Leadership Team

Board of Trustees

Will Gonzalez

Will Gonzalez bio picture Will Gonzalez has been with the City of Phoenix Prosecutor's Office since 1996. His work as a community prosecutor has produced the largest court fine in the City of Phoenix Municipal Court's history against a slumlord in the amount of $377,500. In his assigned neighborhood of Palomino, Mr. Gonzalez assisted in developing a business alliance, inter-faith coalition, block watch and a neighborhood revitalization committee whose strategy brought about a $3.6 million Boys & Girls Club facility for the community.

He has assisted other prosecutors, school districts and cities in developing community strategies for their neighborhoods and has presented at state and regional conferences for the Arizona Department of Education, State Bar of Arizona and Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys' Advisory Council. He has also presented at national conferences for the Department of Justice, National District Attorney Association and National Organization for Victim Assistance.

Mr. Gonzalez is a two-time recipient of the City of Phoenix Excellence Award, an active member of the Latino Institute and founding member of the Maricopa County Regional Homeless Court Task Force. He is also a member on the Vision Team for the Arizona Department of Education 21st Century Community Learning Centers. He serves as chairman for the Community Board of Directors for GCU and also teaches for the Colangelo College of Business. He is also the co-chair for the Paradise Valley Community College President Circle for the Maricopa County Community College District. He attended Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, TX, where he obtained his Juris Doctor. He is also a graduate of GCU's business college, obtaining a Master of Science in Leadership. He also attended the Thunderbird School of Global Management, obtaining a Certificate in Global Leadership.

Peggy J. Chase

Peggy J. Chase is the President and CEO of Terros Health, a growing, integrated, whole health care company providing services to Arizonans since 1969. Mrs. Chase leads more than 1,000 Terros Health employees statewide with a compassionate leadership style that seeks to mentor, coach and grow new leaders.

Mrs. Chase has been a progressive health care leader and innovator for more than 30 years. Her commitment to service leadership has positively impacted health care public policy through her participation on local, state and national boards and committees.

Recognized as a health management expert, she is often called on by other health care leaders and state agencies for her expertise on how to achieve successful outcomes. Her contributions to Arizona’s health care and behavioral health care systems include, but are not limited to, success in fiscal viability, policy development, service innovation, data management and information systems development.

Mrs. Chase has served as the chief financial officer and chief operations officer of several companies and possesses extensive knowledge in finance and operations. Mrs. Chase cares deeply for people and has an understanding of the clinical work of Terros Health strengthened by her social work degree from Arizona State University.

Under Mrs. Chase’s strategic vision and leadership as president and CEO over the last six years, revenues at Terros Health increased from $38 million to nearly $84 million, through the expansion of existing services, the addition and growth of primary care services and three acquisitions of culturally and strategically aligned companies.

Mrs. Chase serves on several boards including: Mental Health Corporations of America (MHCA), Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers and Grand Canyon University as well as Arizona State University Advisory Council. She was named as the 2018 Outstanding Healthcare Executive and one of the Most Influential Women of 2018 by AZ Business Magazine. She was also listed on the 2018 Healthcare Power List by Phoenix Magazine and named one of The Most Admired Leaders by Phoenix Business Journal.

Dr. Lupita Ley Hightower

LupitaHightower Dr. Hightower has worked in education for more than 26 years in various roles such as teacher, mentor/coach, assistant principal, principal, district level director, assistant superintendent and as superintendent for the last 12 years. She earned a bachelor’s degree with a bilingual endorsement from the University of Arizona (U of A), a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision and a doctorate in leadership and innovation with an emphasis in policy and administration from Arizona State University (ASU). As an immigrant starting school in the U.S. in the 7^th grade, she credits her success to the many believers including family and educators.

Dr. Hightower has received numerous recognitions, including Arizona Superintendent of the Year in 2022. Her greatest accomplishment is bringing more learning opportunities to students especially in cases where they would not otherwise have them. She is a treasure hunter who searches for the talents, skills and intelligence that exist in all children and youth without exception.

