grandmother said that if I was going to call her Grandma, then she was going to call me Granny. It stuck.
What are you most proud of? Being a mother to my son, Christopher, and a strong example for him.
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ASHLYN TUPPER
Job title: Enrollment counselor, College of Nursing and Health Care Professions
Job location: Peoria
What attracted you to GCU? I recently graduated from GCU, and as a student I have watched how quickly the University has grown. Seeing this rapid growth made me want to learn more about the inner workings of GCU. I had such a positive experience with my own enrollment counselor that I wanted to see if I could make the same impact on students the way she did; it only seemed fitting that I would seek this position within the GCU family. A key element to why I find GCU so appealing is how family oriented it is. Despite the massive growth of the University, it has not lost its ability to make me feel like a member of the close-knit Lopes family.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? The activity I find the most fun is reading literature of any kind. Growing up, I did not particularly care for reading of any kind; however, that all changed when I had a miraculous teacher my sophomore year of high school. This teacher showed me the brilliantly creative worlds of many famous authors and encouraged creative writing every day. Without him, I probably wouldn’t have a degree in English literature.
What are you passionate about? One of my greatest passions is education. I am a firm believer that if someone wants an education, then they deserve to have it. Education allows people to truly understand their passions and can ultimately lead to a successful and fulfilling life.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? One of my favorite places to visit in the Valley is the Phoenix Art Museum. It is a relaxing place where I can become engrossed in art, history and dazzling perspectives on societal issues. Of course, the Art Museum and the Phoenix Zoo are a tossup for my favorite place because of, well, monkeys. I like monkeys.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: Once a person knows me well, they surely will find out that I enjoy drawing quite a bit. However, I usually get the inspiration to draw at random times. Oddly enough, I binge draw. I go through drawing phases for long periods of time, then stop doing it for a while.
What are you most proud of? It took place during my time spent at GCU as a student. During my sophomore year, I met an inspiring professor, Barry Regan. He was the instructor for my public speaking class and convinced me to join the very new Speech and Debate Team. I had competed in all four years of high school; however, being a part of this collegiate team was completely different. Joining the GCU team was one of the best decisions I ever made. In my time on the team I got to travel, compete and help my teammates. The success we had as such a young team was mind-boggling and more than I ever expected. I am proud of my team, my coaches and how GCU is impacting lives with the words we deliver throughout the competitive season. I could not be more proud of what my teammates are planning going into the team's fourth year, and I cannot wait to hear all of the tournament stories they will have to tell. And even though I have graduated and no longer am a member of the team, they always will be my family.
