I met my beautiful bride through our old school district and we have two beautiful daughters together. Some would certainly argue that our daughters were our third and fourth children, considering our attachment to our two other four-legged miniature dachshunds.
Two of the best and busiest years of my family’s life occurred when we had the opportunity to move from our home to an apartment and minister the residents through day-to-day life. One of the greatest discoveries I made during our two-year stay is that I am a “Relational Evangelist,” which means I like to create relationships with others and then “earn the right” to share my personal faith with him/her. That means one may often see posts from me where I share relatable information that I may have picked up at a church service, GCU’s Chapel services, something that I read from my own person time in the Bible, etc. However, I will never throw a spiritual point of view in a student’s face, or force others to hold to the same belief system that I practice through my personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my family and enjoy a good comedy whenever we get the chance. Traveling has always been enjoyable, but slowed down once life started happening. One of my most memorable trips (aside from my honeymoon in Cancun) would have to be studying in the Galapagos Islands during the summer of my first year in teaching.
Faculty Spotlight
Who am I and how did God lead me to GCU?
Even though it was not planned, my entire professional career has revolved around education. My original ambition was to attend seminary or a police academy, but found my way to Northern Arizona University, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree. I spent the next season of my life teaching 7th Grade English at my old Jr. High School (absolutely loved it). I had the unique opportunity to team-teach with my mother, along with many of my former teachers. I even got a taste of an administrative role at a local High School. Ironically, I started teaching because I wanted a break from school, as previously mentioned I had other goals in mind.
Plain and simple, God threw doors open for me here at Grand Canyon University. Even though I was not looking for an escape from the walls of public education and into the blessing of a private Christian university, God had a much different plan for my life that I originally thought. I obtained my first and second Master Degrees from Grand Canyon University, and currently have a driving passion to continue educating adults. Needless to say, education has been a very rewarding hobby that has dramatically affected my life today. I currently serve as a Faculty Training and Development Specialist.
What do I enjoy most about my role at GCU?
I thrive in environments that are full of variety, flexibility and creativity. Serving as a Faculty Specialist allows me to help shape, influence and support faculty who have a direct impact on student’s lives. I know that for every one faculty member I am able to impact, hundreds- if not thousands- of students will be impacted. My role also allows for partnerships with multiple departments at the university. Also, every experience has enriched my teaching ability within my own classroom. I have been blessed with the opportunity to interact with some of the most amazing personalities, several of whom I would consider to be a spiritual mentor, or at least someone I hope to emulate as a disciple of Christ, husband and father.
How has the Gospel shaped my life?
How much time do I have to tell about how the Gospel has shaped my life?! The shortest “elevator speech” answer can be found in Philippians 1:21, “ For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” If God and the hope that can be found through Jesus Christ did not exist, I would find very little purpose in waking each day. While I love my wife and children more than anything in this world, I know that our time on this earth together is only temporary. I find assurance, rest, peace and satisfaction in knowing that the Gospel promises an inconceivable future for all those who love Him.