Marion Kelly

Marion Kelly serves as Director for the Office of Community Affairs at Mayo Clinic. In this role, Mr. Kelly provides leadership for the organizations’ efforts to build solid neighbor, civic and corporate relationships. “Community” in its broadest sense encompasses the entire Southwest region of the United States. In addition to providing leadership in Community Affairs, he is also responsible for institutionalizing diversity as a corporate objective within the strategic plan of Mayo Clinic.

Mr. Kelly’s broad experiences are in both the educational and political arena. His experiences include teaching elementary education, working in the United States Senate and the Indiana University School of Medicine Administration. He also served as the Assistant Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs at Mayo Medical School. Mr. Kelly was an appointee in the former Bush White House administration as a Special Assistant for At Risk Youth Initiatives at the United States Department of Labor and as the White House Liaison for the Labor Department.

Dr. Fred Miller

Fred Miller Bio Picture Fred Miller, MD, PhD, CMD, is currently a retired medical director from Arizona Priority Care and Centene Corporation. He is a dynamic, results-driven physician with a proven background of 31 years in both clinical and administrative roles. Dr. Miller provided design-focused effective strategies to support customer healthcare needs and organizational goals. He is a collaborative leader working closely with medical and legal professionals to resolve complex issues in the clinical, medical administrative and forensic services arenas. Dr. Miller has achieved success increasing revenues and reducing overall costs while mitigating and managing risks in high-risk environments.

Dr. Miller received his bachelor’s from Knoxville College in Knoxville, TN, his PhD and Master of Science from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Dr. Miller’s teaching experience includes being an assistant professor at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, Middlesex Community College in Middlesex, NJ and Paradise Valley Hospital in Phoenix, AZ. During his more than 31 years of medical experience, some of Dr. Miller’s experience includes being the chief medical director for the Pima County-Tucson area and the director of the emergency department at Paradise Valley Hospital-Phoenix.

Dr. Jim Rice

Jim Rice Bio Picture Dr. Jim Rice was born and raised in Arizona. He has served 46 years in public education as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent. He served his career in the Alhambra Elementary School District in central Phoenix. After retiring from Alhambra, Dr. Rice directed the Principal Initiative for the Rodel Foundation of Arizona until June of 2013. From 2013 to 2016, Dr. Rice served two interim superintendencies with Gilbert Public Schools and the Union Elementary School District. Jim and his wife Jackie have been married for 52 years. They have two children, Jamie and Jason, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

During Dr. Rice’s tenure with the Alhambra School District, the district received numerous state and national awards. Dr. Rice has been recognized for his exceptional leadership including being named Arizona’s Distinguished Administrator in 2002; received the Willis J. Ray Volunteer Award from Grand Canyon University in 2003; received an Award of Excellence for Contributions to Public Education from the Arizona School Public Relations Association in 2004; was inducted into the ASU College of Education Hall of Fame in October 2005, received the ASA Administrator of the Year – Superintendent Division in 2007; was named Arizona’s Superintendent of the Year in 2007 and received the Grand Canyon University Alumnus of the Year. In 2010, Jim received the WestMarc Individual Leadership Award. When Jim retired from the Alhambra Elementary School District, the governing board bestowed his name, James W. Rice, on one of their schools. In 2013, he was inducted into GCU’s Athletic Hall of Fame, and in 2016, he was inducted into GCU’s College of Education Hall of Fame. In 2017, Dr. Rice was inducted into Phoenix Union High School District’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Dr. Rice currently serves as a content expert for doctorate level students at GCU, where he also serves on the university’s board as a board trustee. In addition to GCU’s board, he serves on the advisory council for the Assistance League of Phoenix.

