Becca Applegate has been named the new program coordinator for the Canyon Center for Character Education at Grand Canyon University, according to a Mar. 30 announcement. Applegate, an alumna who graduated in 2019 with a degree in Christian studies, will focus on student engagement and character formation at the university.
The appointment is part of ongoing efforts by Grand Canyon University (GCU) to promote Christian character among its students. The university centers on Christian values to support students in realizing their potential and acquiring degrees, according to the official website.
Applegate brings experience from her previous roles coordinating events with about 400 students and supervising student workers while earning her master’s degree. She said, “It truly did feel like just everything aligning… I very much believe in every single thing that you experience and you go through in your life, it leads you to where you’re meant to go.”
Dr. Peter Anderson, executive director of the center, said there is an opportunity over the next few years for increased collaboration across student-facing areas such as Spiritual Life, Residence Life, Ingram Honors College and Athletics. “Becca could get involved there or help mobilize and empower student leaders…to shape the character of students they engage with,” Anderson said.
Grand Canyon University operates as a private Christian educational institution located in Phoenix, Arizona according to its official website. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs including nursing, business and healthcare along with flexible on-campus and online learning options.
Anderson acknowledged support from GCU President Brian Mueller, Provost Dr. Randy Gibb and the Kern Family Foundation—which provided a $10.7 million grant supporting these initiatives—and outlined his vision: “There really is such a hunger for us to be who we say we are… Our goal at this point is to steward it faithfully and make wise decisions that really contribute to the well-being and flourishing of students and communities around us.”
GCU has received high rankings for its nursing, campus environment and education programs as noted by Niche.com according to its official website.
