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Grand Canyon University

Coordinates: 33°30′45″N 112°7′48″W / 33.51250°N 112.13000°W / 33.51250; -112.13000
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Grand Canyon University
File:GCU-SEAL.png
Former names
Grand Canyon College
MottoFind Your Purpose
TypePrivate For-profit college
Established1949
Religious affiliation
Non-denominational Christian
PresidentBrian Mueller
Students20,500 (on campus)
70,000 (online)
90,500 (total)[1][2]
Location
Phoenix
,
Arizona
,
United States
CampusUrban
100 acres (0.40 km2)[3]
NewspaperGCU Today
ColorsPurple, black, white[4]
     
NicknameAntelopes ("Lopes")
MascotThunder the Antelope
Websitewww.gcu.edu
Grand Canyon Education, Inc.
Nasdaq: LOPE
S&P 400 component
Number of employees
6,977 (2020) Edit this on Wikidata
Websitewww.gce.com

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a for-profit private Christian university in Phoenix, Arizona. Based on student enrollment, Grand Canyon University was the largest Christian university in the world with 70,000 students attending online and 20,000 attending on campus in 2018.[5]

Grand Canyon was established by the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention on August 1, 1949, in Prescott, Arizona as Grand Canyon College.[6] In 2000, the university ended its affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention.[7] Suffering 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,[8] making it the first for-profit Christian college in the United States.[9] Following that purchase, the university became the first and only for-profit to participate in NCAA Division I athletics.[10] In 2018 the university received approval from its regional accreditor as well as the IRS and the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education to return to non-profit status[11] the U.S. Department of Education rejected the university's request to classify it as a non-profit and continues to classify the university as for-profit.[12][13] The university also directly operates alongside the for-profit publicly traded corporation, Grand Canyon Education, Inc. that bundles services for the university to operate. The university president, Brian Meuller, also serves as the CEO of GCE.[14][15]

The university offers various programs through its nine colleges including doctoral studies, business, education, fine arts and production, humanities and social sciences, nursing and health care professions, science, theology, engineering and technology.[16]

History

Founding

File:Arial photo of Grand Canyon University (formerly Grand Canyon College) 1951.jpg
Aerial photo of university in 1951

The college was founded as a nonprofit institution in 1949 in Prescott. Arizona 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 east to one of the Baptist colleges in Texas or Oklahoma. On October 8, 1951, Grand Canyon College relocated to its current location in Phoenix.[17] In 1984, the college's trustees voted to transition the college to a university for the 40th anniversary of the school in 1989, at which time it also changed governance from the Southern Baptist Convention to the GCU Board of Trustees.[17]

Restructuring/conversion to for-profit

Suffering 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,[8] making it the first for-profit Christian college in the United States.[9] Significant Education traded on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol "LOPE."

After the infusion of capital, Grand Canyon University's size increased. After having fewer than 1,000 students enrolled in 2008, the university had 17,500 students in the spring of 2017.[18] As of 2015, an economic impact study revealed that the university adds about $1 billion into the state's economy on a yearly basis.[19] In February 2017, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey said that the neighborhoods surrounding the university have experienced a 30% increase in housing values while concurrently seeing a 30% decrease in crime rates.[20]

In 2008, Grand Canyon was sued by the United States federal government for violating the Department of Education's incentive compensation ban. GCU eventually reached a settlement in the case, and was forced to pay a 5.2 million dollar fine to a former employee and the federal government.[21]

Arizona State University refused to play games against GCU in any sport, even though they are only 16 miles apart, due to GCU's for-profit status and GCU only focusing on raising stock prices.[22][23]