Don Andorfer (Trustee Emeritus)

Jim Rice Bio Picture Don Andorfer joined GCU in the spring of 2006 as interim president in the effort to help the university prepare for its accreditation review by the Higher Learning Commission in 2007. Under his leadership, the university expected to rise to new levels of excellence in its academic standards. Mr. Andorfer now serves as a GCU board member emeritus.

Prior to joining the university, Mr. Andorfer served as president of Indiana Institute of Technology in Fort Wayne, Indiana for 18 years from 1985 to 2003 and served in various management positions since 1977.

He continues to act as a consultant to his predecessor at Indiana Institute of Technology. From 1960 to 1970, Mr. Andorfer served as a full-time faculty member at the International Business College (Fort Wayne, Indiana) and then from 1970 to 1977 as dean and director of the International Junior College of Business (Fort Wayne, Indiana). Mr. Andorfer has actively participated as a consultant and evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association for the past 15 years. During that time, he occupied a three-year term on the Higher Learning Commission’s Academic Review Committee.

Mr. Andorfer and his wife, Mary Janet, continue to play an active role in their community. They chaired a capital campaign to raise $1.5 million with St. Aloysius Catholic Church for its elementary school and new community center.

He has served on numerous boards and is the recipient of several honors and awards. To name just two, he received the Sagamore of Wabash Award (Indiana’s highest citizen award) and another naming him the “Citizen of the Year” by the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette in 2003, along with two other university presidents. At the conclusion of Mr. Andorfer’s service at the Indiana Institute of Technology in 2003, “Andorfer Commons” (the newest and largest building on the campus) was dedicated in his honor, remembering him as a man of character and excellence.

Mr. Andorfer earned his Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Arts in Education from Ball State University (Muncie, Indiana). In addition, he has completed graduate work in finance and administration.

President Brian Mueller

President Brian Mueller joined Grand Canyon University (GCU) in July 2008 to usher in a new era for the institution. Taking the successes he experienced as a teacher and coach at the high school and small college level as well as his 22 years of experience at the Apollo Group (the parent company of University of Phoenix), Mr. Mueller transformed GCU from a financially struggling university into one that is a driving force in higher education today.

As the university's president, Mr. Mueller is progressive and anticipatory in an industry that is slow in adapting to change. Since Mueller joined GCU, enrollment on the Phoenix campus has increased from roughly 1,000 to over 23,500,¹ while online enrollment has grown exponentially to nearly 90,000.²

From 2009 to June 2021, Mr. Mueller has also overseen a nearly $1.6 billion expansion of the campus through new technologies, classrooms, laboratories, athletic facilities and student amenities.

These efforts to create a better educational environment have been accomplished at no additional cost to students or taxpayers in Arizona. By creating a hybrid education model that relies on operational efficiencies and fiscal responsibility on its ground and online campuses, this ensures one of Mr. Mueller’s highest priorities as president—that a high-quality, private, Christian education is affordable to all socioeconomic classes. In fact, GCU’s online students received nearly $130 million in scholarships and traditional campus students received nearly $180 million in 2022.³

Academically, Mr. Mueller has led a reinvention of GCU's programs, aligning the school's curriculum with high-growth fields such as computer science, information technology, cybersecurity and engineering, among others, while continuing to produce graduates with the high character and servant leadership the university is known for. As of March 2023, the university has nine colleges and offers 321 academic programs, including over 260 online programs.

Another emphasis for Mr. Mueller has been his five-point plan to revitalize West Phoenix by 1) Creating jobs on campus that have made the university an economic catalyst for the community, 2) Creating jobs for local residents through 10 business enterprises that employ nearly 500 people, 3) Supporting K-12 education with free tutoring and full-tuition scholarship programs, 4) Making the surrounding neighborhood safer through a $2.2 million partnership with the City of Phoenix and 5) Collaborating to complete over 1,000 repairs with Habitat for Humanity.⁴

Mr. Mueller's vision for Christian education draws from his own experiences as a student, teacher and coach in Christian schools. His passion is also seen in his inspiring Chapel service addresses, which draw standing-room-only crowds at GCU Arena.

