Brian E. Mueller Chairman | Grand Canyon University
Brian E. Mueller Chairman | Grand Canyon University
John Kaites, the dean of Grand Canyon University's Colangelo College of Business, was inducted as an honorary member into the Delta Mu Delta Eta Chi Chapter. During the induction ceremony, Kaites emphasized the role of faith in his business career and encouraged inductees to integrate their beliefs with their professional lives.
“Put the Lord in the middle of your life, to live that life in a congruent way, to do your two jobs of loving God and others, surrender and serve (God), and watch what happens,” Kaites said during his speech.
Kaites shared his journey from earning a bachelor's degree at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania to becoming dean in October 2023. He also holds a law degree from Duquesne University and a certificate of Christian studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Throughout his career, he has started 21 companies.
During his address, Kaites advised students on creating businesses that align with their values. He used a parable about managing a restaurant to illustrate how one can balance business operations with spiritual missions. “The owner of the restaurant is like Christ, who is the owner of the church,” Kaites explained.
He further elaborated on how running a church shares similarities with operating a business. “You are throwing an event every week – Sunday services... just like the restaurant, you’re throwing a party every week and hoping people show up.”
Kaites urged students not only to focus on their business careers but also consider their roles within the church. “I want you to think about the business of the church,” he said.
To be part of GCU's Eta Chi chapter, recognized as Delta Mu Delta's outstanding chapter in 2020, students must have completed at least 24 credits within CCOB, be juniors or seniors ranked in the top 20% of their program, and maintain good standing with the university.
“They chose me for the job (as dean), not just because of the companies we started... but also because... we are a university that puts Christ at the center of everything we do,” stated Kaites.
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