Failed return to non-profit status

In fall 2014 the school announced the exploration of a return to non-profit status.[24] Grand Canyon's regional accreditation body, The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), rejected the university's petition for conversion to non-profit status in 2016, stating that the school's proposed strategy, particularly its plan to outsource some of its activities (such as curriculum development and student support services) to outside vendors, did not meet the criteria for "such a conversion".[24][25][26] In 2018, the university submitted another application to HLC to change to non-profit status.[27] This second application was accepted on July 1, 2018.[28][29] Although some organizations have approved this transition, the U.S. Department of Education still classifies the university as a for-profit university. The government specifically stated that GCU is a captive client to Grand Canyon Education, and the college is operating for the benefit of shareholders of a for-profit company.[30]. The university plans to challenge the department's ruling.[12][13]

Grand Canyon University was alleged to switch from for-profit status to non-profit status due to its yearly $9.2 million property tax bill. Numerous school officials said this was unsustainable and was one of the key reasons a required switch from for-profit to non-profit status was made, to reduce that burden.[22] Some critics of for-profit education still criticize that the relationship between GCU and Grand Canyon Education Inc is too intertwined. A former department of education official notes that no other university in the country has its CEO working for its contractor and itself.[14] Brian Galle, Professor of Law at Georgetown Law, has written extensively about the relationship between the non-profit and for-profit entities and argues that because the non-profit is wholly dependent on the for-profit, the non-profit status should not be allowed.[31]

In 2018, Grand Canyon's nursing program was censured by the Arizona State Board of Nursing over test passage rates. The censure came due to the number of first-time students failing to pass the registered nursing exam and after numerous complaints by students and faculty.[32]

Campuses

In 2006, the college spent US$150 million to renovate the campus, adding a brick promenade, an aquatics center, with pool and hot tub, and a café offering an assortment of games and big-screen televisions.[33]

In 2009, Grand Canyon University's campus began work on a $60 million campus expansion project which includes a 500-bed dormitory, a 55,000-square-foot (5,100 m2) fitness and recreation center, 125-classroom facility, food court and bowling alley,[34] and a 5000-seat arena. The GCU Arena, which opened on September 2, 2011,[35] is used for concerts, speakers, and other events. The arena is also home to the college's men's and women's basketball teams, and women's volleyball games.[36] The arena was expanded to 7,000 seats with construction beginning in spring 2014 and concluding in August of the same year.[37][38] Grand Canyon University offers several fast food restaurants, coffee shops, student union, cafeteria, video game room, and six-lane bowling alley for student recreation.[39] In August 2016, the university announced it was establishing a campus police department employing a 177-member police force.[40]

In August 2016, GCU announced its 10 in 2 initiative, the building of 10 on-campus athletic facilities in a two-year span. Highlights of the project included brand new facilities for the university's soccer, baseball, softball, tennis and beach volleyball programs. It also included a sports medicine expansion, an equipment room expansion, practice facilities for the basketball and golf programs, and a student-athlete academic center.[41]

In August 2017, Grand Canyon's Phoenix campus was ranked as one of the 10 Best College Campuses Across America by Town & Country.[42]

Academics

Grand Canyon University offers over 200 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs through its nine colleges.[43]

  • Colangelo College of Business
  • College of Education
  • College of Fine Arts and Production
  • College of Humanities, Social Sciences
  • College of Nursing and Health Care Professions
  • College of Science, Engineering, and Technology
  • College of Theology
  • College of Doctoral Studies
  • GCU Honors College

In August 2016, the university announced that it was opening a seminary.[44]

In April 2017, Arizona nursing board officials censured GCU after the school's nursing programs fell below 80% graduation rate for two consecutive years. GCU said it would implement a plan to increase graduation rates.[45] Three months later, the nursing board announced it was pleased with the "tremendous improvements" the university had shown to addressing all concerns.[46] In the second quarter of 2018, Grand Canyon University's nursing students posted a 95.65 percent first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). This leads to a year-to-date rate of 92.86 percent, which is higher than the Arizona Board of Nursing's year-to-date statewide average of 91.89.[47]

Grand Canyon University's academic workers include 335 full-time workers and more than 4200 adjunct faculty.[44]

GCU has a graduation rate of 41%, below the national average.[48]

Athletics

Main article: Grand Canyon Antelopes
Baseball game, Gonzaga University at GCU, February 19, 2016

Grand Canyon University is currently a member of NCAA Division I with most sports participating in the Western Athletic Conference. Men's Volleyball competes in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation and Beach Volleyball competes independently. In March 2013, former Phoenix Suns shooting guard Dan Majerle was hired as the 13th men's basketball coach. Majerle oversaw GCU's transition into NCAA Division I basketball in the WAC.

