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.
ROBYN POYNTER
Job title: Administrative assistant
Job location: GCU’s Scottsdale Healthcare location
What attracted you to GCU? I attended California Lutheran University and had an amazing college experience. I had been looking for a place here that had that same warm, friendly environment with Christian principles and strong community outreach. GCU and CLU have the same school colors and were founded 10 years apart. GCU was founded in my hometown, so it seemed like an amazing fit. In GCU I have found my new home, and I am so grateful to be here.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love to be creative and do craft projects. I enjoy creating scrapbook cards, baking and event planning. I love trying orchestrate all the little details for one event — it’s so much fun.
What are you passionate about? Helping people in any way I can, being the best girlfriend and support to my boyfriend, Corey, being a mom to our “son,” a 3-year-old rescue dog that’s a brindle boxer named Bo, and staying connected to my family — they are my everything. Also, I can’t forget smiling and laughter. They are contagious in the best way possible and are the keys to life.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Being still somewhat new to the Valley and originally from a small town, I am enjoying all of the opportunities that this area has to offer. I love finding new restaurants, attending basketball games, walking the farmers’ markets and craft fairs, and going anywhere with our dog. I am looking forward to visiting the theatre and Phoenix Zoo and exploring some of the museums.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I am terrified of heights, but I also like to challenge myself to face my fears. Just before my first final exams in college I went skydiving in Santa Barbara, Calif., with my roommates. There truly is no better way to bond. If you can jump out of a plane at 13,500 feet with only a rope and a parachute strapped to your back, you can conquer anything. Also, I was a Christian missionary in Uganda for more than a month in college. We began building two schools, delivered an HIV/AIDS Awareness Program, experienced a true African safari and slept in huts made of cow dung.
What are you most proud of? Finishing my college degree at an out-of-state university in four years, and performing with my college choir at Carnegie Hall in New York City and at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican in Italy.
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MICHELLE KEY
Job title: Enrollment counselor
Job location: Tempe
What attracted you to GCU? I came from a company that did not treat its employees too well, and from what I have seen and heard, GCU really appreciates its employees.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I enjoy taking my 1-year-old son to the park and on walks. My husband and I enjoy spending time with him because we know he will be a big boy before we know it.
What are you passionate about? Working with children. I am blessed to have two great parents who love me and have taken such great care of me, so I feel as if it is my duty to help children who are less fortunate. My plan is to finish my master’s degree in professional counseling and work with children as a career.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I love to go to the culinary arts festival each year. The food is great, the weather is always amazing and it’s such a good time.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I ran a group home of 11 boys who were taken away from their parents because of abuse, neglect, etc. It was a difficult but rewarding job.
What are you most proud of? My beautiful baby boy. I’m sure all parents say that, but he is truly something to be proud of.
