Robert Vera and the Rise of Entrepreneurship at Grand Canyon University

Meet the Professor Powering GCU’s Founder Factory

Over the last decade, few individuals have had a more transformative impact on Grand Canyon University (GCU) than Robert Vera. As the founding director of Canyon Ventures and a professor in the Colangelo College of Business, Vera has reshaped GCU's relationship with innovation, embedding entrepreneurship into the very fabric of student life. His work has not only catalyzed dozens of startups but has also fundamentally shifted how GCU students see their role in the broader economy. This article dives into Vera's journey, the impact of his leadership, and the remarkable student-led ventures that have emerged from GCU as a result.