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The honors college
GCU Mission Statement
GCU is a missional, Christ-centered university with an innovative and adaptive spirit that addresses the world’s deep needs by cultivating compassionate Christian community, empowering free and virtuous action and serving others in ways that promote human flourishing.Through academic excellence, the university equips students with knowledge of the Christian worldview, instilling in them a sense of purpose and vocational calling that enables them to be innovative thinkers, effective communicators, global contributors and transformative leaders who change their communities by placing the interests of others before their own.
Honors college Mission Statement
The Honors College at Grand Canyon University is designed to produce exemplary graduates who are uniquely equipped to lead and serve in the workplace as well as within their local and global communities. Our mission is to develop servant leaders and change agents who are primed to enter the world with a competitive advantage over their contemporaries in the fields of problem solving, communication, critical thinking, evidence-based decision-making and cultural awareness.
Pillars
strength in a christ-centered community
We value relationships over transactions by promoting meaningful connections that enrich the honors community and those we serve. We embrace the notion that we are stronger together and aim to lift one another to fulfill our calling. We activate principles of servant leadership within our daily interactions.
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. — 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 ESV
innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration
We conduct purpose-driven research and entrepreneurial strategizing to drive innovative solutions. We foster ambition and diversity of thought within a community that embraces interdisciplinary collaboration.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, build a team.” — Martha Goedert
character and integrity
We grow and contribute from the context of a Christian worldview. We align our passions and purposes with our future professions. We embrace servant leadership through care, love, humility and stewardship in all our endeavors. We cultivate a community dedicated to character and integrity, live out our faith in action and embrace gratitude.
“Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity.” — Roy T. Bennett
global exploration and engagement
We promote cultural awareness and global competence by engaging in diverse local and global communities. We develop empathetic leaders ready to engage in a global workplace through inclusivity and compassion.
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. — Hebrews 12:14 NIV
commitment to service and service-minded leadership
We develop authentic, resilient, transformational leaders through intentional professional and leadership development programs. Our students are committed to serving their communities and inspiring change through advocacy and action.
For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. — 2 Corinthians 8:21 ESV
lifelong learning
Through our curricular and co-curricular experiences, our students establish a commitment to lifelong learning, continued professional and leadership development and everlasting spiritual growth. Our students learn humbly, apply with integrity and repeat with curiosity in the lifelong pursuit of knowledge.
“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” — Socrates
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.
Dr. Marette Hahn earned her Doctorate in Psychology at Grand Canyon University (GCU), her post-graduate certificate in life coaching at GCU, her Masters in Studies in Human Behavior at Capella University, and her Bachelors in Psychology at Augsburg University. Dr. Marette has worked at GCU since 2013 and in higher education since 2009. She has experience across career advising, academic advising, enrollment, student success, academic tutoring, first-generation college students, first year experience, and more. In her free time, Dr. Marette enjoys hiking, mountain biking, camping, traveling, reading, trying new restaurants, watching TED Talks, listening to podcasts, learning, anything to do with dogs and animals in general, coffee, and trying new things. She has been married to her husband Justin since 2011 and had her first child, Avery, in 2023.
Anya Cofrancesco is a GCU Honors College alumna who graduated in 2017 with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and in 2020 with her Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Law Enforcement. Her career journey began in 2015 when she applied for a student worker position within the Honors College, and after graduation, she was blessed to continue working as a full-time staff under the direction and leadership of Dr. Bre. Anya is passionate about service, leadership, and listening to students who walk in her office. She volunteers with different organizations around the valley including the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Abounding Service, and Feed My Starving Children. She is also passionate about global education and being originally from Ukraine has allowed her to bring a unique perspective to the Honors College Global Studies Team. She enjoys getting to travel and understand more about other cultures. Some of her favorite experiences have been an anti-trafficking trip to Bali and a vision trip to Cambodia and Thailand to learn about the effects of human trafficking in those communities. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, taking piano and ballet lessons, and learning as much as she can about the world around her. Matthew 25:40; Luke 12:48
Katalina Inzunza Herrera is a first-generation GCU and Honors College alumna who graduated in 2016 with a B.S. in Psychology and in 2018 with an M.S. in Psychology with an Emphasis in Forensic Psychology. During her time in honors, she was a student worker and took advantage of multiple honors programs while also serving in leadership roles on campus. As an Academic Program Manager, Katalina serves the Honors College by helping to manage research and presentation opportunities for honors students, as well as helps in the execution of honors programs and initiatives. Katalina also supports students who are interested in being published at the undergraduate level and assists with student success strategies, first-generation initiatives, professional development, and mentorship. In addition, she serves the university as an adjunct faculty and faculty advisor for the Canyon Dreamers club.
Jessica Landes is a GCU Honors College alum who graduated in 2022 with her Bachelors of Science in Business Management. She also pursued minors in Public Administration and Business Analytics. As a Program Coordinator in the Honors College, she runs the Study Abroad Program and is passionate about getting students excited about global education. During her time in Honors, she was involved in many programs including serving as Chapter President of NSCS for 2019-2020 and being the Platinum finalist of the 2021 PAC program. Now as a full-time staff, she loves getting to work with her student workers and interact with students to help them fulfill their dreams of going abroad. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, writing, hiking, and learning more about her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Lopes up! Isaiah 26:3
Kendall Smith received her Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film and Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Canyon University in 2022. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Marketing. As a Program Coordinator for the Honors College, Kendall manages a team of student workers who execute all the design materials, social media accounts, and photography/video projects for the Honors College, Study Abroad department, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars chapter, and Alpha Chi National College Honor Society chapter. On the side, Kendall performs annually in Dream City Church's Celebration of Christmas show, films weddings and dance recitals, and photographs for engagements, maternity, family, and graduation shoots. With the Christian faith as the pinnacle of her being, Kendall commits herself to following Jesus with a courageous heart. She lives by the statement "find a need and fill it," for she believes no task is too small to bring glory to God.
Fanny Guerra graduated in April 2023 from GCU and is now an Honors College alumni. As a first-generation graduate she earned a Bachelor of Psychology with leadership distinction. While in the honors college, she participated in various programs offered. She received recognition during her time at the Honors College with the Dean’s Award and LSU leadership. She is now a Program Development Specialist for the Honors College and supports incoming students with any questions they may have about the application process.
find your purpose
© 2024 The Honors College at Grand Canyon University | GCUhonors@gcu.edu