Mr. Mueller began his higher education career as a teacher and coach at Concordia University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Master of Arts in Education from Concordia.

Mr. Mueller has served on a myriad of boards, including the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and Arizona Commerce Authority and is executive director of the Joy Community Church Foundation.

Academic Leadership

Dr. Randy Gibb

Provost

Randy Gibb, PhD, joined GCU in July 2014 and first served as the dean of the Colangelo College of Business for eight years before he was appointed provost. In his previous role, he and his team grew the business college based upon the pillars of servant leadership, ethics and entrepreneurism and promoted the concepts of free market capitalism and business as a form of ministry.

Additionally, Dr. Gibb has honorably served 26 years in the U.S. Air Force. He commanded two Air Force flying units and retired as a colonel and command pilot. He also has a wide variety of academic leadership experience: he taught as department chair of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Behavioral Science and Leadership Department, helped lead the human systems integration program at the Air Force Institute of Technology in Dayton, Ohio as a senior military professor at the Graduate School of Engineering and Management Department and served at Arizona State University as an associate professor and chair of the Human and Environmental Systems Department. Dr. Gibb’s career has extensive experience in aviation safety, human factors, visual perception and spatial disorientation, as well as leadership development.

Dr. Gibb, originally from Wisconsin, earned his PhD and Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from Arizona State University. He also has a Master of Arts from the U.S. Naval Command and Staff College in Newport, Rhode Island and was a distinguished graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1986. Dr. Gibb has served on the Governor’s Workforce Arizona Council, Canyon Angels, WESTMARC Board of Directors and Arizona’s Board of Conscious Capitalism.

Dr. Jennifer Lech

Vice Provost

Jennifer Lech, PhD, has been with GCU since 2004, but she has worked in postsecondary education for 20 years. Dr. Lech developed the initial curriculum of the university as it began its transformation to avoid bankruptcy in 2004. She is now responsible for academic and institutional integrity through the departments she oversees, including the Office of Academic Records, Policy and Program Management, Accreditation, State Compliance, Academic Compliance, Student Disability Services, Office of Assessment, Academic Analytics and the Library.

She previously served as the Title IX Coordinator from 2013 to 2018 and the 504 Coordinator from 2006 to 2018. Dr. Lech also currently serves as a board member for Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education and the Arizona-State Authorization Reciprocity Council (AZ-SARA).

Dr. Lech holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Management and Decision Sciences from Walden University, Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Washington State University.

Dr. Joe Veres

Senior Vice President of Student Success

Joe Veres, EdD, joined GCU in June 2013 to spearhead the university’s ground-breaking program, the GCU Learning Lounge. Noted for his educational innovation and ability to maximize systems and efficiencies, Dr. Veres currently serves as senior vice president of student success which oversees Career Services, Academic and Career Excellence, Non-Traditional Academic Support and K12 Outreach.

Previous to GCU, Dr. Veres recorded experience in public education as a teacher and as an administrator. Dr. Veres earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Ashland University and his Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix. Dr. Veres holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University.

Shanna Milonas

Vice President of Academic Compliance, Title IX and 504 Coordinator

Shanna Milonas joined GCU in 2007 as an administrator in the Office of Academic Compliance. Since that time, she has held multiple roles within Academic Compliance, most recently serving as associate vice president, deputy Title IX coordinator and lead Title IX investigator. In her current role, she has oversight of compliance requirements for Title IX, VAWA, Section 504/ADA and processes to ensure non-discrimination for all other protected classes, including programmatic functions and institutional grievance procedures.

She holds multiple certifications issued by the National Higher Education Risk Management Group (NCHERM), including those for Title IX Administrator Levels One and Two, 504 Coordinator and Civil Rights Investigator Levels One and Two. She is also responsible for oversight of the Office of Academic Compliance and Student Disability Services Office, as well as both the Student Resolution and Academic Affairs project management teams.

