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.
TED COE
Job title: Assistant Dean, College of Education
Job location: College of Education building
What attracted you to GCU? An exciting job, the Christian colleagues and the chance to be a part of something big.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I like to spend time with my family (five kids!), ride bikes and fiddle with technology.
What are you passionate about? Professionally speaking? Mathematics education.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? The mountain biking and hiking trails.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I’m the baby in this old Ivory Snow commercial. Really.
What are you most proud of? My 5 kids – ages 17, 15, 15, 12 and 10.
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KAITLYN NELSON
Job title: Athletic Insurance Coordinator
Job location: Building 12
What attracted you to GCU? GCU is a place for families. This is especially true for me and my family. I was first brought on to GCU when my father, Mark Nelson, was hired as the assistant men’s basketball coach in 2009. I started out as a student and a student worker and was hired on full time shortly after my graduation in May 2013. My twin brother, Cooper Nelson, was hired on last year and my youngest sibling, Chase, will be joining the 'Lope family in the fall. It’s a family affair, which is how I know I’m where God intended my family and me to be.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? My outlet is my husband. He supports me through my struggles and my successes.
What are you passionate about? My passion is my relationship with Christ and my family.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I am one minute older than my twin brother.
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BILL PACKER
Job title: Database Administrator
Job location: Tempe
What attracted you to GCU? The people I work with. I worked here for three years and then took another position with one of our competitors. After a year, I was invited to come back and jumped at the chance.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I like building and fixing things, especially bicycles. I have worked in bike shops for years as a mechanic and I also build my own bicycle frames.
What are you passionate about? I took up sailing a few years ago and love to sail to Catalina Island -- and fish, snorkel and kayak around that beautiful island.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Nando’s Mexican Café. My wife’s cousin is the owner and one of my kids works there, plus the food and atmosphere are just awesome! I recommend the barrio tacos or the enchiladas del mar, and the chocolate nachos are great for dessert.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I love trading currency and equity options. If I wasn’t working with computers and databases, I probably would have gone to work in the finance industry, and I hold a secret dream of running my own hedge fund someday (I guess it’s not a secret now!).
What are you most proud of? My family. I’ve been married over 22 years to my wonderful wife, Chris. I have two boys, one of whom is serving a mission for our church and the other who wants to take movie production here at GCU. I have two daughters; one is an accomplished dancer and the other is a local club swimmer.
