By Ethan Faverino |
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Grand Canyon University (GCU) in Phoenix on last week, highlighting the university’s commitment to workforce development, affordable higher education, and preparing students for careers in high-demand industries.
McMahon was joined by Arizona Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ-08) during the visit, which included discussions with university leadership, faculty, and students, along with a tour of GCU’s campus and business incubator.
The visit provided an opportunity for GCU President Brian Mueller to showcase the university’s academic programs, Christian mission, and efforts to address workforce shortages in Arizona and across the country.
During her visit, McMahon praised the university’s campus culture, educational approach, and emphasis on preparing students for employment in critical industries.
“I’m coming away from Grand Canyon really understanding servant leadership,” McMahon said. “But also the understanding that there is certainly a very Christ-centered theme that you hear throughout the university, which I think is incredibly refreshing.”
McMahon also emphasized the importance of making higher education more affordable while ensuring academic programs align with the nation’s workforce needs.
“We certainly want to make sure that more and more colleges are affordable, and that we really are addressing the needs of the country,” McMahon added.
The visit highlighted workforce shortages in nursing, education, construction, manufacturing, semiconductor production, and electrical trades.
As part of the visit, McMahon met with university deans and students at GCU’s nearly completed Sheila and Mike Ingram Honors College building. Students discussed their academic experiences and opportunities to gain practical skills through university programs.
McMahon also toured Canyon Ventures, GCU’s business incubator, and Lux Precision Manufacturing, where university representatives highlighted entrepreneurship initiatives and opportunities for students to gain hands-on industry experience.
According to GCU, student-founded businesses associated with the incubator have generated millions of dollars in revenue while providing students with professional development and employment opportunities.
Canyon Ventures Director Connor Vicary, CityServe Director Nathan Cooper, and Lux Precision Manufacturing founder and CEO Weston Smith participated in the tour, explaining how the university supports business development and workforce training.
Mueller said the visit allowed federal education leadership to better understand the university’s growth and the impact of its educational model.
“You can’t explain that to people when you’re 2,000 miles away. You have to be here, and you have to experience that,” Mueller said. “For her to take the time to do this and then to recognize us the way that she did at the end, we’ll always remember that.”
GCU Vice President of Government Relations Dana Drew Shaw also emphasized the significance of having a senior federal education official observe the university’s programs firsthand.
McMahon concluded the visit by commending the university’s educational environment and its approach to preparing students for the workforce.
“I’ve now been to 47 states. I’ve been to many universities and schools. You get a feel pretty quickly from the general vibe and culture of campus, and this is A-1, A-plus,” McMahon said.
“This is an incredibly marvelous institution,” she added. “I’m very happy. Thank you very, very much for being an example for other universities throughout the country and throughout the world.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
