Grand Canyon University
Encyclopedia
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a for-profit
Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona
. It is owned by Grand Canyon Education . GCU was founded in 1949 as a non-profit liberal arts
college. Grand Canyon Education, Inc. purchased Grand Canyon University in February 2004. Grand Canyon Education, through its subsidiary Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and provides online and campus-based postsecondary education services focused on graduate and undergraduate degree programs in education, liberal arts, business, and healthcare through its six colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Doctoral Studies, the College of Education, the College of Fine Arts and Production, the College of Nursing, and the Ken Blanchard College of Business.
Southern Baptists
felt the need to establish a faith-based institution that would allow local Baptists the opportunity to obtain a Bachelor's or Master's degree without going "back east" to one of the Baptist colleges in Texas
, Oklahoma
or Missouri
. In 1949, Grand Canyon University opened to 93 students at its original campus site Prescott, Arizona. Two years of financial drought followed, spelled by occasional showers of generosity and the steady growth in academics and athletic programs. On October 8, 1951, Grand Canyon College relocated to the present campus in Phoenix. First Southern Baptist Church of Phoenix donated the land necessary for the institution, and several members of that church, led by Reverend Vaughn Rock "Brother Rock" and S.F. Hawkins donated the finances and physical labor needed to bring G.C.C, as it was known, into reality. Grand Canyon College became Grand Canyon University in 1989.
Suffering existential financial and other difficulties in the early part of the 21st Century, the school's trustees authorized its sale in January 2004 to California
-based Significant Education, LLC, making it the first for-profit Christian college in the United States.
In 2009, Grand Canyon University's Phoenix campus began work on a $60 million campus expansion project which includes a 500-bed dormitory, a 55000 square feet (5,109.7 m²) fitness and recreation center, 125-classroom facility, food court and bowling alley and a 5,000 seat arena
. The GCU Events Center
, which opened September 2, 2011 is utilized for Christian and secular concerts, speakers, events and is also home to Grand Canyon University's Men's and Women's basketball teams.
Grand Canyon University broke ground on a new College of Arts and Science building October 18, 2011. Expected completion for the classroom building and lab facility is August 2012
Grand Canyon University is also accredited through Arizona State Private Post-Secondary Education.
Grand Canyon University, through its Ken Blanchard
College of Business, is nationally accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs
. It offers the following business degrees:
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
and the Arizona State Board of Nursing accredit the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program.
The Arizona State Department of Education has given formal approval of the work done at the University for the certification of elementary and secondary teachers and for the renewal of certificates.
In addition, the College of Arts and Sciences represents a wide range of bachelor's and graduate programs related to the medical field, including programs to prepare students for medical careers as doctors, physician assistants, pharmacists, athletic trainers and addiction counselors.
In 2010, Grand Canyon University opened a satellite campus in Albuquerque New Mexico
for pre-licensure nursing students in partnership with Presbyterian Health System
. Men's Volleyball competes in the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association
(MIVA; Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
(RMAC) for Men's and Women's Swimming, and Wrestling.
Several reports have stated Grand Canyon plans to become a NCAA Division I athletic program once the NCAA moratorium on accepting new Division I programs expires in June 2011. GCU has already had discussions with West Coast Conference
.
For-Profit School
For-profit education refers to educational institutions operated by private, profit-seeking businesses....
Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
. It is owned by Grand Canyon Education . GCU was founded in 1949 as a non-profit liberal arts
Liberal arts
The term liberal arts refers to those subjects which in classical antiquity were considered essential for a free citizen to study. Grammar, Rhetoric and Logic were the core liberal arts. In medieval times these subjects were extended to include mathematics, geometry, music and astronomy...
college. Grand Canyon Education, Inc. purchased Grand Canyon University in February 2004. Grand Canyon Education, through its subsidiary Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and provides online and campus-based postsecondary education services focused on graduate and undergraduate degree programs in education, liberal arts, business, and healthcare through its six colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Doctoral Studies, the College of Education, the College of Fine Arts and Production, the College of Nursing, and the Ken Blanchard College of Business.
History
The College was founded as a nonprofit institution in 1949. ArizonaArizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
Southern Baptists
Southern Baptist Convention
The Southern Baptist Convention is a United States-based Christian denomination. It is the world's largest Baptist denomination and the largest Protestant body in the United States, with over 16 million members...
felt the need to establish a faith-based institution that would allow local Baptists the opportunity to obtain a Bachelor's or Master's degree without going "back east" to one of the Baptist colleges in Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
or Missouri
Missouri
Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
. In 1949, Grand Canyon University opened to 93 students at its original campus site Prescott, Arizona. Two years of financial drought followed, spelled by occasional showers of generosity and the steady growth in academics and athletic programs. On October 8, 1951, Grand Canyon College relocated to the present campus in Phoenix. First Southern Baptist Church of Phoenix donated the land necessary for the institution, and several members of that church, led by Reverend Vaughn Rock "Brother Rock" and S.F. Hawkins donated the finances and physical labor needed to bring G.C.C, as it was known, into reality. Grand Canyon College became Grand Canyon University in 1989.