On August 23, 2017, the NCAA officially approved Grand Canyon's move to Division I, elevating the university to active membership status. GCU immediately became eligible for postseason competition.[49]

Recognition, ranking, statistics, and accreditation

Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). According to the HLC, Grand Canyon College entered candidacy for accreditation in 1961. By 1968 the school was regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and remains accredited, successfully renewing its 10-year comprehensive evaluation in 2017.[50] GCU also holds additional accreditations from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the Arizona State Board of Educations, and the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The university teachers and administrator preparation programs are approved by the Arizona Department of Education.[51]

In autumn 2015, GCU admitted 58 percent of those applying.[52] The freshman retention rate is 61 percent.[52] U.S. News & World Report classifies the university among "National Universities", wherein it was classified in the 2017 Best Colleges as a Tier 2 institution (meaning its ranking placed it in the bottom 25 percent of institutions in its category).[52]

Notable alumni

References

  1. ^ "Brian Mueller is the rock helping Grand Canyon University roll". Phoenix Business Journal. September 25, 2015. Retrieved October 15, 2015.
  2. ^ "GCU grad rates hit 58% for traditional students, 65% online". Grand Canyon University. July 20, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  3. ^ "US News". US NEWS. Retrieved March 31, 2019.
  4. ^ "Brand Standards | Media & Branding | Grand Canyon University". Grand Canyon University. Retrieved April 17, 2016.
  5. ^ "Liberty University is no longer the largest Christian university". Religion News Service. April 27, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2018.
  6. ^ "Recipient of free campus has Baptist roots". Baptist News Global. 2012. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
  7. ^ "One grand story: How GCU began rewriting its destiny 10 years ago". GCU News Bureau. 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2018.
  8. ^ a b Tammi Reed Ledbetter, Grand Canyon Univ. sold; trustees in advisory role Archived February 25, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, Baptist Press, February 10, 2004, Accessed May 24, 2006
  9. ^ a b Bob Smietana, Christian Ed That Pays Off, Christianity Today, May 19, 2005, Accessed May 11, 2006
  10. ^ Medcalf, Myron (July 29, 2013). "GCU's for-profit predicament". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  11. ^ "It's official: Grand Canyon University has its non-profit status back".
  12. ^ a b "College Navigator". National Center for Education Statistics. 2019. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  13. ^ a b Fain, Paul (November 7, 2019). "Surprise for Grand Canyon's Nonprofit Conversion". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved November 7, 2019.
  14. ^ a b Moody, Josh. "For-Profit University Giant Goes Nonprofit Amid Questions And Concerns". Forbes.
  15. ^ Blumenstyk, Goldie (July 2, 2018). "Grand Canyon U. Isn't Just Becoming a Nonprofit. It's Also Testing a Model That Could Change Higher Ed" – via The Chronicle of Higher Education.
  16. ^ "Majors & Programs". Grand Canyon University. 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  17. ^ a b "History OF GCU". Grand Canyon University. 2015. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
  18. ^ Everett, William (February 15, 2017). "Grand Canyon University expansion has enhanced the area, officials say". Arizona Republic. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
  19. ^ Hansen, Ronald (January 9, 2015). "GCU expansion worth $1 billion yearly". Arizona Republic. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
  20. ^ "GCU 27th Avenue Grand Opening - February 15, 2017". Governor’s Office of Education. February 15, 2017. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  21. ^ Ley, Tom. "Grand Canyon University, A For-Profit School Previously Sued By The Feds, Joins The Great Scam Of NCAA Division I Athletics". Deadspin.
  22. ^ a b "How the only for-profit Div. I school is building a monster in the desert". ESPN.com. February 21, 2018.
