PHOENIX - (August 23, 2011) -Grand Canyon University, one of the nation's premier private Christian universities, has selected The Lavidge Company of Phoenix as its public relations agency of record.
"This is an exciting time in Grand Canyon University's 62-year history and we're thrilled to have the opportunity to share their story," said The Lavidge Company's CEO Bill Lavidge. "We are honored they selected us."
Founded in 1949, GCU offers campus-based and online degree programs for traditional undergraduate students and working professionals. The University's growing campus, located in the heart of Phoenix, offers students many amenities and is currently in the midst of a $200 million expansion that includes a brand new 5,000-seat arena, two modern dorm buildings, a fast food dining facility and a state-of-the-art student recreation center.  University officials expect 2,300 new students this fall, bringing on-campus enrollment to approximately 4,400.
In addition to the traditional campus, GCU offers online programs that allow students flexibility with their schedules while also providing a close connection to classmates and instructors through online discussions. More than 40,000 students worldwide are enrolled in GCU's online programs.
The prestigious private university is regionally accredited and consistently ranked among the top colleges offering online courses by noted sources including Fortune Small Business, Technology & Learning Magazine, Fox.com, the Online Education Database and others.
"We were aware of The Lavidge Company's reputation within the industry and this was a key factor in making this decision to bring them on board," said Bill Jenkins, Executive Director of GCU's Office of Communications and Public Affairs.  "The experience of the Lavidge public relations team was impressive and we were convinced they could help us take our communications efforts to the next level."
The Lavidge Company's public relations division offers a full menu of services, including public relations strategy and counseling, media relations, social media implementation, and event planning.

About Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949 and is Arizona's premier private Christian university. GCU is regionally accredited and emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students and the working professional in six colleges: the Ken Blanchard College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Nursing, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Fine Arts and Production, and the College of Doctoral Studies. GCU offers traditional campus-based programs, as well as online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs.  The University's curriculum fuses academic and clinical rigor with Christian values to prepare its students to be skilled, caring professionals. For more information about GCU, visit www.gcu.edu

About The Lavidge Company

The Lavidge Company is a Phoenix based full-service advertising, public relations, communications, consulting and interactive marketing agency.  Since 1982, The Lavidge Company has specialized in developing brand positioning for products and services.  Highlights of the agency's client base include Phoenix International Raceway, Discount Tire, Pearle Vision, Arizona Grand Resort, Massage Envy, Phiten, Banner Health, McDonald's and many more. Named as one of the 15 fastest growing companies in Arizona by Arizona Business Magazine, The Lavidge Company was also included in Inc. Magazine's 2010 Inc. 5000 list, voted as one of the "Best Places to Work" in Phoenix by Phoenix Business Journal for four of the last five years, and was recognized by Comerica Bank as a 2008 "Arizona Company to Watch." The Lavidge Company offices are located at 2777 E. Camelback Road, #300, Phoenix, Ariz. 85016.  More information on the agency may be found at www.lavidge.com. www.internetmarketingagency.com www.tlcdarkroom.com @lavidgeco Facebook: LavidgeCompany.

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