Photos by Ralph Freso / Slideshow
Wednesday marked a new era for Grand Canyon University's Honors College.
The college, in its first 13 years, worked to become one of the most robust honors colleges in the nation. But that first decade has been merely a springboard for Honors, which has received a new name, the Sheila and Mike Ingram Honors College.
“We are honored and blessed to be a part of this great university,” Sheila Ingram said at a press conference Wednesday in the Global Credit Union Arena lobby. “This college came from nothing to just a great success. The students have so much passion and vision. The honors students here want to make a difference and be a part of something better than themselves.”
The Ingrams have committed their lives to entrepreneurial efforts and have impacted Phoenix as servant leaders in the community.
Mike Ingram, the CEO of El Dorado Holdings, grew his development business from one property south of Phoenix, El Dorado Ranch (which happened to belong to John Wayne for more than four decades), into one of the largest private land holdings in Phoenix. His company has surpassed $1 billion in assets.
He has developed tens of thousands of acres of property in Arizona, including commercial centers and office buildings.
Additionally, he has served as president of Sunwest Inc., a 12-branch animal health distribution company recognized in eight states. He also serves on several national boards and is a member of numerous civic organizations, such as the Arizona Commerce Authority, Mayo Clinic Arizona Leadership Council and Department of Interior International Wildlife Conservation Council.
“This is a person (Mike Ingram) who, once he decides he is in, he is in,” University President Brian Mueller said to a crowd of Honors students, faculty, staff and special guests that overflowed the arena lobby. “You ask him about this and that issue, he calls and he resolves the issue. I have never met somebody who knows as many people and has the capability to bring people into something that can produce change and real transformation.”
The celebratory event featured speakers who reflected on the college’s humble beginnings and the immense transformation it has experienced over the years.
The Ingram Honors College began as an institute in 2013 with just 59 students. Within two years, that number increased to 750 students.
By 2015, the institute had become the university’s ninth college and, in 2025, it celebrated its 10th year. Today, the college touts 2,998 students with a collective 3.9 unweighted GPA. Its students represent more than 140 programs offered at GCU.
“We are growing, we are strong and we are in no better position to make this shift to a new era,” Dr. Breanna Naegeli, Ingram Honors College dean, said. “For these students, we subscribe to the philosophy, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far and make the greatest impact, build a team.’ In this new era and new chapter, we are going to match that and more.”
For some, the college also has had a lasting personal family impact.
For junior Judah Floyd, the next student body president, the Ingram Honors College has shaped more than just his academic path, it has impacted his family.
Floyd’s younger brother is a freshman in the Honors College, while his two older sisters are Honors alumni. Now serving in the medical field as a doctor and a nurse, both give credit to the mentorship and support of the Honors College that has raised and equipped them for their careers, Floyd said.
“The Honors College has been a lifeline of professional growth and personal development,” Floyd said. “It has reminded me what it means to lead through service. Each of my siblings have pursued these opportunities because of the generosity of Honors College and those who believe in the investment of students. That investment has changed our lives.”
The students have been at the heart of each change initiated by the college. Leadership programs, campaign projects, housing expansions and more all have been developed to support and mentor students.
That is why the Ingrams are not coming to GCU alone.
The Ingrams are working with the university and college to form the Kingdom Impact Council, a team of leaders who will mentor and work alongside Honors students in their academic journeys and preparation for career development.
They will do so out of a renovated three-story, 51,000-square-foot building, expected to be completed by fall 2026. It will be designed as a collaborative and communal hub for honors students.
Ingram’s ultimate goal is to keep the college’s heart and mission rooted in Christ, executing every project in thanks and praise to God.
“Our college is great, and we are really excited, but let me tell you about the thing that is most important in my life,” Ingram said. “One day, Dr. Bill Bright (of Campus Crusade for Christ) and I were walking across the parking lot and he said, ‘Mike, is Jesus your first love?’
“Is He really my person or is it the transactions I’ve got to negotiate? I pray and challenge you to make your faith in Christ number one.”
GCU staff writer Izabela Fogarasi can be reached at [email protected]
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