Shanna earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Argosy University in 2006 and her Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Leadership from GCU in 2010. She has over 20 years of compliance experience in the areas of higher education, healthcare and government.

College Leadership

Dr. Michael Berger

Dean, College of Doctoral Studies

Michael Berger, EdD, joined GCU in 2004. Previous to his role as dean, Dr. Berger oversaw development of curriculum and instructional material for GCU. His dissertation focused on instructional techniques that online faculty can use to better connect with their students. He has presented at numerous conferences on the subjects of higher education assessment, online learning and virtual doctoral education. Dr. Berger earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Dayton, and he received his EdD in organizational leadership from GCU.

Dr. Allison Mason

Interim Dean, Colangelo College of Business

Dr. Allison Mason, DBA, joined GCU in September 2008 and currently serves as the interim dean of the Colangelo College of Business (CCOB). Previous to her current role, she was an associate dean of CCOB. She has worked in a variety of positions in higher education for over 16 years, including leading accreditation efforts for the college as the champion for the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Dr. Mason earned a Doctor of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Management as well as an MBA with an Emphasis in Leadership from GCU. She also holds an MEd with an emphasis in Human Relations from Northern Arizona University and a BS in Communications from Winona State University. Her research efforts have focused on social media marketing in higher education.

Dr. Meredith Critchfield

Dean, College of Education

Since early childhood, Meredith Critchfield, PhD, has been fascinated by teaching and learning. Hailing from a long line of K-12 educators, Dr. Critchfield’s love of teaching and learning has led her to spend the last 17 years in the field of education. Prior to her appointment as Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Critchfield served in online and ground faculty chair roles and was awarded the earned rank of professor at GCU. She also served as a K-12 teacher in the United States and abroad in Kenya.

Dr. Critchfield has contributed to over 40 publications, including a co-authored book with Columbia University's Teachers College Press, as well as over 55 international, national and regional conference presentations. Her passion for education has netted her eight major awards including Teacher of the Year, Leadership in Research and Scholarly Activity Award, Mental Attitude Award and Distinguished Faculty Scholar. Dr. Critchfield’s research interests include literacy education, teaching English as a second language and educational equity and inclusion in urban, multicultural contexts.

Dr. Craig Detweiler

Dean, College of Arts and Media

Craig Detweiler, PhD, joined GCU in 2021. He merges theology, arts and culture with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Davidson College, an MFA from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts and an MDiv and PhD from Fuller Theological Seminary. Dr. Detweiler wrote the screenplays for “The Duke,” the comedic road trip, “Extreme Days,” and directed the award-winning documentary “Remand,” narrated by Angela Bassett. His acclaimed books include “iGods: How Technology Shapes Our Spiritual and Social Lives,” “Selfies: Searching for the Image of God in a Digital Age” and “Deep Focus: Film and Theology in Dialogue,” co-written with Robert Johnston and Kutter Callaway.

Detweiler’s cultural commentary has been featured on ABC’s “Nightline,” CNN, Fox, NPR and in “The New York Times” and “The Wall Street Journal.” Prior to his role at GCU, he served as a professor at Biola University, Fuller Seminary and Pepperdine University. “Variety” honored Dr. Detweiler as their 2016 Mentor of the Year.

Dr. Sherman Elliott

Dean, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Sherman Elloitt, EdD, started with GCU in January 2011 as faculty member in the College of Education where he served for a year and half as chair of secondary education. Dr. Elliott then served as the assistant dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences prior to his appointment as dean. Before joining GCU, Dr. Elloitt held the positions of assistant clinical professor of secondary education and director of the Center of Civics Education at Arizona State University.

