NW Valley Times

Abby Nevers, a Grand Canyon University (GCU) alumna from Surprise, Arizona, has achieved her dream of attending law school with a full-ride scholarship. Nevers is the daughter and granddaughter of pipefitters and credits her father's work ethic for inspiring her to pursue her goals.

“When I was little, my dad said, ‘You pick. Schoolbooks, work boots or Army boots,’” she recalls. Her father, Wade Nevers, is described by Abby as "one of the most hardworking men I know."

Her journey towards becoming a lawyer began after being inspired by a junior high teacher's lessons on the Constitution and listening to World War II veterans' stories while volunteering as their driver. To support herself through college at GCU, where she studied government/legal studies, Nevers worked multiple jobs simultaneously—from waitressing at a retirement home to working in fast food and pharmacy sectors.

During her time at GCU, she rose through the ranks in a warehouse job to become a supervisor by age 21. There she met a coworker who had turned his life around after serving time in prison—a story that further motivated her legal aspirations.

Kevin Walling, chair of justice studies at GCU, remarked on the increasing number of students pursuing law school: “The number of GCU students graduating and attending law school continues to rise.”

Nevers faced challenges such as taking the LSAT multiple times until satisfied with her score. Her persistence paid off when she received an offer from the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law with a full-ride scholarship—news that moved her to tears.

On August 19th, Nevers started classes in Tucson. She noted how well-prepared she felt thanks to her education at GCU.

Nevers’ journey reflects determination and resilience; attributes instilled by both personal experiences and academic preparation.