By Parker Leavitt | The Arizona Republic
Grand Canyon University has narrowed its search for a southeast Valley satellite location to two sites in Mesa and two in Gilbert, and the company hopes to make a final decision within the next 60 days.
The for-profit, Christian university announced expansion plans in December and invited several cities to submit proposals, including potential sites and economic-incentive options.
Grand Canyon had hoped to secure a location by May 1, but the search has advanced more slowly than expected, Chief Executive Brian Mueller said. The company wanted to open the campus by fall 2014 but may have to delay that by one year, he said.
Grand Canyon envisions as many as 2,000 employees and 7,500 students on the satellite campus and is looking to acquire 70 to 100 acres, preferably near freeway access and retail amenities that would appeal to a college-age crowd.