Dr. Elliott received his doctorate in teaching innovation and leadership in 2009 from Arizona State University. He holds a BA in government and an MA in theology from the University of San Francisco. Dr. Elliott has served as an executive board member for the Arizona Council of the Social Studies and serves as a leader reviewer for the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and a judge for National History Day. Dr. Elliott's research interests include effective strategies for teaching religious studies objectives in social studies courses, Holocaust education and adolescent moral development.

Dr. Lisa Smith

Dean, College of Nursing and Health Care Professions

Lisa Smith, PhD, RN, CNE, served GCU as assistant dean of the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions prior to her appointment as dean. Previously, she taught for 10 years in a pre-licensure nursing program in South Florida. Before academia, Dr. Smith spent 20 years in hospital nursing, 15 of those years in managerial and executive leadership positions including chief nursing officer with a for-profit hospital system, Hospital Corporation of America (HCA).

Dr. Smith has been a registered nurse (RN) for 32 years and has earned BSN, MSN and PhD degrees. She also holds national certification as a certified nurse educator (CNE) with the National League of Nursing. Additionally, Dr. Smith has two published articles on nursing simulation, one on the influence of virtual world and high fidelity simulation when teaching critical skills and the second article on "Substitution of Clinical Experience With Simulation in Prelicensure Nursing Programs: A National Survey in the United States."

Dr. Mark Wooden

Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Mark Wooden, PhD, earned a Bachelor of Science in wildlife conservation biology and a PhD in biology with a focus on integrative and comparative environmental physiology from Arizona State University. In addition to previously serving GCU as the dean of the College of Health Sciences and the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, he has held a variety of administrative positions at GCU, including department chair of math and sciences.

Dr. Wooden possesses experience teaching in the field as professor of biology, adjunct faculty, teaching associate and guest lecturer at several universities in Phoenix. His vast knowledge has afforded Dr. Wooden the opportunity to teach an array of fascinating biology classes such as human anatomy and physiology, endocrinology, pathophysiology and developmental biology.

Dr. Jason Hiles

Dean, College of Theology

Jason Hiles, PhD, joined GCU in 2013. He is a graduate of the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design where he received a BFA in sculpture in 1998. He also earned an MDiv from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2001 and a PhD in systematic theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2008. Upon graduation from Southeastern, he was appointed assistant professor at Louisiana College and later named associate dean of the Caskey School of Divinity. Dr. Hiles is a member of the Evangelical Theological and Evangelical Philosophical Societies.

Dr. Breanna Naegeli

Dean, Honors College

Breanna Naegeli, PhD, started with GCU in August 2009 as a university development representative with the Traditional Campus Operations department. After five years in various operational and management roles, Dr. Naegeli transitioned into Academic Affairs as a program manager for Institutional Effectiveness and served as an adjunct faculty within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Colangelo College of Business. She served as the associate dean of the Honors College prior to her appointment as dean.

Dr. Naegeli received her Doctorate in Performance Psychology in 2020 from Grand Canyon University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bethany College, Master of Arts in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Argosy University and Master of Science in Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Dr. Naegeli also supports the university’s traditional study abroad and short-term global studies programs, is the editor- in- chief for the Canyon Journal of Undergraduate Research, is the university’s chapter sponsor for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Alpha Chi National College Honors Society. Her research interests include people development, leadership and professional development, team dynamics, peak performance and resilience strategies.

University Leadership

Pastor Tim Griffin

Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Tim Griffin, EdD, joined GCU in 2010 and currently serves as the dean of students, university pastor and vice president of student affairs. Dr. Griffin has a Bachelors degree in Theology, a Master of Arts degree in Ministry and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership. Dr. Griffin has a professional background that includes public speaking, leadership, fundraising and resource management. He has served for more than 25 years in clergy positions, ranging from being a pastor and chaplain to university minister.

Ray Kaselonis

Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel

Ray Kaselonis joined Grand Canyon University as General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer in 2022. He has extensive experience representing, advising and counseling thousands of clients, including faith-based non-profit organizations all across the country on many different matters. Ray began his legal career on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., where he worked in the legislative arena for nearly 12 years. He has also taught thousands of undergraduate students as an adjunct professor of government and economics as well as served as an associate pastor at a large church.