Suffering existential financial and other difficulties in the early part of the 21st Century, the school's trustees authorized its sale in January 2004 to California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
-based Significant Education, LLC, making it the first for-profit Christian college in the United States.
Campus
In 2006, the Grand Canyon University Campus received a $150 million makeover including a brick promenade, an aquatics center, with pool and hot tub, and a café offering an assortment of games and big-screen televisions.In 2009, Grand Canyon University's Phoenix campus began work on a $60 million campus expansion project which includes a 500-bed dormitory, a 55000 square feet (5,109.7 m²) fitness and recreation center, 125-classroom facility, food court and bowling alley and a 5,000 seat arena
Arena
An arena is an enclosed area, often circular or oval-shaped, designed to showcase theater, musical performances, or sporting events. It is composed of a large open space surrounded on most or all sides by tiered seating for spectators. The key feature of an arena is that the event space is the...
. The GCU Events Center
GCU Events Center
Grand Canyon University's arena is a 5,000-seat multi-purpose entertainment and athletics facility in Phoenix, Arizona. The arena is the home of Grand Canyon University 'Lopes men's and women's basketball teams and other athletic events....
, which opened September 2, 2011 is utilized for Christian and secular concerts, speakers, events and is also home to Grand Canyon University's Men's and Women's basketball teams.
Grand Canyon University broke ground on a new College of Arts and Science building October 18, 2011. Expected completion for the classroom building and lab facility is August 2012
Reputation and ranking
Grand Canyon University was recognized as a top 5 online school for entrepreneurs by Fortune.Accreditation
Grand Canyon University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, a regional accrediting body as mentioned above.Grand Canyon University is also accredited through Arizona State Private Post-Secondary Education.
Grand Canyon University, through its Ken Blanchard
Ken Blanchard
Kenneth Hartley Blanchard is an American author and management expert. His book The One Minute Manager has sold over 13 million copies and has been translated into 37 languages...
College of Business, is nationally accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs
Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs , formerly the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, is a U.S. organization offering accreditation services to business programs focused on teaching and learning....
. It offers the following business degrees:
- The Ken Blanchard Executive MBA, a one-year EMBA taught in part by Dr. Ken Blanchard. The focus of the EMBA is Servant Leadership.
- The Bachelor of Science (BS) with majors in Accounting, Business Administration, and Marketing.
- The Master of Business AdministrationMaster of Business AdministrationThe Master of Business Administration is a :master's degree in business administration, which attracts people from a wide range of academic disciplines. The MBA designation originated in the United States, emerging from the late 19th century as the country industrialized and companies sought out...
(MBA), with emphasis available in a number of disciplines including Accounting, Finance, General Management, Health Systems Management, Leadership, Management of Information Systems, Marketing and Six Sigma.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education is an autonomous nursing education accrediting agency that contributes to the improvement of the public's health. The CCNE is recognized by the U.S...
and the Arizona State Board of Nursing accredit the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program.
The Arizona State Department of Education has given formal approval of the work done at the University for the certification of elementary and secondary teachers and for the renewal of certificates.
Colleges
- College of Arts and Sciences—foundational college of Grand Canyon University and contains majors in the sciences and social sciences, media and communications, and the humanities.. The College of Arts and Sciences has the largest number of faculty members of any college at the university and provides course offerings ranging from Molecular Genetics to Robert Frost. The College of Arts and Sciences represents what is commonly called the "core education." Core classes are courses that are required for all student degree programs and support GCU's stated mission and vision of student development: "GCU prepares learners to become global citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible leaders by providing an academically challenging, values-based curriculum from the context of our Christian heritage."
In addition, the College of Arts and Sciences represents a wide range of bachelor's and graduate programs related to the medical field, including programs to prepare students for medical careers as doctors, physician assistants, pharmacists, athletic trainers and addiction counselors.
- College of Education—teaching future educators has been one of GCU's core competencies since its inception. Educational programs include TESOL, elementary, secondary, special education and educational administration . All education programs at GCU are developed to aligned with state and national standards and use the Understanding by Design framework to ensure effective learning. Grand Canyon University College of Education ground, traditional graduates have a 99% placement rate.