  23. ^ Ryman, Anne. "Why Arizona State doesn't play Grand Canyon University". azcentral.
  24. ^ a b Cross, Jim (March 4, 2016). "Grand Canyon University Denied Switch to Nonprofit Status". KTAR News. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
  25. ^ "Public Disclosure Notice" (PDF).
  26. ^ Klapper, Clayton (March 4, 2016). "Grand Canyon University Denied Request to Switch to Nonprofit Status". ABC15 Arizona. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
  27. ^ Ashley A. Smith (January 5, 2018). "Another Shot at Becoming a Nonprofit". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  28. ^ Thomason, Andy (March 6, 2018). "On Its 2nd Try, Grand Canyon U. Gets the Green Light to Become a Nonprofit". Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  29. ^ Leingang, Rachel (July 2, 2018). "It's official: Grand Canyon University has its non-profit status back". AZCentral. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  30. ^ Leingang, Rachel. "GCU a 'captive client' to for-profit company, feds say". azcentral.
  31. ^ "Letter to National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity" (PDF). ed.gov. May 7, 2018. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
  32. ^ "State board censures Grand Canyon University". www.bizjournals.com. April 10, 2017.
  33. ^ Stanton, Alison (October 11, 2006). "GCU campus receives makeover". Arizona Republic. Retrieved October 11, 2006.
  34. ^ "Where to Eat? New Campus Options Already Popular | GCU Today". Grand Canyon University. September 1, 2011. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
  35. ^ "A Year's Wait Is Over: Welcome, GCU Arena! | GCU Today". Grand Canyon University. September 8, 2011. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
  36. ^ Anderson, Craig (March 23, 2010). "GCU begins expansion of campus in Phoenix". Arizona Republic. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  37. ^ Bob McClay. "GCU to expand seating at new arena". ktar.com. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
  38. ^ "Done! Arena is ready for its unveiling - GCU Today". GCU.edu. August 13, 2014. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
  39. ^ "GCU Student Life". Retrieved February 12, 2017.
  40. ^ "GCU now has its own police force". Grand Canyon University. August 31, 2016. Retrieved February 12, 2017.
  41. ^ "GCU 10 in 2: Sports facilities to get makeovers by 2018". FOX 10 Phoenix. August 16, 2016. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
  42. ^ "The 10 Best College Campuses Across America". Town & Country Magazine. August 10, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
  43. ^ "Majors & Programs". Grand Canyon University. 2015. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
  44. ^ a b Glader, Paul (August 11, 2016). "Largest For-Profit Christian College to Open Seminary This Fall". Christianity Today. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
  45. ^ Ryman, Anne (April 9, 2017). "Grand Canyon University's RN program censured by state nursing board". Arizona Republic. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  46. ^ Ryman, Anne (July 25, 2017). "Arizona nursing board: GCU's RN program has made 'tremendous improvements' since censure". Arizona Republic. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  47. ^ Ryan Kryska (July 19, 2018). "Nursing students post stellar licensure exam rating". Grand Canyon University. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  48. ^ "School - College Scorecard". collegescorecard.ed.gov.
  49. ^ "Grand Canyon University cleared for D-I play by NCAA". Arizona Sports. August 23, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
  50. ^ "Higher Learning Commission Reaffirms Grand Canyon University Accreditation". PR Newswire. March 13, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
  51. ^ "Grand Canyon University's Accreditations". Grand Canyon University. 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  52. ^ a b c "Grand Canyon University". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved August 18, 2017.
  53. ^ Peters, Craig (February 4, 2017). "Kevin Warren Presented with Inaugural Pioneer Award". Minnesota Vikings. Archived from the original on February 14, 2017. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
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