Ray earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and government from the University of Texas at Austin in 1997 and his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Regent University School of Law in 2001. As a law student, he served on the Regent University Law Review where he subsequently had two law review articles published. Ray is admitted to practice law in Arizona, Oregon, Maryland and before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Junette C. West

Vice President of Business and Finance

Junette West joined GCU in August 2018 as the university’s Vice President of Business and Finance. Mrs. West graduated from Grand Canyon College with a B.S. in Accounting and she also has an MBA and has maintained her CPA license for over 30 years. Mrs. West’s experience is primarily in the higher education sector. She has held various finance and accounting roles such as Controller, VP-Finance for International Operations, VP-Corporate Treasurer, VP-Financial Operations and VP-Enterprise Risk Management.

Trish Leonard

Vice President of Student Financial Aid Compliance

Trish Leonard joined GCU in 2020 as the Vice President of Student Financial Aid Compliance. She graduated from Ottawa University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management. She has worked for over 40 years in Federal Title IV compliance roles for private consulting firms, software providers and post-secondary institutions. She spent fourteen years running a Financial Aid Consulting firm specializing in audit and program review resolution and client training as well as risk management and federal, state and accrediting regulatory compliance. She was a member of the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education (AZPPSE) from 2007 through 2020, a member of the AZPPSE complaint committee and chairperson for the AZPPSE Board.

Jamie Boggs

Vice President of Athletics

Jamie Boggs currently serves as the vice president of Athletics at GCU after serving as interim athletic director for more than two years and deputy athletic director for four years. In her role, she provides leadership and drives the overall operations for the department. In 2018, Boggs was appointed by the Western Athletic Conference to serve on the NCAA Division I Council. She was also selected by the NCAA to serve as vice chair of the Women’s Basketball Oversight Committee.

Dr. T. Kale Gober

Vice President for Advancement

Kale Gober, EdD, joined GCU in 2020, bringing more than a decade of experience in higher education development. Dr. Gober majored in education at Henderson State University, obtained a Master of Science in Instructional Technology from the University of Central Arkansas and has earned a Doctor of Education. Prior to joining GCU, Dr. Gober served as the vice president for advancement at the University of Central Arkansas. He arrived at Central Arkansas after serving as assistant athletics director for development at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Gober began his career as the director of athletics at Henderson State University.

James Kossler

Vice President of Facilities Planning and Operations

James (Jim) Kossler joined GCU in 2019 after serving 26 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a colonel. As a career civil engineer officer, Kossler served two tours in Southwest Asia and commanded three times at the squadron and group level, including the 56th Mission Support Group at Luke Air Force Base (AFB) in Glendale, Arizona. During his time at Luke AFB, Kossler provided oversight and direction for six squadrons encompassing facilities management and construction, logistics, transportation, recreation, lodging, human resources, procurement, security and law enforcement, fire department, emergency management, housing, mail center and communications.

In his role at GCU, Kossler oversees campus development, facility management and construction, environmental health and safety, transportation and emergency management. Kossler received a Master of Science and Master of Arts in Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology and Webster University, respectively. He earned a bachelor’s in architecture from the University of Notre Dame in 1992 and is a licensed architect in Illinois and Arizona.

Bob Romantic

Executive Director of Communications and Public Relations

Bob Romantic joined GCU in 2011 and currently serves as the executive director of communications and public relations. Known for his collaborative storytelling, editing and communication skills during 25 years as an award-winning journalist and editor in Arizona, Romantic now uses that experience to shine a light on the many positive stories emanating from the university.

A native Arizonan who was born in Phoenix, he oversees all communications at GCU — externally via news.gcu.edu and GCU Magazine, internally through direct communications to employees, students and stakeholders, and through public relations efforts with local and national media.