- College of Fine Arts & Production—the artistic hub of Grand Canyon University, the College of Fine Arts & Production offers degree programs in music education, theater and drama, digital film with an emphasis in production or screen writing.
- College of Nursing—for more than 25 years GCU has offered both ground and online programs. Students who plan to become professional registered nurses (RNs) can enter GCU's nursing program as freshmen to begin the pre-requisites or enter the program later with transfer hours. They will earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and be prepared for an exciting nursing career. The College of Nursing has degrees ranging from the Undergraduate RN to BSN program to a Masters in Nursing with an Emphasis in Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
In 2010, Grand Canyon University opened a satellite campus in Albuquerque New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
for pre-licensure nursing students in partnership with Presbyterian Health System
- Ken BlanchardKen BlanchardKenneth Hartley Blanchard is an American author and management expert. His book The One Minute Manager has sold over 13 million copies and has been translated into 37 languages...
College of Business—focused on servant leadership, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit the Ken Blanchard College of Business offers programs for undergraduate and graduate level students in a variety of business disciplines. Such programs include: bachelors in accounting, marketing, business administration, entrepreneurial studies and finance and economics. The College of Business also offers graduate programs including the Ken Blanchard Executive MBA programs.
- College of Doctoral Studies - The College of Doctoral Studies offers three distinct doctorate degree programs tailored toward the specific interests of students: the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, Doctor of Business Administration and Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Athletics
Grand Canyon University is currently a member of NCAA Division II with most sports participating in the Pacific West ConferencePacific West Conference
The Pacific West Conference is an intercollegiate college athletic conference affiliated with NCAA Division II...
. Men's Volleyball competes in the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association
Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association
The Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association is a college athletic conference whose member schools compete in men's volleyball. Its member institutions are located in the Midwestern United States, stretching from Illinois in the west to Ohio in the east...
(MIVA; Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the western United States, mostly in Colorado with some members in Nebraska and New Mexico...
(RMAC) for Men's and Women's Swimming, and Wrestling.
Several reports have stated Grand Canyon plans to become a NCAA Division I athletic program once the NCAA moratorium on accepting new Division I programs expires in June 2011. GCU has already had discussions with West Coast Conference
West Coast Conference
The West Coast Conference is an NCAA collegiate athletics conference consisting of nine member schools across the states of California, Oregon, Utah and Washington....
.
Notable alumni
- Chad CurtisChad CurtisChad Curtis is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played from -, notably for the New York Yankees...
former MLB player drafted by the Los Angeles Angels of AnaheimLos Angeles Angels of AnaheimThe Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles... - Efrain EscuderoEfrain EscuderoEfrain Escudero is a Mexican professional mixed martial artist. He trains under Drew Fickett and competes in the 155 lb weight class...
Mixed Martial Arts competitor for the UFC, and Reality TV Star (The Winner of Spike TVSpike TVSpike is an American cable television channel. It launched on March 7, 1983 as The Nashville Network , a joint venture of WSM, Inc...
's season 8 of The Ultimate FighterThe Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team MirThe Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir is the eighth installment of the Ultimate Fighting Championship produced reality television series The Ultimate Fighter, which went into production in late May 2008 and premiered on September 17, 2008 on Spike TV...
.) - Bayard ForrestBayard ForrestBayard Forrest is a retired American professional basketball player. He was a 6'10" 235 lb center who played at Grand Canyon University before being drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1976 NBA Draft...
former NBA player for the Phoenix SunsPhoenix SunsThe Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
, led Grand Canyon to the 1975 NAIA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament1975 NAIA Men's Division I Basketball TournamentThe 1975 NAIA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament was held in March at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri. The 38th annual NAIA basketball tournament featured 32 teams playing in a single-elimination format ....
where they won the championship - Horacio LlamasHoracio LlamasHoracio Llamas Grey , known in non-Spanish-speaking countries as Horacio Llamas, is a Mexican professional basketball player. He is a 7'0" and 250 lb center....
former NBA player for the Phoenix SunsPhoenix SunsThe Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US... - Cody RansomCody RansomBryan Cody Ransom is an American professional baseball utility infielder who is a free agent.-Early life:...
plays shortstop, third Baseman and second Baseman for the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League... - Tim SalmonTim SalmonTimothy James Salmon is a former Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter who played his entire career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...
former player for the Los Angeles Angels of AnaheimLos Angeles Angels of AnaheimThe Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles... - Henry CejudoHenry CejudoHenry Cejudo is a freestyle wrestler, Olympic gold medalist, and author. Cejudo became an Olympic gold medalist at just 21 years old, the youngest American wrestler to win a gold medal....
2008 Olympic wrestling gold medalist in the 55 kg, (121 pound) weight class. - Mike Evans (journalist) commentator on Middle East affairs