He received his Bachelor of Science in Journalism degree from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Haley Fagerlie

Assistant Vice President of Industry Relations and Strategic Partnerships

With more than 16 years of experience in higher education, Haley Fagerlie is known as a connector with an entrepreneurial mindset cultivating mutually beneficial programs and partnerships. In her time at GCU, she has served in various roles such as a faculty member, mentor and student advisor, founder of the GCU AZ HOSA chapter, K12 STEM director, director of dual enrollment compliance, associate director for the Center of Integrated Science, Engineering and Technology, and later played a role in the formation of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. Fagerile has helped to build the various advisory boards focused on engaging industry in the development and alignment of talent pipelines. Focused on relationships and workforce development, Fagerile is responsible for creating the university’s Employer Network for relationship engagement, connecting job opportunities to students.

Fagerile holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry, a Master of Science in Leadership and a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling from GCU. Fagerile is passionate about lifelong learning, servant leadership and community engagement. Over the past decade, she’s served on boards and committees for education, workforce development and healthcare. She currently serves on the board of directors for WESTMARC (the Western Maricopa Coalition) as the co-chair of the Education and Workforce Committee and on the board of trustees for Abrazo Hospital Central, Scottsdale and Cave Creek campuses.

Scott Greenberger

Assistant Vice President of Research and Grants

Scott Greenberger, EdD, originally joined GCU in 2013 as a full-time instructor for the College of Doctoral Studies. Since that time, he has served in several administrative roles focused on supporting faculty and student research, including dissertation chair, research manager, research director and research executive director. He has been especially active in the College of Doctoral Studies, serving on 11 dissertation committees to completion, including eight as chair and three as content expert. He has also served as a subject matter expert in writing 10 e-book chapters on methodology and research design.

Dr. Greenberger has distinguished himself in the field of reflective practice, creating and publishing the “Guide for Reflective Practice,” which emphasizes an evidence-based approach to documenting practical problem-solving. He has published many scholarly papers in peer-reviewed academic journals on teaching, learning and reflective practice, and has twice presented his research at the World Congress on Positive Psychology. He also currently serves as the executive editor for the Canyon Journal of Undergraduate Research and the Journal of Scholarly Engagement. Dr. Greenberger earned his Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from GCU, Master of Arts in Liberal Arts from St. John's College and Bachelor of Arts in Urban and Regional Studies from the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay.

James Jackson

Interim Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety

James Jackson joined GCU in 2021 as the assistant chief of police and assistant director of public safety and currently serves as the interim chief of police and director of public safety. James has spent the last 32 years serving the citizens of Arizona as a law enforcement officer. He has worked in an executive leadership role for the last 15 years, holding positions including public information officer, police lieutenant, police commander, assistant police chief and now interim police chief.

Interim Chief Jackson is known for his successful collaboration with the major stakeholders of cities, schools and many other organizations, and was able to work closely with other universities, which assisted him in adapting to his work at GCU. He is dedicated to being responsive and available to all stakeholders.

A native Arizonan born in Flagstaff, Jackson oversees the Public Safety Department at GCU, which is comprised of both sworn and non-sworn public safety employees. As of April 2022, over 200 employees fill the roles of sworn Arizona peace officer, public safety security, public safety communication professional and other professional positions. The Public Safety Department is responsible for the safety and security of the campus, students, faculty, staff, and of GCU’s many daily visitors.

Interim Chief Jackson earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice/Criminology from Northern Arizona University, graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2017 – Class 270, and is a member of the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

¹ Includes all students who attend ground campus classes (traditional and cohort) who have a last date of attendance of three weeks after the start of the Fall 2021 semester for traditional students, or in the last two months of Q1 for cohort students.

² Includes students who have participated in an online class in August or September 2021 and does not include students in a cohort program.

³ Online scholarships awarded from January 2022 to October 2022.

⁴ Service hours and repairs contributed by GCU and its partners